Assistant Sound Designer

Return to all positions

Reports to: Production Manager and Sound Designer

Start Date: Late March
Performance Date: April 25th and 26th

The Assistant Sound Designer will work closely with the Director, Sound Designer, and Production Manager to design and create the soundscape and auditory aesthetic of the production. No prior experience is required, only an eagerness to read the play several times to gain a complete understanding of the sound needs outlined in the script.

The full list of expectations of this position are listed below in accordance with the STA Contract:

Responsibilities and Characteristic Duties:

Planning Period:

1. Read the script and become familiar with the production concept.
2. Prepare a list of the required sound and music in the script. It is usually helpful to categorize items as follows:
   1. Live sound
   2. Recorded sound
   3. Live music
   4. Recorded music
   5. Reinforcement of enhancement
   6. For each classification, note the type and quality desired.
3. Make a sound/music effects worksheet; in consultation with the Director, decide how the sound and music effects are to be obtained.
4. Coordinated in consultation with the Director the location and (possible) recording of musicians, if live music is to be used.
5. Coordinate position of speaker and audio gear in consultation with the Producer, the Director, and the Master Electrician.
6. Additional responsibilities include attending rehearsals, special recording sessions, crew instruction sessions, level set, technical rehearsals, and performances, as needed.

Preparation Period:

1. Organize and supervise the work of the sound crew.
2. Check material available in the Department before ordering, purchasing, renting, or borrowing recorded or printed material. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD PERSONAL MONEY BE USED FOR A PRODUCTION WITHOUT REIMBURSEMENT PRE-APPROVAL FROM THE PRODUCER.
3. Preview all effects, recordings, sheet music, songs, etc. with the Director to assure that they are satisfactory; do prior to level setting sessions.
4. Arrange times with the SM when you can attend rehearsal(s).
5. Make complete and detailed sound cue sheets for all relevant parties: crew members, singers, conductors, orchestra members, etc.
6. Determine both the ON and OFF stage placement of audio and effects equipment.

Technical Rehearsal and Performance Period:

1. Attend all level setting sessions, technical rehearsals and monitor the progress of the show during performances to maintain quality.

1. Supervise the activities of the Sound Board Operator.

All positions at BlueJay Theater Collective must adhere to the mission statement and core values of the organization, both of which are listed below:

Mission Statement: BlueJay is a Dramatic Theater-based student organization at Emerson College. Their purpose as a collective and organization is to execute and depict relatable theater in which their young-adult and college-aged audiences can see themselves accurately portrayed onstage. In doing so, BlueJay will also work to make audition material accessible for students who are struggling to find text that suits their age group, gender identity, relationship to the content, and/or more, creating a collection of literary materials available for use. They aim to appeal to and uplift the demographic they are working with in creating an inclusive, professional, and familial work environment, as well as creating a space in which actors, designers, Managers, and staff feel supported and encouraged to share their ideas. Their goal is to inspire the artistic spirits of young creatives through proper representation and relatability.

The objectives and goals for BlueJay Theater Collective:

• Execute relatable theater.
• Create a platform for students to access audition materials that appeal to their demographic.
• Provide opportunities for performers to feel personally connected to the characters they portray.
• Reflect on and depict honest stories that will impact the audience beyond the world of theater.
• Create an inclusive, accepting, and collaborative work environment.
• Encourage growth and learning as a collective.
• Inspire joy and excitement for the art we create to influence the communities that surround us.
• Aim to foster an equitable and unbiased space for all.