Resident Sound Designer & Technical Manager; Position

Resident Sound Designer & Technical Manager (Full-Time Staff Position)

Location:

Duluth Playhouse | Nor Shor Theatre, Duluth, MN

Position Type:
Full-Time Staff | Year-Round

Start Date:

ASAP

Duluth Playhouse seeks a full-time Resident Sound Designer & Technical Manager to join our in-house production team. This position is ideal for a technically skilled, collaborative, and detail-oriented individual ready to support a full season of plays, musical, 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.

• 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.

• Oversee and maintain all audio systems and infrastructure at the Nor Shor 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.

• 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.

• Proven professional experience in theatrical sound design and technical production.
• Advanced proficiency with QLab, Yamaha QL/CL consoles, Dante networking system, wireless mic systems, Clear Com.
• 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.

• 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

Submit a resume or CV to ekelly.

For questions, please call .

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