Sound Designer
DESCRIPTION: Responsible for generating an aesthetic aural environment that is devised from the requirements of the script, the sound demands of the production and the director’s conceptual approach. This includes obtaining all music and sound effects, whether recorded or live for a specific production and is responsible for setting up the sound playback equipment and making sure the board operator is properly trained. The Sound Designer is a member of the artistic team and contributes to the director’s vision for the production.
REPORTS TO: Director, Producer and Technical Director
EXPECTATIONS:
Read the script, conduct research, and work in collaboration with the director and the other members of the design/technical team in developing a viable production concept
Maintain adequate communication with all members of the production team, integrating the design into the rehearsal process, adapting the design as the production evolves in rehearsal, finalizing the design during technical rehearsals
Attend all required design meetings, production meetings, and rehearsals through opening night
Arrange for the acquisition or creation of the content of the sound design, the design of the audio systems needed to reproduce/reinforce the design in the theatre, and the configuration of communications systems for the production.
Create a preliminary sound score and obtain a copy of the ground plan from the scenic designer and determine speaker placement.
Adhere to budget
Adhere to deadlines for each phase of the design process are provided in the production calendar and based on the needs of the production
Meet with the technical director to schedule any work time needed in the theater and to plan and set preliminary levels for each cue
Provide a finish Sound plot and a finished sound design in Q Lab that includes all sound files
Assist in training the sound board operator at tech rehearsal
Arrange a meeting with the director, stage manager, and the other production team members for a “Paper Tech”.
Provide the stage manager with all the needed files and paperwork necessary for first tech
Attend all tech rehearsals and fix cues as needed
Sound Engineer
DESCRIPTION:
With instruction and assistance from the Technical Staff and Director, the Sound Engineer’s job is to record all sound for the show. The Sound Engineer will receive training in order to record the sound for performance use. It is expected that the Sound Engineer attends any crew orientation, board training, designer run, tech rehearsals, performances, and strike (if needed).
REPORTS TO: Stage Manager, Technical Director and Director
EXPECTATIONS:
Read the script, conduct research, and work in collaboration with the director and the other members of the design/technical team in developing sound for the production
Maintain adequate communication with all members of the production team
Prior to Q2Q:
Record selections of music and sound as provided by the director
Coordinate any sound amplification and speaker placement
Arrange for performer mics andbatteries as needed
Train running crew as needed
Q2Q, Tech and Performance:
Attend all Designer Run, Tech Rehearsals and Performances as assigned
Assist with cueing and programming levels
Adjust cues at the direction of the Director and/or Sound Designer
For Musicals the Sound Engineer’s position may shift to support live microphones, both body mics, orchestra mics and sound reinforcement. The job duties will include:
Helping actors with their mic packs and microphones
Changing batteries in the pack prior to each performance
Help set up any needed microphones and speakers to help support the use of microphones for sound reinforcement
Live mix all live and reinforced sound during the run of the show