Derek Stevenson
New York
Summary
Audio professional with extensive experience in managing diverse audio projects and leading technical teams. Adept at optimizing sound quality and implementing cutting-edge technologies to enhance production value. Known for collaborative spirit and strong commitment to achieving outstanding results, while maintaining flexibility to adapt to evolving project needs. Committed to pioneering creative audio techniques and adapting swiftly to technical challenges, ensuring superior audience experiences and seamless show operations.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Head of Audio
Viola's Room - The Shed
07.2025 - Current
- Mentored junior team members in industry best practices, fostering professional growth and development.
- Troubleshot technical issues promptly, minimizing downtime and keeping projects on schedule.
- Oversaw testing of equipment and components to check for defects.
Viola's Room Audio Technician
Viola's Room - The Shed
05.2025 - 07.2025
- Established and maintained accurate inventory of equipment to prevent loss or theft.
- Increased event satisfaction by providing exceptional on-site technical support for the show during performances.
- Improved troubleshooting processes, identifying and resolving audio issues quickly to minimize downtime during shows.
- Maintained optimal equipment performance by conducting regular maintenance checks and repairs as needed.
Audio Assistant Cover
The Wiz- Networks
04.2025 - 05.2025
- Accommodated last-minute changes in shows without compromising overall sound quality or presentation effectiveness.
- Conducted thorough testing of audio systems prior to each show, reducing potential performance issues.
- Maintained an organized inventory of audio equipment, streamlining retrieval and setup processes.
- Prepared, packed and transported audio equipment for shows.
Audio Assistant Cover / Production Audio
A Beautiful Noise, Networks
03.2025 - 04.2025
- Accommodated last-minute changes in event schedules without compromising overall sound quality or presentation effectiveness.
- Assisted in the setup and breakdown of audio equipment, expediting event turnaround times.
- Troubleshot technical issues promptly, minimizing disruptions during shows.
- Prepared, packed and transported audio equipment for shows.
Production Audio
Networks - Elf at National Tour
11.2024 - 12.2024
- Managed speaker rigging on/off stage, enhancing audio precision.
- Resolved camera/audio issues during rehearsals, minimizing downtime.
- Led audio rack assembly for tour, ensuring superior sound quality. Managed speaker rigging, enhancing precision. Troubleshot camera/audio issues, minimizing rehearsal downtime.
- Pioneered creative audio techniques, enhancing production value. Adapted swiftly to evolving technical challenges on set.
- Fostered strong teamwork in audio production, facilitating smooth coordination between departments. Mentored junior staff, enhancing team capabilities.
Front of House Engineer
Little Island at New York, NY
04.2024 - 11.2024
- Set up and managed audio equipment for seamless show operations.
- Operated Yamaha DM7, ensuring high-quality sound for all productions.
- Collaborated with team to enhance audience experience through precise audio delivery.
Production Audio
A Sign of the Times - York Theatre at New York, NY
01.2024 - 02.2024
- Led audio team for seamless shop prep, load-in, and changeovers.
- Resolved technical audio issues, ensuring smooth show runs.
- Enhanced audio system performance, improving audience experience.
- Collaborated with teams to optimize operational efficiency.
Head Audio/Production Audio
The Sound of Music - Broadway Asia at The Philippines, Mumbai, Macao
03.2023 - 11.2023
- Managed wireless microphones on Digico Sd-10 for seamless audio production.
- Coordinated equipment logistics with local crews and Deputy Head, ensuring smooth operations.
- Adapted console files to meet dynamic production needs, enhancing sound quality.
- First Broadway musical in India.
Audio assistant
Networks Tour - ELF at National Tour
10.2022 - 01.2023
- Monitored wireless mics and intercoms, ensuring seamless audio transmission.
- Led local teams in efficient equipment setup and teardown.
- Prepared audio gear in the shop for optimal performance.
- Trained as backup mixing engineer, enhancing team flexibility.
Head audio
The Lost Colony at Manteo, NC
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Conducted regular maintenance to uphold show standards and prevent technical issues.
- Efficiently dismantled and inventoried audio systems post-show, ensuring equipment readiness.
- Led audio operations for large-scale production, managing complex sound systems and ensuring seamless performances for 20+ actors nightly.
Sound Designer
Southwest Shakespeare Company at Phoenix, AZ
03.2020 - 06.2022
- Developed online theatre shows, including Hamlet, for educational tours during COVID-19.
- Implemented a new audio system, enhancing sound quality and operational efficiency.
- Led digital season design, ensuring seamless transition to virtual performances.
- Trained audio engineers in show operation and equipment maintenance, boosting team capability.
Resident Sound Designer
Black Theatre Troupe at Phoenix, AZ
03.2017 - 05.2022
- Designed multiple theatre seasons, enhancing audience engagement and cultural representation.
- Trained audio engineers in show execution, improving technical proficiency and equipment care.
- Implemented sound design for productions like The Wiz, achieving critical acclaim.
- Collaborated with directors to ensure seamless audio integration, elevating performance quality.
Audio Supervisor/Head Audio
The Phoenix Theatre Company at Phoenix, AZ
10.2020 - 01.2022
- Managed audio programming for diverse theatrical productions, enhancing sound quality.
- Prepared and maintained audio equipment, ensuring seamless performance integration.
- Developed accurate budgets for audio equipment, optimizing resource allocation.
- Collaborated with production team to meet audio needs, improving show consistency.
- Implemented solutions to audio challenges, achieving high audience satisfaction.
Audio Engineer
Mesa Arts Center at Mesa, AZ
09.2016 - 05.2020
- Mixed audio for live music, enhancing sound quality and audience experience.
- Managed deck audio for large events, ensuring seamless audio transitions.
- Collaborated with event teams to deliver consistent and clear sound output.
- Resolved technical audio issues promptly, minimizing disruptions.
- Utilized advanced audio equipment to achieve professional-grade sound.
Sound Designer & Audio Engineer
Tempe Center for the Arts at Tempe, AZ
09.2014 - 05.2020
- Mixed audio for events, enhancing sound quality and audience experience.
- Designed sound cues for theater productions, ensuring seamless transitions.
- Assisted as A2 in large events, contributing to successful audio execution.
Education
Music BA - Digital Culture
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ05.2018
Associates - Music Technology
Rochester Community & Technical College
Rochester, MN05.2013
Skills
- Dante
- PureData
- LogicProX
- Reaper
- Nuendo
- Pro Tools
- MaxMSP
- Unity
- Qlab
- Arduino
- Wavetool
- Equipment management
- Audio post-production
- Live sound engineering
- Sound effects creation
- Audio restoration techniques
- Acoustic treatment
- Audio networking
- Virtual reality audio
- Immersive audio design
Certification
- Level 2 Certification
- Dante
Additional information
References available upon request.
Timeline
Head of Audio
Viola's Room - The Shed
07.2025 - Current
Viola's Room Audio Technician
Viola's Room - The Shed
05.2025 - 07.2025
Audio Assistant Cover
The Wiz- Networks
04.2025 - 05.2025
Audio Assistant Cover / Production Audio
A Beautiful Noise, Networks
03.2025 - 04.2025
Production Audio
Networks - Elf at National Tour
11.2024 - 12.2024
Front of House Engineer
Little Island at New York, NY
04.2024 - 11.2024
Production Audio
A Sign of the Times - York Theatre at New York, NY
01.2024 - 02.2024
Head Audio/Production Audio
The Sound of Music - Broadway Asia at The Philippines, Mumbai, Macao
03.2023 - 11.2023
Audio assistant
Networks Tour - ELF at National Tour
10.2022 - 01.2023
Head audio
The Lost Colony at Manteo, NC
06.2022 - 08.2022
Audio Supervisor/Head Audio
The Phoenix Theatre Company at Phoenix, AZ
10.2020 - 01.2022
Sound Designer
Southwest Shakespeare Company at Phoenix, AZ
03.2020 - 06.2022
Resident Sound Designer
Black Theatre Troupe at Phoenix, AZ
03.2017 - 05.2022
Audio Engineer
Mesa Arts Center at Mesa, AZ
09.2016 - 05.2020
Sound Designer & Audio Engineer
Tempe Center for the Arts at Tempe, AZ
09.2014 - 05.2020
Music BA - Digital Culture
Arizona State University
Associates - Music Technology
Rochester Community & Technical College
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