Lead Sound Engineer at Guthrie Theater – Minneapolis, Minnesota

Reports to: Production Manager

Compensation: $ 31.63 per hour

Benefits: Benefits Eligible

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with IATSE Local 13.

Interviews for this role will begin in July 2026.

Position Summary

The Lead Sound Engineer is responsible for executing and replicating the sound design for productions. This role serves as the lead console programmer and operator for Guthrie Theater productions, ensuring consistent, high-quality sound reinforcement while upholding the intent of the Sound Designer. The Lead Sound Engineer is also responsible for the maintenance of all sound equipment, ensuring systems are properly maintained and performance ready. In addition to performance work, this role participates in production preparation, load-in, technical rehearsals, changeovers, and strike for assigned productions.

All employees are expected to center, model and champion the Guthrie’s core values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.

Schedule: This role follows the dynamic schedule of a working theater. Hours vary based on type of work. Evening and weekend hours are typical. Show calls range from 4-6 hours on Tuesdays through Sundays. Tech week calls can span up to 12 hours on Tuesdays through Sundays. Other atypical calls include occasional maintenance and events.

This position works 40 hours per week and is guaranteed a minimum of 32 work weeks per fiscal (September 1 - August 31) year.

The Guthrie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building an equitable environment that finds strength in diversity of identity, experience and perspective. We are dedicated to hiring and developing talented teams which are inclusive and welcoming to individuals with different backgrounds, thoughts, and abilities. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Show Operation and Maintenance

• Mix and operate live sound for productions and events, maintaining consistent sound quality and upholding established production and artistic standards.
• Program and operate digital mixing consoles and playback systems.
• Operate sound playback and recording systems, ensuring proper file management and backup of production materials and archives.
• Maintain the artistic intent of the Sound Designer throughout the run of the production.
• Communicate and collaborate with the Head Sound Engineer, Stage Management, Designers, Production Management, and Directors to assess sound system use, performance, and implementation.
• Coordinate with Head Sound Engineer and Production departments to facilitate sound production needs during technical rehearsals and run of a show.
• Work with the Wardrobe, Wigs, and Costume departments on placement of wireless microphones based on the unique needs of the production.
• Perform in a Show A2 capacity as required by the schedule.
• Collaborate with stage crew to facilitate the operation of shows.
• Perform pre-show checks and other tests to ensure all sound equipment is functioning. Repair and replace equipment as needed.
• Solve problems in concert with other departments if they arise during performances.

2. Sound Department Operations

• Assist the Head Sound Engineer as assigned for all Guthrie sound department work.
• Provide technical assistance and solutions to address issues of safety and function of sound equipment and software
• Work individually or as part of a team on projects
• Collaborate with other production departments to develop plans for the efficient integration of sound elements.
• Transition between tasks and projects when designs or priorities shift.
• Build and wire practical sound effects.
• Transport inventory between spaces based on department needs.
• Troubleshoot sound problems as necessary.
• Execute production notes throughout the technical process to ensure production quality.
• Set up sound systems and operate consoles for special events.

3. Leadership

• Set up equipment and lead crews in sound calls, prioritizing safety and department standards to ensure show objectives are achieved and workflow is efficient.
• Oversee and lead other overhire work under the direction of the Head Sound Engineer to ensure show objectives are achieved and workflow is efficient.
• Ensure information and materials are available and updated to complete sound projects in a timely and accurate manner.
• Develop and apply advanced knowledge and understanding of building sound systems, consoles, and tools to help support all productions and projects, including troubleshooting and problem-solving.

4. Repair and Maintenance

• Maintain cleanliness of the sound spaces and equipment. Notify the Head Sound Engineer when supplies are low.
• Participate in the strike of sound equipment, ensuring equipment operation and cleanliness is maintained before returning to storage. Restore tools and equipment to the proper location when no longer in use.
• Communicate problems and unsafe conditions to the Head Sound Engineer.
• Maintain safe conditions and operable shop tools.
• Clean and organize workspaces, tools, and sound equipment as needed.

Essential Knowledge and Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in theatrical sound or a combination of equivalent experience and training.
• Demonstrated leadership experience.
• Knowledge of theatrical directions and terms.
• Knowledge of audio engineering principles to accomplish work.
• Knowledge of professional sound systems and current sound technology to meet production requirements.
• Knowledge of the physics of sound and acoustics and how it relates to sound systems and equipment.
• Knowledge of computer systems and networking to effectively accomplish work.
• Knowledge of wireless systems.
• Skilled in recording and mixing audio sources.
• Can hear and analyze small differences in sound sources.
• Knowledge of safe work practices to reduce the risk of injury. Strong commitment to safety and ergonomics in the workplace. Skilled in solving problems creatively and efficiently.
• Skilled in effective communication to ask informed questions and relate information to others.
• Demonstrated strength in working collaboratively with groups to execute departmental or organizational goals.
• Detail oriented.
• Can lift 50 pounds.
• Can climb and work at heights and in awkward physical positions.
• Can work a schedule that includes evening and weekend hours; show calls ranging from 4-6 hours on Tuesdays through Sundays; Tech week calls that can span up to 12 hours on Tuesdays through Sundays; and occasional maintenance and events calls.
• Experience with and commitment to working with individuals and teams that exemplify diversity of identity, experience, and perspective, including but not limited to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, family and/or marital status, creed, religion, ancestry, disability, national origin, sexual orientation or sexual identity, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, body size/type, status with regard to public assistance or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

The Guthrie relies on the talents of many artists and staff, both on and off the stage, to create powerful works of theater at the Guthrie. We are dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference. Acknowledging that there are many identities that are underrepresented in the theater overall, the Guthrie strongly encourages candidates who bring diversity of identity, experience and thought to apply. We also acknowledge that candidates can have unique and non-linear and transferable skills. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification but have transferrable skills and passion for our mission and vision.

WHY SHOULD I APPLY?

Be a part of a leading non-profit organization that is committed to serving not only the local Twin Cities community but the industry as a whole. The Guthrie offers top-notch employee benefits and staff perks which includes:

• Competitive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Employer contributions to HSA, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Dependent Care FSA, Group Life Insurance, Voluntary Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) Retirement Plan (with employer match up to 4.5% after one year of service)
• Transportation: Subsidized passes for Metro Transit buses and trains, discounted pre-tax monthly ramp parking
• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
• Complimentary Tickets: To Guthrie productions
• Discounted Tickets: To all shows produced by the Guthrie and to some performances hosted by the Guthrie
• Classes and Camps: Discounts to Guthrie classes and camps
• Other Perks and Resources: Guthrie Store discount; Employee Affinity Groups

ABOUT THE GUTHRIE

The Guthrie Theater engages exceptional theater artists in the exploration of both classic and contemporary plays connecting the community we serve to one another and to the world. Through its extraordinary artists, staff and facility, the Guthrie is committed to the people of Minnesota, and from its place, rooted deeply in the Twin Cities, influences the field as a leading 21st century arts organization. Every year more than 500 people, both on stage and off, help ensure our success in creating and supporting the highest level of theater. As an organization, we are committed to our values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility. The Guthrie Theater is located in the historic Mill District along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As the largest city in the state, Minneapolis offers a large variety of parks, lakes, great food, festivals, malls and more.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The Guthrie Theater would like to acknowledge that we gather on the traditional land of the Dakota People and honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations, including the Ojibwe and other Indigenous nations.

Applicants must submit a resume to be considered for the position.