Head Audio (Touring) – VStar Entertainment Group

Head Audio (Touring) – VStar Entertainment Group

Audio Engineer

Full-Time Position

We are looking for our next Head Audio technician to join VStar Entertainment Group’s Touring Theatrical Crew. The main objective of this role is to oversee and manage the show’s audio/video department. This position would be responsible for controlling and operating the sound mixing board to control output of voices/voice track, music, and previously taped sound effects during performances; troubleshooting audio, radio frequencies, video and communication equipment; artist training and maintenance for microphones; conducting regular maintenance of all department equipment in an effort to maintain the artistic “look” of the event from performance and operational standpoints; and reflecting professionalism of the company and its equipment while adhering to Best Practice Safety Protocols.

The Head Audio Will Have The Opportunity To

• Mix tracked and live elements of the show to specification, making adjustments as warranted;
• Set up tour array system when not using in-house speaker system, adjusting to each venue’s stage and house size;
• Troubleshoot audio, RF (radio frequency), video and communications equipment as directed, sometimes “on the fly” during performances;
• Develop a thorough knowledge of all audio department equipment specific to the production in order to operate equipment safely;
• Based on skill set and tour needs, be a member of the rig team and assist with making decisions on grid trussing placement;
• Maintain show audio archives;
• Continually seek to improve the quality and consistency of the sound of each show;
• Participate in special projects including the installation of new audio show elements, and interdepartmental projects that include audio elements or other needs that may fall within the technician’s specialty as directed;
• Assist with the cross-training program to backup console operators;
• Act in a supervisory role for local crew in the construction and breakdown of all elements in audio department;
• Function as a “hands on” working department head for show support staff, communicating and assessing problems with show equipment and providing possible solutions throughout tour;
• Responsible for continually seeking to improve efficiency of audio department operation;
• Plan and implement maintenance procedures for elements pertaining to department, assessing maintenance needs and implement necessary steps to assure operational safety and integrity;
• Communicate maintenance needs and coordinate work call availability to tour management;
• Work with tour management to maintain audio department operation expenses;
• Perform assigned duties and responsibilities under minimal supervision, and recognize when assistance is required;
• Complete documentation of post-engagement operations reports in a timely fashion as assigned by management;
• Assist in directing local crews during load in and load out;
• Assist with loading and unloading of trailers and show assets;
• Assemble and disassemble all equipment associated with, but not limited to, the audio department;
• Maintain a flexible schedule for work calls, special events, rehearsal/training, maintenance and show performances;
• Work with tour management to establish and maintain training and backup plans to ensure continuity of performance operations of the department in the event of unexpected failure of a system, component or piece of equipment;
• Coordinate with and provide support as needed for other departments, production management, artistic management, and show support staff during rehearsals, training, load-in, load-out, and performances to maintain safe and consistent tour operation;
• Assist with managing inventory of show supplies relevant to the audio department, working with tour management to procure replacements and stock as needed;
• Create, update and accurately maintain cue sheets and show documentation, and participate in cue track rotation as directed;
• Ensure all audio departmental designs, equipment, systems, functions, procedures, maintenance, and inspection logs, special projects, etc. are properly and adequately documented;
• Assist in the development and implementation of preventative maintenance routines and inspections – particularly life safety and show critical;
• Adhere to and promote all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations as they pertain to the safe operation of all elements related to the show; participate in all required health and safety classes and emergency rescue procedure training;
• Uphold responsibility for own professional standards of conduct, appearance, workmanship, and personal safety as set forth by VStar Entertainment with fellow tour members, outside vendors, local labor, and clients;
• Perform other work-related tasks and projects as assigned by tour management;
  
  

Skills

What does it take for this role? The following hard skills are the basics of what’s needed to be successful in this position:

• Related experience, or combination of training and/or education in audio as it relates to live performances;
• At least 1-3 years of previous experience in a leadership role for audio in a similar or related environment;
• Ability to effectively train, develop and evaluate assigned staff;
• Ability to use and understand various kinds of test equipment and meters such as volt, ohm and ampere;
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as sound draftings, signal flow plots, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals;
• Applying and adjusting theatrical microphones and mic packs;
• Knowledge of rigging, hoists, and running motors;
• Basic understanding of theatrical terms and directions;
• Ability to effectively navigate a crowded theatrical backstage work area during load ins, performances, and load outs;
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals;
• Ability to understand instructions in oral, written and diagram form in order to apply common sense to troubleshoot and solve problems;
• Willingness to work extensive and irregular work hours; early morning, afternoon, evening, late evening, weekend, and holidays is common;
• Experience with loading in and loading out in a theatrical setting preferred;
• Touring experience appreciated but not required;
• If required for position, be an active IATSE union member or willingness to join;
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken;
• If applicable for the tours travel schedule must be and remain in good standing with all proper authorities throughout the Services Period, including maintaining the validity of one’s passport and the ability to travel internationally;
• CDSEG employees travelling in countries where COVID-19 vaccination proofs are required will still need to comply with these requirements as a condition of employment;
• Verification of the right to work in the United States for Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, as demonstrated by completion of the Form I-9 upon hire and the submission of acceptable documentation (as noted on the Form I-9) verifying one’s identity and work authorization;
• Able to pass a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, credit, criminal, DMV, previous employment, education, and personal references, per Company policy, unless prohibited by federal, state, or provincial law;
  
  

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees because of their race, creed, color, age, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, national origin or ancestry.