Resident Sound Designer & Technical Manager

Location: Duluth Playhouse | NorShor Theatre, Duluth, MN

Position Type: Full-Time Staff | Year-Round

Start Date: ASAP

This position is ideal for a technically skilled, collaborative, and detail-oriented individual ready to support a full season of plays, musicals, concerts, and special events in a fast-paced, multi-venue performing arts environment. This role combines artistic sound design with technical oversight and venue support, and is an integral part of the production and operations team.

Primary Responsibilities

Design Responsibilities

• Serve as lead sound designer for all Duluth Playhouse-produced productions and events (approx. 13 per season).
• Design and implement soundscapes, playback systems, and reinforcement tailored to each production’s creative needs.
• Program QLab and configure Yamaha QL/CL series consoles and all associated gear.
• Provide conductor camera and video/audio monitoring for the cast and band.
• Provide research, audio samples, and sound documentation to the artistic and technical teams.
• Collaborate with the music director to layout band footprint and assist with setup of stands, power, monitors, etc.
• Work closely with directors and music directors to achieve creative goals while staying within budget and schedule.
• Instruct actors and mic wranglers on proper mic handling and care.
• When unavailable to run sound board, train and/or hire experienced operators and remain available to support them remotely.

Technical Management

• Oversee and maintain all audio systems and infrastructure at the NorShor Theatre and The Lab.
• Support and integrate lighting, sound, and projection cues into unified QLab cue stacks where needed.
• Assist in the placement, relocation, and maintenance of projection equipment.
• Assist the Master Electrician as needed with programming, troubleshooting, and lighting playback.
• Provide technical support and guidance for outside renters and guest artists using Playhouse venues.
• Maintain and repair in-house equipment (audio, projection, fog/hazers, lighting).
• Assist with system design and implementation for capital improvements or new equipment.
• Maintain and set up comm systems for Playhouse productions and special events.

Operational & Administrative Support

• Attend all production meetings and participate in weekly staff meetings.
• Assist with recruitment, training, and onboarding of production crew and board ops.
• Provide mentorship and leadership to A2s, overhire technicians, and new team members.
• Help maintain organization in storage areas, shop spaces, and backstage zones.
• Provide occasional support to the scene shop, cleaning crew, or other departments as needed.
• Be on-call for emergency troubleshooting during productions and events.

Ideal Candidate Has

• Proven professional experience in theatrical sound design and technical production.
• Advanced proficiency with QLab, Yamaha QL/CL consoles, Dante networking system, wireless mic systems, ClearCom.
• Experience managing multi-department technical elements (lights, projections, sound).
• Excellent troubleshooting, leadership, and communication skills.
• A collaborative spirit and solutions-oriented mindset.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, team-driven, and artistically ambitious environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $48,000-$54,000
• Benefits: Health insurance, 3% employer match for SIMPLE IRA (after 2 years), paid time off, private office, complimentary tickets, equipment access
• Reports to: Executive Producing Artistic Director
• Direct Supervisor: Production Manager

To Apply

Submit a resume or CV to ekelly@duluthplayhouse.org.

For questions, please call 218-733-7555.

Duluth Playhouse is committed to strengthening diversity and inclusion in our workplace. Applicants of all backgrounds and identities are strongly encouraged to apply.

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