Sound Supervisor at McCarter Theatre

Princeton, New Jersey, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

23 Jul, 26

Salary

37.0

Posted On

24 Apr, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Audio engineering, Live mixing, Theatrical sound design, Wireless Workbench, QLab, Yamaha consoles, Midas consoles, Dante networking, ClearCom systems, Technical ground plans, Staff supervision, Budget management, Time management, Communication, Safety compliance, Troubleshooting

Industry

Performing Arts

Description

DEPARTMENT: Production, Stage Operations REPORTS TO: Stage Operations Director CLASSIFICATION: Full-time; Annual; Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime) COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: Medical, vision, and dental insurance; paid time off (PTO), sick leave, and paid holidays; paid parental and bereavement leave; flexible spending and health savings accounts; employer-sponsored life and disability insurance (short- and long-term), as well as voluntary supplemental insurances including accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, pet, and legal plans; a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution and match; free parking within walking distance; and additional benefits and perks. LOCATION & SCHEDULE: This is an in-person position reporting to our theaters located at 91 University Place in Princeton, NJ. Schedule includes frequent nights, weekends and some holidays, as determined by the production calendar. Weekly schedule will vary, with 40 hours guaranteed, depending on production needs and availability. POSITION SUMMARY McCarter Theatre Center is seeking a skilled and collaborative Sound Supervisor to lead all aspects of sound operations across our theatrical and presenting programming. Working under the direction of the Stage Operations Director, this role is responsible for the planning, execution, and day-to-day leadership of a department that touches every production we put on stage — from initial load-in through final strike. The Sound Supervisor ensures that every performance is supported by technically excellent, artistically responsive sound, while maintaining department systems and equipment and serving as a trusted partner to visiting designers, artists, and colleagues across the production team. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & DUTIES * Interpret sound plots, paperwork, and technical specifications, and execute sound designs accurately and safely in accordance with the Sound Designer’s intent. * Coordinate closely with Sound Designers, directors, and other production departments to realize designs, highlighting the intersections of the sound plot and design with other production areas. * Collaborate with Designers and Production Management to refine and finalize sound designs within established budgetary and technical parameters. * Run the sound console for tech and performances as scheduled/assigned. * Coordinate staffing and labor needs with the Stage Operations Director, including advance planning for load-ins, focus calls, technical rehearsals, and strike. * Coordinate backline rentals and outside sound vendor requirements for all presented performances. * Operate as house sound engineer for presented events as needed. * Maintain, test, and repair all sound systems, control infrastructure, and associated equipment to ensure safe and reliable operation. * Track, organize, and manage sound budgets for shows and capital purchases, including forecasting needs and monitoring expenditures. * Attend production meetings, load-ins, technical rehearsals, cueing sessions, and notes calls as scheduled, providing technical input and follow-through as needed. * Develop and implement plans for upgrades, replacements, and future improvements to sound systems and equipment in support of artistic and operational goals. * Participate in long-term production, facilities, and capital planning conversations related to sound, infrastructure, and technical systems. * Participate in post-production evaluations and continuous improvement efforts to enhance workflow, safety, and artistic outcomes. * Stay informed of health and safety issues regarding materials, equipment, and working environment; ensure compliance with all applicable codes, safety regulations, and industry best practices, including OSHA standards and theatre safety protocols. * Prioritize safe working practices while embodying McCarter's safety and community expectations policies to maintain a secure environment for all staff, guest artists, and other collaborators. * Engage in the ongoing work of fostering an equitable and inclusive environment at McCarter. Actively seek ways to improve work practices to ensure greater accessibility, representation, and belonging for all, while upholding and exhibiting our stated values of “justice and joy, beauty and belonging.” SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES * Supervise a team of two full-time employees (Sound Technician, and Sound Engineer) and other part-time employees on a casual basis who may be assigned to sound work calls. * Responsible for fostering an environment that promotes communal respect and excellence in collaboration. * Conduct regular feedback and coaching conversations while providing ongoing training and development opportunities for staff. QUALIFICATIONS * Highly skilled audio engineer with experience in live mixing and playback for theatrical productions. * Proficiency in industry-standard software, including Wireless Workbench and QLab; working knowledge of Microsoft Office or equivalent productivity tools. * Strong knowledge of theatrical sound equipment, including Yamaha and Midas consoles, Dante networking and audio infrastructure, and ClearCom communication systems. * Ability to read and interpret technical ground plans, sections, and sound plots. * Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities across an active production schedule. * Clear and effective communicator, both written and verbal. * Experience supervising, scheduling, and directing the work of audio technicians, including overhire and part-time staff. * Demonstrated ability to protect and execute a Sound Designer's artistic intent, with a strong ear for balance, clarity, and cue timing. * A collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to work, with the ability to build effective relationships across a team of people with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and work styles. * This position requires a valid U.S. driver's license and successful completion of a background screening, including a motor vehicle record check, prior to position start date. WORK ENVIRONMENT * Led by our core values, McCarter fosters and expects a culture of care and respect for the wellbeing of our staff. We seek individuals who share our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace, where diverse perspectives are valued and respected. * This position entails extended periods of standing and sitting, manual dexterity for operating office equipment, and the ability to read and interpret documents, while requiring lifting and carrying objects up to 70 pounds, engaging in repetitive tasks, walking, bending, and reaching within various work environments, including stairs; work may occur in full view of an audience. These tasks are part of the role; reasonable accommodations are available. * This role involves working on ladders up to 35 feet high to access sound equipment and rigging. Employee should be comfortable and experienced working at elevated heights and demonstrate adherence to safety protocols and procedures when working on elevated platforms. These tasks are part of the role; reasonable accommodations are available. * Work is primarily completed in a shared office space at 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ, as well as in theater spaces and rehearsal rooms, subject to normal building and HVAC conditions. * Ability to work in various levels and colors of lighting and brightness/visibility, as well as exposure to dust and theatrical haze or fog. * Potential for moderate to high noise environments depending on production and performance elements; ability to hear and speak clearly in areas with significant background noise. * This position requires attendance on-site for all scheduled work calls, including various performances and events. These will be communicated and scheduled in advance. * and successful completion of a background screening, including a motor vehicle record check. * Employees in this role will use a personal mobile device for limited work-related functions, including secure system access through multi-factor authentication tools. This job posting describes the general nature and level of work expected in this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications, and may be modified as needed. ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW McCarter is one of the country's flagship theatres, a vibrant center for community and for the performing arts, and a key cultural anchor for Central New Jersey. Located on the campus of Princeton University and incorporated as an independent, charitable nonprofit, the company is a nationally renowned, multi-disciplinary creative hub of arts and ideas, offering theatre, music, dance, spoken word, and educational programs for all ages. A two-time Tony Award winner, McCarter’s legacy of artistic excellence traces back to the theatre’s first performances in 1930. A home for new play development and world premieres, the company has launched numerous works that have gone on to tens of thousands of performances reaching millions of audience members around the world. Among the 100,000 community members who directly participate in the company’s work every year, more than 7,500 are students taking part in McCarter’s robust arts-in-education offerings. The company offers more than 20 annual in-school residencies in classrooms in Princeton and Trenton, hosts schools from throughout the region for student matinee performances, and offers need-based scholarships to every one of its dozens of educational after-school and summer programs each year. Co-led by Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen and Executive Director Martin Miller, McCarter leads with values of “justice and joy, and beauty in belonging,” creating stories and experiences that enliven minds, expand imaginations, and engage communities. TO APPLY Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. We welcome any additional context you would like to share about your experience and interest in this role. We look forward to learning more about you and the perspective you would bring to the position. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMITMENT McCarter is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring, supporting, and promoting a diverse workforce and inclusive culture. We seek team members who bring a range of backgrounds and experiences in support of an expansive artistic vision; who are committed to ongoing anti-racism and anti-oppression work, both individually and collectively; and who value collaboration, curiosity, flexibility, and continuous personal and professional growth. We encourage candidates to apply even if they do not meet every qualification listed. Many skills are transferable, and we recognize that strong candidates may bring relevant experience, intuition, and perspective gained through a variety of paths. McCarter is committed to on-the-job training and mentorship. We also encourage candidates who do not live within commuting distance to apply; we are eager to tell you about the area, which includes many vibrant communities and towns outside of Princeton. McCarter Theatre Center is also committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations throughout the application and hiring process. Applicants who require accommodations may contact Human Resources at (609) 258-6500 or email jobs@mccarter.org.

Responsibilities

The Sound Supervisor leads all aspects of sound operations, including planning, execution, and day-to-day management of the department from load-in through strike. This role ensures technically excellent sound for performances while supervising staff and collaborating with designers and production teams.