How to Be Dance Company Touring Sound Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 10, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The role of a Dance Company Touring Sound Engineer is critical for the production and success of a show. Their job entails setting up and running sound systems for performances, ensuring the quality of sound is maintained throughout the tour. This is an essential task that can have a direct effect on the audience's experience and enjoyment of the show.

Without a competent engineer, the sound system may malfunction and detract from the performance. Poor sound can cause confusion, audience dissatisfaction, and ultimately affect the reputation of the company. As such, hiring qualified and experienced personnel is key to delivering a successful tour.

Steps How to Become

Obtain formal education in sound engineering. Pursue a degree in audio engineering, preferably with a specialization in touring sound engineering. Many universities offer programs in audio engineering and related fields, such as music technology.
Develop existing skills. Become well-versed in the technical aspects of sound engineering, such as audio mixing, live sound reinforcement, and sound system design.
Gain experience. Participate in internships or volunteer opportunities at local venues, production companies, and other music-related establishments to gain on-the-job experience.
Network. Develop relationships with local talent and sound engineers to get yourself involved with various projects in the music industry.
Develop specialized skills. Learn about the specific needs of dance companies, such as acoustics, soundproofing, and microphone techniques for live performances.
Join a touring company. Find a dance company that is looking for a sound engineer to join their tour. This can be done through networking or by searching job postings online.
Become certified. Obtain certification from organizations such as the Audio Engineering Society. This will demonstrate your qualifications and knowledge in the field of dance company touring sound engineering.

Being a touring sound engineer in a dance company can be a challenging and rewarding job. To stay ahead and qualified for the position, one should have a thorough knowledge of sound equipment, and be familiar with sound design and sound engineering principles. In addition, staying up to date with technological advances in the field is essential in order to keep up with the demands of the job.

Furthermore, having excellent communication skills and being able to work well under pressure are key components of success in this role. Finally, having a good understanding of the dance genre will help to ensure that the music and sounds are properly tailored for each performance. By following these tips, sound engineers can ensure that they remain qualified and successful in their roles.

You may want to check Dance Company Booking Agent, Dance Performance Technician, and Dance Rehearsal Director for alternative.

Job Description

Design and implement sound reinforcement systems for live performances.
Troubleshoot and maintain equipment during live performances.
Create, adjust and operate sound mixing boards to ensure optimal sound quality.
Coordinate with venue staff to ensure all necessary audio equipment is in place.
Facilitate communication between performers, crew and sound technicians.
Monitor sound levels during performances and make necessary adjustments.
Record performances for archival or other purposes.
Mix and edit audio recordings.
Setup and operate lighting systems to enhance the live show experience.
Develop new sound reinforcement techniques to improve artistic expression.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent technical knowledge of sound engineering and recording processes.
Ability to operate professional audio mixing consoles, processors, and related equipment.
Knowledge of the principles of acoustic design and sound reinforcement.
Ability to troubleshoot and solve technical problems quickly and efficiently.
Experience in setting up and operating sound systems for live events and shows.
Ability to work well as part of a team and under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Knowledge of current audio technologies, such as digital audio consoles and digital signal processing.
Familiarity with radio frequency (RF) systems and their operation.
Ability to lift, move, and set up audio equipment and related gear.

Having a strong technical background and sound engineering experience is essential for a Dance Company Touring Sound Engineer. As the engineer is responsible for setting up sound systems for live performances, they must have sound knowledge of the equipment, be able to troubleshoot any technical issues, and know the best ways to optimize the sound. they must be able to quickly understand and implement the artistic vision of the choreographer and director, while also being able to work with other crew members to ensure a successful performance.

Lastly, the engineer must be able to effectively communicate with the audience, and be familiar with the local venue requirements in order to ensure a successful performance. With these skills, a Dance Company Touring Sound Engineer can ensure a successful performance that both the crew and audience can enjoy.

Dance Crew Manager, Dance Show Coordinator, and Dance Company Touring Artist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in touring sound engineering for dance companies?
What challenges have you encountered while on tour and how did you resolve them?
Describe your experience in setting up and running sound systems for live shows.
How do you ensure the sound is optimized for a variety of venues?
What processes do you use to troubleshoot audio issues during a show?
How do you handle feedback from performers and directors during a show?
Describe the experience you have mixing for dance performances.
What techniques do you use to adjust the sound levels during a performance?
How do you stay organized and productive while on tour?
How do you keep up with advancements in sound engineering technology?

Common Tools in Industry

Audio Mixer. A device used to adjust the levels of multiple audio sources and blend them together. (eg: Yamaha MGP24X Mixer)
Microphones. Devices used to capture sound waves and convert them into electrical signals. (eg: Shure SM58 Microphone)
Cables. Connectors used to transfer audio signals between components. (eg: XLR Cables)
Audio Interface. A device that allows multiple audio devices to be connected to a computer. (eg: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Interface)
Speakers. Devices used to amplify audio signals and project sound into a room. (eg: JBL EON615 Speakers)
Amplifiers. Devices used to increase the volume of an audio signal. (eg: Mackie DLM12S Amplifier)
Headphones. Devices used to monitor audio signals while they are being recorded or mixed. (eg: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones)
Software. Programs used to record, edit, and mix audio signals. (eg: Apple Logic Pro X Software)

Professional Organizations to Know

Audio Engineering Society (AES)
Professional Audio Manufacturers Alliance (PAMA)
International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Technicians (IASAT)
National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM)
Live Sound International (LSI)
Association of Sound Designers (ASD)
American Federation of Musicians (AFM)
The Recording Academy (Grammy Awards)
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)
European Live Entertainment Association (ELEA)

We also have Dance Company Director, Dance Company Business Manager, and Dance Company Touring Videographer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Sound Engineering. A process of capturing, manipulating, and producing sound through the use of specialized equipment and techniques.
Mixing. The process of combining multiple sound sources into a single sound.
Acoustics. The science of sound and how it interacts with a physical space.
Audio Equipment. A variety of audio equipment and tools used for sound engineering, such as microphones, mixers, amplifiers, and speakers.
Monitoring. The process of listening to and evaluating sound during the mixing process.
Signal Processing. Manipulation of an audio signal in order to achieve a desired sonic effect.
Troubleshooting. Identifying and resolving technical issues with audio equipment or software.
System Design. Designing and configuring audio systems for live performance or recording.
Stage Management. Managing all aspects of a stage production, including the sound system setup and tear-down.
Tour Management. Managing all aspects of a tour, including scheduling, logistics, budgeting, and marketing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of equipment do Dance Company Touring Sound Engineers typically use?

Dance Company Touring Sound Engineers typically use professional audio equipment such as mixing consoles, amplifiers, loudspeakers, microphones, and digital audio workstations.

What qualifications are needed to be a Dance Company Touring Sound Engineer?

To become a Dance Company Touring Sound Engineer, one typically needs a degree or certificate in sound engineering or audio production, along with experience in professional sound engineering.

How many hours does a Dance Company Touring Sound Engineer typically work?

Dance Company Touring Sound Engineers typically work around 40-50 hours per week when on tour, depending on the nature of the tour and the events they are working at.

What skills do Dance Company Touring Sound Engineers need?

Dance Company Touring Sound Engineers need excellent problem solving and technical skills, as well as good interpersonal and communication skills. They must also be able to work well under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

What is the salary range for Dance Company Touring Sound Engineers?

The salary range for Dance Company Touring Sound Engineers can vary depending on experience, location and the size of the company they are working for. Generally, salaries range from $30,000 - $80,000 per year.