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Job Description / Duties

Function

The main function of the Head of Audio position is to work with the other production department heads at Theatre Aquarius to make a successful show and a successful season. You are an integral member of the team. As the department head, your duties lie in the preparation, operation and maintenance of all audio equipment within your department, the two main performance spaces and the backstage areas. This is a hands-on position. You are expected to work efficiently during established calls and on self-directed work days. Your prep work must be reliable and delivered in a timely manner.

Duties & Responsibilities

As the Department Head:

1. You are to maintain, keep clean and organized all the equipment that belongs to your department. Any repairs that need to be done should be immediately noted and, with the approval of the Production Manager, be sent to the appropriate parties for repair.
2. You are to update the inventory list as new equipment may be added or as damaged, missing or obsolete equipment may be removed.
3. You are responsible for working within established budgets to the best of your ability, keeping to established schedules, keeping track of staff requirements, and making sure show preparation is done on time. In these areas, you report to the Production Manager.
4. Where a show employs a Sound Designer and/or Composer you must be able to answer any questions they have regarding the space, equipment available and you must assist them (where needed) in costing prelim designs.
5. You are responsible for providing any audio equipment needed in rehearsal. This includes but is not limited to: microphones, paging microphone, mixer, portable stereo (boombox), electric keyboard, and speakers capable of amplifying sounds from digital media devices i.e. laptop, iPod, iPad, smartphone, etc.
6. You are to attend rehearsals in the rehearsal hall when required.
7. You are to supervise and guide audio crews as they are needed. It is your job to direct the workflow of any audio calls, have any necessary paperwork completed and distributed, delegate work to crew members as needed.
8. You are to set up the needed audio equipment at the production table, at any crew station in the theatre, backstage areas, studio space and orchestra pit as called for by the scale of each show. This includes but is not limited to communication gear (beltpacks, cables & headsets – wireless or wired), TV monitors, LittleLite work lights, A/C extension cords and power bars. You are to ensure this equipment is in good repair and functioning before it is needed.
9. You are to ensure the smooth operation of technical & dress rehearsals, making sure all equipment needed in the show and for the crew is functioning properly, that infrastructure systems such as paging and program sound are running properly, that crew members understand and have been shown how to operate their headsets or any audio equipment you give them.
10. You are required to attend production meetings, staff meetings, technical rehearsals and notes sessions as required and as scheduled.
11. You are responsible for coordinating any gear that may be borrowed and rented for a show, ensuring that it is delivered to the theatre prior to its first use and following any instructions on its care and maintenance while it is in the theatre’s possession. You are also responsible for returning any borrowed or rented equipment on time in proper condition or acceptable restitution.
12. You are responsible for keeping an up-to-date record of any show in regard to show files, paperwork generated, show notes, etc. that will contribute to the overall production archive and forward all such materials to the Production Manager at the end of each production.
13. You are responsible for recording the archival video for each production. In consultation with the Stage Manager, a pre-arranged date for this recording will be set. You are to ensure the recording happens and review it ta make sure there were no issues or interrupts in the recording.
14. You are to address daily rehearsal and show notes in a thorough and timely fashion.
15. Advise the Production Manager of items that would require the release of additional funds, personnel, or special tools.
16. You are responsible for all budgets, audio equipment, keys, petty cash, credit card(s), passwords, computers, telephones and all other property supplied by Theatre Aquarius with the understanding that Management retains the right to full access to such items. Return such items when requested to do so by Management.
17. You are responsible for filling out your own timesheet to be submitted to the Production Manager in a timely fashion and as they request it of you. You are responsible for filling out the timesheets of any audio crew that is assigned to you during set up or rehearsals as well as any crew that is filling an audio running crew position (RF tech, monitor mixer, etc.)
18. Submit in writing all overtime requests.
19. You are to CC the Production manager on all work related correspondence with suppliers, designers, directors, Stage Management and all other departments.
20. Adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the minimum Health and Safety Regulations set forth by the Ministry of Labor.
21. You are to familiarize yourself and comply with Theatre Aquarius’ Company Policies.
22. You are to help create a positive and healthy work environment.

Qualifications / Required Skills

As a Sound Designer:

1. Where a show DOES NOT employ a separate Sound Designer, you become the designer by default. All the responsibilities of this position now fall to you. You are expected to speak with the director, the design team, create a concept for your design, begin building a sound design and deliver it on time to the Head of Audio just as an outside designer would do.
2. You are required to attend rehearsals (when needed), attend and lead recording sessions, have sound FX ready for rehearsals (as instructed by the director or Stage Manager), have designs complete in time for level sessions, attend tech & dress rehearsals, respond to daily notes in a timely manner and make adjustments all the way up to and including the opening night performance.
3. You are required to keep track of the hours you fill the role of designer and include these hours on your weekly time log as department head.

As the Sound Operator (A1):

1. You are responsible for coordinating the duties of Sound Operator with the role of Department Head. For example, you will be required to program your mixing console based on the paperwork generated by you as the department head as well as under the direction of the Sound Designer, whether there is an outside designer or not.
2. Prior to tech & dress rehearsals, as the sound operator you ensure your console(s), SFX playback program, microphones, and speakers are working by performing the necessary checks and tests (completing your “preshow” duties) on time and with enough time to fix any problems that may occur.
3. You are to check in with and assist any audio running crew as needed. This may include assisting in distribution of body mics, helping to EQ a monitor rig on a nightly basis, setting up live instruments used in the course of a show and/or testing them prior to a performance, on a nightly basis shutting down any equipment that is not explicitly part of the Main PA system.

Additional Information

This is a temporary Parental Leave contract position for our 2021-2022 season.

The position requires an individual who is motivated and exceptionally organized.

As the department head, your duties lie in the preparation, operation and maintenance of all audio equipment within the sound department, the two main performance spaces and the backstage areas. This is a hands-on position.

In addition to having an excellent practical skill set, the successful candidate must have an ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast paced work environment. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are important.

Teamwork is an essential part of our working philosophy. We encourage a positive and proactive working environment. A good sense of humor is always appreciated.

Salary: As per current IATSE 129 CBA $28.24/hrly

Contact Information

Theatre Aquarius
190 King William Street
Hamilton, ON
L8R 1A8

Attn: Production Manager
Email: lborghesan@theatreaquarius.org

Employer Profile

Theatre Aquarius encourages applications from women; Indigenous people, First Nations, Metis and Inuit persons; black people; members of racialized communities; persons with disability; and people of diverse gender identities or expressions.

Theatre Aquarius owns and manages the Dofasco Centre for the Arts which houses the fully equipped 700 seat, proscenium style, Irving Zucker Auditorium and the 125 seat Norman and Louise Haac Studio Theatre which doubles as the Rehearsal Hall. The Dofasco Centre for the Arts also features the stunning two-storey glass and steel encased Ron and Donna Patterson Lobby, as well as the upscale Michael and Jane Schwenger Director’s Lounge which is used exclusively by Director’s Circle Members on performance dates.