Seeking Sound Design Fellow for FIFTY BOXES OF EARTH

FIFTY BOXES OF EARTH

by ANKITA RATURI
directed by KT SHORB
choreo by ANANYA CHATTERJEA
puppet design by OANH VU & ANDREW YOUNG

Theater Mu is seeking an emerging or early-career designer with a professional interest in sound design to work with sound designer Katharine Horowitz during the production of Fifty Boxes of Earth. During their residency, the fellow will gain a working knowledge of the design timeline, ideation arc, and deliverables; the artistic relationships between the sound designer, the director, the technical director, and other production team members; and strategies for research and design dramaturgy.

Stipend: $1,000

Application process: Send a resume and cover letter to info@theatermu.org (subject: FIFTY BOXES OF EARTH Design Fellow Application). Deadline to apply is Nov 1.

If you have any questions about the position, please direct them to the same email.

SYNOPSIS

In this world premiere, Q just moved to the neighborhood, but instead of a bed, they brought fifty boxes of earth for the community garden. When Q starts cultivating fantastical, improbable plants, one man's distrust grows even as his young daughter reaches out in friendship. A creative response to Bram Stoker's Dracula, Fifty Boxes of Earth weaves in choreography and puppetry to consider the heavy costs of leaving a home and putting down new roots.

REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE DATES

  • Pre-Production Meetings: mid-October and onward

  • First Rehearsal: Jan 29, 2025

  • Tech Rehearsals: Feb 19-Mar 1, 2025

  • Previews: Feb 27 & 28, 2025

  • Opening Night: Mar 1, 2025

  • Closing Performance: Mar 16, 2025

Rehearsals, tech, and performances will take place at Park Square Theatre (408 Saint Peter St., Saint Paul)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Basic familiarity with a DAW software program and with QLab. No need to be an expert—a basic familiarity is fine. 

  • An active interest in the art of sonic storytelling

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills.

  • Excellent observation, listening, attentiveness, and awareness skills.

  • Experience, ability, and commitment to working with individuals and teams that are mixed across lines of difference such as race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class, and immigrant status.

  • The ability to work well under pressure and to respond calmly and efficiently to frequent changes during the production and rehearsal process.

  • Reliability: While hours can be flexible, you must be open to evenings and weekends, reflective of the dynamic schedule of the theater.

  • Access to personal or public transportation to get to meetings, rehearsals, etc.

  • A commitment to Theater Mu’s mission and values as an arts organization built upon social justice, exemplary theater, and Asian American stories.

  • Must be 18 or older to apply.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • 1+ years of academic, professional, or internship experience in sound design, OR 1+ years of academic, professional, or volunteer experience as a theater technician in any design area.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Ensures familiarity with the play before design meetings begin (a script will be provided).

  • Views the role from a learning perspective and shares thoughts on the production if elicited by the designer.

  • Works with the design mentor to set learning objectives and complete designated projects.

  • Attends design and production meetings as requested by the sound designer, director, or production manager. 

  • Attends all technical rehearsals. 

  • Attends fellowship orientation, mid-process evaluation, and final reflection meeting after the fellowship concludes.

  • Completes Theater Mu’s post-show fellowship survey.

Theater Mu