Sound Engineer

Sound Engineer

Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Inc. (AILEY) is seeking an experienced individual to serve as our Sound Engineer reporting to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Technical Director.

Position Summary:

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is seeking a Sound Engineer for its 2024-25 domestic and international tours. This position is responsible for all sound elements of Company performances, outreach programs, and special events. The Sound Engineer will be responsible for recreating the sound designs for all performances. This is a yellow card touring position under the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

The successful candidate must have the ability to adapt to a wide range of venue types and technical capabilities and ensure the highest quality sound possible with the resources available. The candidate must possess strong communication skills, time management skills, and exceptional interpersonal skills. They must demonstrate a self-starter, dynamic, and dedicated work ethic and must be willing and able to carry out duties as needed to ensure a safe and positive environment for the dancers. They must also have a demonstrated history of successful teamwork in a working group where mutual support, flexibility, and trust are key factors of a productive and friendly work environment.

Department Summary:
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has touched millions of people with its soulful and evocative performances.  

Founded by Alvin Ailey on March 30, 1958, with an inaugural performance at New York’s 92nd Street Y, the Company was created to enrich and preserve American modern dance and to share the African American cultural heritage with audiences of all cultural backgrounds. As Mr. Ailey became one of the most prolific choreographers of the 20th century, the Company shattered cultural boundaries of nationality, race, and religion with its universal humanity, and was designated “a vital American cultural ambassador to the world” by a U.S. Congressional resolution. The Company has performed in over 70 countries on six continents, with a repertory that boasts close to 300 works by over 100 choreographers. Today, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater brings joy and elation to audiences around the globe, continuing to deepen the Company repertory while enshrining the legacy of Mr. Ailey and his works for future generations. 

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and supervise the integration of touring sound system with host venue
• Establish and tune main audience speaker system as well as on-stage monitor system
• Facilitate setup of performance and communication systems, including headsets, paging system, and staff radios
• Work with choreographers and composers to deliver their artistic vision with the resources available
• Load and unload trucks at the warehouse and all venues
• Participate in the preparation of the annual operating budget 
• Handle other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or a minimum of four years of live theater, touring dance, concerts, and/or production experience
• Functional competencies in safe use of sound equipment
• Computer skills: Mac OS, Windows OS, MS Office, AVID Pro Tools, Q Lab, Digital Sound Consoles & Vectorworks

• Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to take initiative, multi-task, and work graciously in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work with diplomacy and tact
• Experience working with stagehands in union and non-union environments
• Valid Passport and Driver’s License
• 16’ box truck driving experience

Compensation:

$1,650 weekly salary.

Required Application Materials

• Resume
• Cover letter detailing your interest in this position
• Contact information for two professional references