Sound System Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Position Title:              Sound Technician

Reports To:                   Sound Supervisor

Reporting Staff:         None

FLSA Classification: Full-Time Non-Exempt

Pay Range:                    IATSE Local 2 CBA $32.01 per/hour; annualized $66,580.80

POSITION OVERVIEW

Chicago Shakespeare Theater seeks a self-directed and highly-motivated individual with strong communication and diverse technical skills to join our sound department. CST is a world-class theater company producing work of the highest caliber due, in large part, to a supportive team philosophy. The House Sound Technician position is an integral full time part of an ambitious program  averaging 12 productions per season in a 500-seat mainstage, 200-seat black box, a new groundbreaking flexible performance space seating up to 850, as well as several touring productions. This position’s responsibilities will be primarily focused in the sound department, but in certain parts of our season will switch to carry responsibility in other departments as needed. They will work with professional designers and directors from Chicago and around the world managing both produced and presented work, and will need to work in a fast-paced and interdisciplinary manner to address challenges.

The position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement with IATSE Local 2.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be requested to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• Working with sound department to install and strike sound systems.
• Serving as A2 on select productions, working with orchestras and actors on mic and monitoring infrastructure.
• Serving as A1 cover on select productions, including straight plays, line-by-line mixing of large musicals, and presented work.
• Managing Clear-Com infrastructure.
• Installing, troubleshooting, programming, and running QLab rigs.
• Operating sound for special events both in the theater as well as in other spaces inside and outside of our facility.
• Supporting designers and department during tech rehearsals including the setup and strike of tech tables and associated equipment.
• Maintaining sound inventory by tracking equipment and supplies, and doing hands-on maintenance as required.
• At times working with other production departments in varying capacities based on the needs of the productions.

COMPETENCIES AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of three years of professional theatrical sound experience. Regional theater experience preferred.
• Proficient knowledge of DiGiCo SD7 T, Yamaha CL series consoles. Understanding of both console setup as well as operation for straight plays and line by line mixing of musicals.
• Understanding of QSC Q-SYS infrastructure, Dante I/O protocols, network infrastructure, Aviom monitoring systems, Clear-Com systems, Shure wireless equipment and Wireless Workbench frequency coordination, QLab software, KVM equipment.
• Experience with making microphone ear-rigs, boom-rigs, wig-mounts, painting mics, etc. and working closely with actors.
• Knowledge of safe work practices related to electricity and working at heights.
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Comfortable working at heights of up to 50 feet.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record is required.

DESIRED SKILLS AND ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Familiarity with counterweight fly systems and moderate rigging capabilities, both theory and practice.
• Healthy knowledge of electrical theory and practice, especially with wiring and soldering projects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work hours generally vary greatly depending on production schedule
• Overtime hours will be necessary.
• Evening, weekend, and holiday hours will be necessary.
• Worksite is primarily at the CST facilities on Navy Pier in Chicago, IL but will at times work in other locations such as the CST Warehouse, City Parks and other off-site performance venues.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

• Perform a variety of physical tasks including but not limited to climbing, stooping, pushing, bending, kneeling, reaching, lifting, and pulling.
• Work at height in locations including but not limited to catwalks, grids, ladders, and genies.
• Perform a variety of physical tasks while wearing safety equipment including body harness, hardhat, and safety glasses.
• Push, pull, lift, and move up to 50 lbs. at times on a repetitive basis.
• Use of manual dexterity in the operation of tools.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities.

This position is full time hourly involving up to six days of work per week including nights, weekends, and occasional holidays, and includes benefits. Hours will vary based on the needs of each production, and there may be “no-work” weeks during each season.  The position is be covered under an IATSE Local 2 CBA, but current IATSE membership is not a prerequisite.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) is dedicated to increasing equity, diversity and inclusion in our audiences, our programs and in all our hiring for staff and artists. We are committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination. CST prohibits discrimination in employment against any employee or job applicant because of that person’s race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, membership in a local human rights commission or any other legally protected status.