USC School of Dramatic Arts | Los Angeles, California
Sound Supervisor
Full Time/On-Ground
The USC School of Dramatic Arts (SDA) seeks an experienced and collaborative Sound Supervisor to join its Production Area. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled theatrical sound professional to support one of the nation's premier theatre training programs while working alongside faculty, guest artists, and emerging theatre makers.
Reporting to the Director of Sound Design and Sound Operations Manager, the Sound Supervisor will oversee sound design laboratories, support the implementation of sound designs for productions, manage sound inventory and equipment, and supervise student crews in a dynamic multi-stage production environment.
The Sound Supervisor plays a critical role in supporting the realization of theatrical productions throughout the academic year. The successful candidate will be responsible for the safe and effective deployment of sound equipment, maintenance of sound facilities, and oversight of student employees working on productions and laboratory operations.
This position requires a highly organized individual who can work independently, manage multiple priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced production environment.
Primary Responsibilities
Support sound design students and guest sound designers in implementing sound designs for School of Dramatic Arts productions
Oversee the operation and maintenance of SDA sound design laboratories and sound equipment inventory
Manage the safe deployment, maintenance, tracking, and storage of sound equipment across multiple performance venues
Supervise sound employees and student crews
Assist designers and sound operators during technical rehearsals, run-throughs, and performances
Maintain clean, safe, and organized workspaces
Oversee recording sessions for voiceover students in our Voiceover Lab
Ensure sound systems and equipment remain operational and production ready
Contribute to a collaborative educational environment that supports student learning and artistic growth
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree and 7 years' experience, or combined experience/education as substitute for minimum work
Demonstrated experience in theatre production and stagecraft
Knowledge of theatrical production processes and stage equipment
Strong organizational and project management skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment
Ability to safely lift and carry up to 70 pounds
Ability to safely work on ladders, personnel lifts, catwalks, and in low-light backstage environments
Valid driver's license and ability to operate departmental vehicles
Preferred Qualifications
BA or BFA in Theatre, Technical Theatre, Sound Design, or a related field
10 years' professional experience in theatrical sound production, or in higher education or educational theatre environments
Experience using: QLab, Vectorworks, Pro Tools, Yamaha Digital Mixing Consoles
Application Materials
Applicants should submit:
Cover Letter describing qualifications and interest in the position
Curriculum Vitae or Resume
Names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references
Additional Information:
This position is required to work evenings and weekends depending upon the production schedule. Regular work hours during the production season are Monday through Friday 9:30am to 5:30pm, though subject to change as necessary.
The compensation range for this position is $75,000.00 to $85,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
The University reserves the right to add or change responsibilities at any time.
Why Join USC School of Dramatic Arts?
USC School of Dramatic Arts is one of the nation's leading theatre training programs, combining professional-level production opportunities with a world-class educational experience. As a member of the Production team, you will collaborate with talented students, faculty, guest artists, and staff while helping bring innovative theatrical work to life and preparing the next generation of theatre professionals.
The USC School of Dramatic Arts (SDA), founded in 1945, is recognized internationally as a leader in theatre education and its application to stage, screen, and other industries. The School offers innovative programs and curricula in acting, musical theatre, directing, playwriting, critical studies, costume design, scenic design, lighting design, sound design, stage management and creator arts. With a faculty of dramatic artists working at the highest level of their profession, the School offers BA, BFA and MFA degrees and has an active production program of more than 20 shows with a population of more than 600 undergraduate and graduate students combined. SDA's headquarters are located in the heart of USC's beautiful University Park Campus, housed in the Dick Wolf Drama Center, which anchor's the University's performing arts corridor (Thornton School of Music, Kaufman School of Dance, and the School of Cinematic Arts).
The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the "Trojan Family," which comprises the faculty, students and staff that make the university what it is.
USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law.
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
The university is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for students, employees, volunteers, and visitors on our campuses and those entrusted to our care, including patients, students, and minors. To that end, the university conducts background screening, including screening for criminal convictions, on all applicants after a conditional offer of employment and as a condition of employment. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix C for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.
USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative USC and SDA are committed to fostering an environment that embraces our USC's Unifying Core Values and seeks candidates that demonstrate, through ideas, words, and actions, a strong commitment to these objectives.
Minimum Education, Experience, Knowledge - Bachelor's degree or combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education - 7 years' experience - Specialized, progressively responsible proficiency in applicable performing or visual arts - Ability to manage
