Casinos and casino hotels host a wide array of showrooms and nightclubs. The person responsible for overseeing the sound requirements of these rooms is called the Sound Technician. The person has a multitude of responsibilities and duties. Every room has different sound requirements depending on the size and structure. Different types of performances also require varying sound requirements.
If there are acoustical problems, the Sound Technician determines what they are and finds solutions including moving equipment to different spots in the room or adjusting controls on the soundboard. One of the most important duties of the Sound Technician is running the sound control board during performances. The person sits at the board during a performance and makes adjustments so the sound is properly balanced and regulated. The Technician also adjusts the board for any special sound effects required. In some cases, performers bring their own sound equipment. In these situations the resident Sound Technician works with the performers’ sound people, advising and assisting them. Sound Technicians must attend rehearsals, sound checks, and performances. Working with performers and their crews, individuals can determine the type of sound required. Other duties of the Sound Technician include:
Earnings for resident Sound Technicians range from USD 24,000 to USD 48,000 or more annually. Factors affecting earnings include the specific hotel or casino, its facility, size, prestige, and geographic location. Other variables include the experience and responsibilities of the individual. Sound Technicians working in unionized settings may have their minimum earnings negotiated by the union.
Opportunities can be found in all gaming facilities hosting entertainment. Las Vegas, Reno, Laughlin, Lake Tahoe, Atlantic City, Biloxi, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Detroit offer the greatest number of job possibilities. Other employment settings include casinos and casino hotels in other areas of Nevada, Mississippi, New York, Louisiana, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Arizona, and California. Other regions hosting Indian gaming and landbased or riverboat gaming facilities offer additional opportunities. New casinos and casino hotels are constantly under construction. More casinos and casino hotels are also opening every year as new areas legalize gambling.
Advancement prospects for Sound Technicians include locating similar jobs in larger, more prestigious casinos or casino hotels.
As the Sound Technician works with a variety of performers, he or she may climb the career ladder by making contacts and locating a position on the road with a major touring artist.
Sound Technicians must have some type of training in electronics and sound. This may be obtained through attendance at vocational and technical schools or may be self-taught. Many people pick up the skills of the trade by apprenticing or watching others.
Depending on the specific facility and whether or not alcohol is being served, there may be minimum age requirements for this job.
Sound Technicians should have complete knowledge of electronics and sound. Experience working the soundboards and other sound equipment is required.
Depending on the specific casino or casino hotel, this position may or may not be unionized. Those interested in learning more about this job can contact the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
1. Find an apprenticeship in this area by contacting clubs, halls, theaters, and other facilities. Ask a sound technician if you can apprentice with him or her.
2. Offer to handle the sound requirements for a local musical group. It will provide good experience.
3. Another way to learn skills and gain experience is by taking part in your school or local community theater productions. Volunteer to work with people handling the sound requirements.
4. Stop in at casino and casino hotel human resources departments to inquire about job openings in this area.
5. If you don’t live in a gaming area and are interested in finding employment in a casino or casino hotel, send your résumé with a short cover letter.
6. Job openings are often advertised in the newspaper classified section in areas hosting gaming. Look under headings such as “Sound Technician,” “Audio Technician,” “Sound Engineer,” “Casinos,” “Casino Hotels,” or “Entertainment.”
7. Check out the Web sites of casinos and casino hotels. Many list job openings on a special employment section of their site.
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Note: This article was sent to us by: Jim Paxton at 02082010
1. The Casino Credit Clerk works in the casinos credit office
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