Audio Supervisor

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Audio Supervisor is responsible for the successful and safe execution and implementation of all sound needs for Woolly Mammoth Theater programming and facilities, ensuring the process is completed smoothly, within the allotted time, budget, and scope, and in alignment with and in service to Woolly’s artistic mission and commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Access. The Audio Supervisor reports to the Director.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Position Specific Responsibilities:

• Work to meet all of the Theatre’s AV needs; including maintenance of Theatre’s AV equipment, planning and troubleshooting of AV issues both show related and building related 

• Supervise and execute the sound for productions, as applicable, including comm systems;  

• Coordinate with the Lighting Supervisor and Technical Director to share deck space and fly space;  

• Coordinate with the Lighting Supervisor and Technical Director for any specialty sound, such as integrated speakers or microphones within scenic elements;  

• Generate necessary documentation for the success of the production which may include speaker plot, system layout, run crew manuals, cue lists, etc.;  

• Hire, supervise, assign, and train sound board operators and overhire audio technicians;  

• Coordinate scheduling and hiring for audio work calls such as installs, quiet time, etc;  

• Maintain an organized AV work and storage areas including the control booth;  

• Perform preventative equipment maintenance as necessary;  

• Make recommendations for equipment and resources necessary to maintain a well-stocked and flexible audio inventory;  

• Assist with audio recordings such as voiceovers, as needed;  

• Assist with the set up and strike of tech tables during the technical rehearsal process, including the stage managers calling station. 

• Coordinate and supervise strike of audio equipment for the productions. 

• Read and respond to performance reports throughout the run of the productions in a timely manner and address issues raised.  This may include onsite work. 

Collaboration and Communication on Projects

• Work with the Sound Designers and Design Associates or Assistants for productions to implement the designs. 

• Collaborate with the design team and other production departments to establish methods for the design and execution of sound needs of productions;

• Maintain a proactive dialogue with designers to ensure that changes to the design are communicated to the appropriate members of the production team;

• Prepare and organize the technical information pertaining to sound for specific productions so that the productions can be purchased, installed, and struck in a timely, safe, and resource efficient manner;

• Maintain up-to-date paperwork of all productions as well as necessary archival of show files and information;

• Coordinate with Stage Management on necessary backstage sound needs for each production, ensuring the safety of all crew and actors;

• Adapt to and support many different styles of working, thinking, and collaborating;

• Attend weekly Production Staff meetings and Production Meetings

• Actively support Woolly’s commitments to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Access.

Budget and Resource Management and Equipment Maintenance

• Prepare a thorough cost out for the sound needs of each production with flexibility, contingency and creativity to maximize resources in an efficient manner, with suggestions and plans to adhere to the allocated budget and resources;

• Maintain up-to-date tracking of all purchases and budget lines, including individual show budgets and department supplies for lighting, sound, and video;

• Maintain an up-to-date inventory of resources, tools, and supplies, with special awareness and focus on upkeep and maintenance according to equipment guidelines;

• Coordinate at a minimum yearly maintenance of all sound equipment;

• Research and propose industry advancements in an effort to better our inventories as the industry and technology evolve;

Mentorship and Leadership

• Manage and support all contracted audio personnel, interns, apprentices, and fellows to promote a safe, healthy, and productive working environment, in line with Woolly’s mission;

• Hire, train, coach, and motivate overhire employees within the departments as needed;

• Hire production sound operators for productions;

Facilities, Rentals and Events:

• Prioritize maintaining the facility and using the technical production skill set in service of the well-being of the facility;

• Identify and propose upgrades to facility lighting in an effort to improve sustainability and efficiency;

• Maintain facility spaces and equipment according to city and state regulations, ensuring code compliance;

• Coordinate with the Rentals and Operations Manager on sound requirements of rental clients, training rental staff and technicians to safely and effectively use sound equipment.

Company-Wide Responsibilities:

• Commit to Woolly’s policy of anti-racism and radical inclusivity. This includes participating in anti-bias/anti-harassment training, familiarizing yourself with the policies in the employee handbook, using Woolly’s Liberation Library as an educational resource, engaging in EDI work at Woolly, and furthering your own independent journey with anti-racism.

• Cross-departmental collaboration, including participating in at least one Woolly working group, committee, and/or taskforce outside of your own department.

• Advocate for policies both internally and externally that further advance Woolly’s stated values on an organizational, local, and national scale.

• Contribute in meaningful ways to the culture. See “Our Culture at Woolly” section below for more information.

• Act as an ambassador for Woolly Mammoth in the local community and beyond.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience:

• Minimum of three years of experience in theatrical audio production

• Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Substantial knowledge of leadership, teamwork, and management principles in line with the values of the organization

• Ability to see the larger picture and to pull out the relevant details to diagnose a problem, and to think creatively about how to solve the problem, including new ways of working

• Ability to collaborate with and adapt to a wide variety of people and personalities, working styles and artistic visions

• Willingness and ability to make decisions in a fast-paced environment as and when needed, in line with the priorities of the organization

• Skill in preparing budgets and labor estimates to keep projects within an allotted time frame, budget, and scope
  

• Other Skills or Qualities:

• Active engagement and leadership development in your individual position is integral to the overall health of our organization. This will be reviewed and defined with your supervisor to set individual goals. Woolly encourages employees to take personal responsibility and pride in their work.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;

• Proficiency in programming and use of digital audio consoles and QLab software;

• Expertise in computer networking;

• Excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills;

• Ability to work nights and weekends

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Normal production environment. Ladder- and stair-climbing is required to access the catwalks and rigging positions.

• Extending viewing of computer screens.

• Some evening and weekend work required.

• Some travel required.

• Use of aerial lifts and work at height.

• Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company is located in Washington, D.C.’s Penn Quarter neighborhood. It is air-conditioned, located in a wheelchair accessible building, and in close proximity to public transportation.

COMPENSATION:

• Starting Salary: $55,000

• Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company recognizes that conversations about salary can be difficult. In recognition of the necessity for top-tier talent, we strive to provide pay that meets the market by leveling with industry peers to determine the pay range for each position. Where the employee falls in that range is determined by experience and skill set. Woolly will work hard to administer the compensation program in a manner that is transparent, consistent, and equitable across the company.