Head Sound Engineer

Position: Head Sound Engineer

Department: Production

Reports to:  Head Carpenter

FLSA Classification: Hourly

Salary: 
The base pay rate is set by the current IATSE Local 15 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) contract rate, currently at $43.11 + 10% ($47.42).

Benefits:
Benefits are provided through Local 15 according to the terms of the CBA.

Work Locations:
Downtown Seattle. The 5th Avenue Theatre auditorium and production spaces are located within the Skinner Building. This role will also be required for occasional off-site travel, including but not limited to the build shop and/or warehouse, both located in South Seattle.

Company Overview

The 5th Avenue Theatre’s mission is to nurture, advance, and celebrate all aspects of the great art form: the musical. As one of America’s premier musical theater companies, The 5th is a major economic driver, playing a key role in the revitalization of downtown Seattle. We produce multiple musicals annually and proudly employ local talent, with 90%+ of our 700 artists living in Washington. Our renowned education programs serve 35,000 K-12 students annually, and our engagement programs facilitate connections between people, organizations, different cultures, and various art forms. The 5th is an invaluable treasure to Seattle, and central to America’s theatrical landscape; we have originated 26 new musicals, 11 of which have gone on to Broadway and garnered 15 Tony Awards®, including two for Best Musical.

Position Summary

The Head Sound Engineer oversees the daily operations of the sound department and crew, working closely with the Production Sound Engineer to support all phases of production, including pre-production prep, load-in, technical rehearsals, performances, and load-out for all 5th Avenue Theatre productions and events. They collaborate with the Sound Designer and Technical Director to realize the director’s and designer’s vision while staying within the approved budget and schedule. The Head Sound Engineer also serves as a run-crew member on every production and leads the sound department crew throughout the run.

This position is represented by IATSE, Local No. 15.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Work in conjunction with the Production Sound Engineer, Technical Direction team and Sound Designer to analyze, interpret, and organize the sound plot to determine the most feasible and efficient way to execute the design for productions produced by The 5th Avenue Theatre Association.
• Comply with established theatre safety policies while working with staff and overhire crews and actively identify and report potential workplace hazards to help prevent accidents.
• Manage, operate, organize, and maintain all audio, video equipment and tools related to the Sound department that are owned by The 5th Avenue Theatre Association.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the performance sound crew at the theatre, shop, and warehouse locations.
• Work with the Technical Direction team, Production Sound Engineer, and other affected departments to generate and manage drawings and documents related to the Sound department.
• Generate load in/out plans in conjunction with the Head Carpenter and affected department heads.
• Oversee load in/load outs of all audio and video related equipment and make sure they are completed on schedule in coordination with other affected departments.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues that arise during planning, build, load-in, technical rehearsals, and changeovers, and communicate solutions to the Technical Direction team and other affected department heads.
• Attend meetings, run-throughs, technical and dress rehearsals, previews and performances as required to execute the production.
• Oversee the seasonal audio department budget to ensure productions are executed at or within budget guidelines.
• Work, communicate, and collaborate with the Seattle Theatre Group staff in dealing with audio and video gear that falls under the joint use agreement, as well as coordinate change-overs between the two organizations.
• Comply with the policies and procedures of The 5th Avenue Theatre Association, including personnel rules and collective bargaining agreements.
• Model and support the mission and values of The 5th Avenue Theatre Association.

Essential Knowledge and Qualifications

The ideal candidate for this position will possess most of these skills and qualifications, or relevant experience and achievements to help them meet the needs of the role.

• At least four years of experience working in sound including safe practices, troubleshooting, and run-crew experience in professional theatres, preferably with union crews.

• At least two years of experience leading, directing, and delegating tasks to union crews and full-scope project management from planning to implementation and removal.

• Recent exposure to working on productions utilizing digital audio and computer network installation and configuration along with analog audio components and video system installation, configuration and distribution.

• Advanced knowledge of theatrical audio setup and practices along with audio console programming, recording, editing and mixing.

• Proficiency in reading and generating technical drawings as well as understanding and interpreting designer drawings.

• Experience safely working with various personal lifts, ladders, and safety gear associated with overhead work.

• Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of theatrical safety practices to ensure personal and collective safety while operating within the theatre, shop and warehouse environments.

• Strong working knowledge of software such as Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel), Zoom, and other applications as needed on a Windows computer.

• Ability to perform assigned duties and responsibilities with minimal supervision and recognizing when assistance is required.

• Expertise in task switching, leading multiple projects simultaneously, and time management skills to complete tasks on demanding schedules.

• The ideal candidate will be able to collaborate regularly with staff across multiple teams and demonstrate effective communication, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills (fluency in English is required).

• Willingness and ability to engage in collaborative and positive interactions with designers, directors, stage managers, and personnel from various departments.

• Ability to foster a work environment that reflects The 5th Avenue Theatre’s core values, including analyzing and understanding issues related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Special Considerations

Work schedule varies with the production schedule and includes overtime, evening, and weekend hours.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.  

• Ability to perceive, interpret, and respond to sound cues and audio signals as required for executing, operating, and troubleshooting production sound systems. This may involve using hearing, assistive listening technology, visual monitoring tools, or other effective methods to perform the essential functions of the role.
• Ability to perform administrative tasks using a computer, such as creating and reviewing documents, entering data, and communicating electronically. This may involve sitting at a workstation for extended periods and can be done using a keyboard, mouse, or assistive technology.
• Ability to communicate in person with colleagues across a multi-level facility (including offices, theater, and workshop spaces). This may involve moving between spaces with varied lighting and sound, or asking others to come to a central office location as needed.

• Ability to safely use hand and power tools requiring manual dexterity and fine motor control, and to lift, pull, push, and carry up to 50 pounds with or without assistance. This work may involve climbing ladders, working at heights, standing for extended periods, and performing repetitive physical tasks during load-ins, strikes, and technical rehearsals.

• The 5th Avenue Theatre is located in the historic Skinner Building and is non-ADA compliant. This role must be able to navigate the backstage, basement, alley way and stage door areas without significant assistance.

Application information & Timeline

Applications from those who have been traditionally underrepresented in the theatrical industry are strongly encouraged. We are striving for our staff to be inclusive of a diverse and vibrant community that represents multiple identities, perspectives and influences.

Union membership is not required to apply for this position, however this is a position represented by IATSE Local No 15 and is subject to the dues and responsibilities as laid out in the collective bargaining agreement.

To apply, please email a cover letter, resume and three references that explains your qualifications for the position to careers@5thavenue.org.
Please include Head Sound Engineer in the subject line.

A background check will be required upon offer of the position. The 5th Avenue Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer.