Sound Supervisor (Production)/Seasonal Employment

Chautauqua Institution’s Program Office establishes and leads programmatic vision, building programs, relationships, and partnerships that align with Chautauqua Institution’s Mission and strategic plan.  The Production Department supports the Program Office in planning and facilitating year-round production in all rehearsal, performance, and program venues, focusing on the 9-week summer season.

The Sound Supervisor will manage all aspects of audio for the production team, under the supervision of the Director of Production and Production Managers. The Sound Supervisor will assist the Production Manager in overseeing all aspects of Audio Production in the Amphitheater, as well as providing audio expertise to the entire Production Department. Working with the Amphitheater Production Manager to build and sustain a strong seasonal audio team through recruiting, training, and evaluating all Amphitheater audio employees. They will work closely in the management of show budgets, contracts, payroll, production estimates, and during events, supervision of employees within the Audio crew.

About Your Compensation

Compensation for this position starts at $25.00/Hour and, with demonstrated experience and qualifications, candidates may earn up to $35.00/Hour.

About Your Work Day

• Assist the Amphitheatre Production Manager with production advances related to audio needs, including coordinating labor calls, executing technical riders, and securing rental equipment and audio services.
• Assist in maintaining and recording show budgets and production estimates.
• Can act as A1/FOH Engineer for any Amphitheater event as needed.
• Work with the Amphitheater Production Manager to onboard and train all seasonal audio staff.
• In conjunction with the Production Manager, conduct walkthroughs and serve as a point of contact for events and production personnel on all show-related matters.
• Will assist with audio site-specific tasks—i.e., site maintenance, shuffling gear, escorting vehicles, etc., as needed.
• Assist in creating technical solutions for various audio challenges.
• Take the lead on system tuning.
• Facilitating the installation and maintenance of all audio-related equipment, including troubleshooting and repair, and coordinating parts and supply ordering and pickup.
• Uphold safe practices and maintain a safe working environment.
• Advise tours, resident companies, speakers, and CHQ departments on all audio aspects, the use of audio equipment, safety rules, and labor rules.
• Assist the Production Manager in scheduling seasonal audio staff. Supervise audio staff.
• Manage the maintenance and repair of audio equipment.
• Provide input on equipment purchases, rentals, repairs, and upgrades.
• Maintain audio equipment and inventory to ensure efficient operation.
• Perform show duties, as needed, to support a performance.
• Stay abreast of best practices and new technology in your field.
• Other duties as assigned.

About the Referral Program

Chautauqua Institution’s Referral Bonus Program is a talent solution to recruit, develop, and retain a diverse workforce that encompasses all the skills and experience necessary to deliver on our goals and objectives. Chautauqua Institution will provide a $500 referral bonus (less taxes) for active employees referring a new candidate who is hired and remains employed for at least 90-days from the first physical date of work. In the case of seasonal positions working less than 6-months, the new candidate must remain actively employed for at least 30-days from the first physical date of work and until the closing date of the season. The closing date of the season is the last Sunday in August.

About Your Schedule

Chautauqua Institution and Chautauqua Hotel Company offer flexible schedules, full and part-time, for seasonal employment during summer operations starting annually each June and concluding in August. Seasonal employment may be available earlier (pre-season) and beyond season (post-season) based on business needs and candidate availability. Schedules typically include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as a requirement.

While you will confirm your final schedule with management at the time of an interview and offer of employment, you should generally anticipate the following schedule options for this position:

You will be scheduled to work an average of 40 hours/week. Scheduled hours may include evenings, weekends, and holidays based on business needs.

About Living on the Grounds

This position offers employer-provided housing.

About Chautauqua Institution

Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit global convener of dialogue on the most significant issues of the day through engagement across four pillars of the arts, education, religion, and recreation. The Chautauqua community is located on the shores of Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State and comes alive each summer with a unique mix of visual and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship/programs, and recreational activities. Chautauqua Institution owns and operates Chautauqua Hotel Company, a comprehensive hotel, food & beverage, conference and events organization.

Discovering Your Chautauqua Experience

There are countless ways that our talent will engage with our mission, vision, and diverse communities, and you are invited to immerse yourself in our programming as a gateway to this experience. Employees will receive a traditional Chautauqua gate pass, free of cost, which provides access to many of our programs at the Amphitheater.

Our Commitment to IDEA

Chautauqua Institution values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) as a priority in our strategic plan, 150 Forward.  One of our five core values is “The dignity and contributions of all people.”  We are committed to creating conditions where everyone can engage as complete and valued participants in the Chautauqua experience.  The Institution is an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices.  Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against based on any status protected under federal, state, or local law. We especially welcome applications from those who can demonstrate experience, engagement, and professional expertise in IDEA. 

Joining Our Talent Community

Join our talent community online at CHQ.org/employment.  You are encouraged to learn more about Chautauqua Institution at CHQ.org and view the 150 Forward Strategic Plan at 150fwd.CHQ.org.