About the Project
Project Hydrus is a scripted and conversational audio data collection project. The recordings produced help build natural, everyday-sounding synthesized voices for conversational AI products — voices that sound like real people talking, not scripted performances.
As Session Director, you'll lead live recording sessions with Voice Contributors, guiding them through scripted scenarios to produce natural, conversational-quality audio. This hands-on role blends creative direction, coaching, and technical audio judgment — making scripted material sound authentic and unscripted, rather than recited, while keeping sessions moving at a natural pace.
What You'll Do
Direct voice performers through scripted scenarios, coaching for natural, conversational delivery rather than verbatim recitation.
Build quick scene context for performers (who, where, why) and improvise to fill narrative or dialogue gaps live, keeping sessions flowing naturally.
Adapt scripted wording for natural phrasing and regional/dialect authenticity as needed.
Monitor and correct technical audio quality in real time: mic technique, pacing, clarity, and background noise.
Manage session pacing to meet recording targets without sacrificing performance quality, and maintain organized notes on adjustments and retakes.
Create a supportive, low-pressure environment for performers, including those with limited prior voice experience.
What We're Looking For
Required
Native fluency in the required language (with specific dialect), with a strong ear for natural, colloquial phrasing.
Experience directing, coaching, or producing voice or audio talent (e.g., voice direction, casting direction, audio/podcast production, dubbing/ADR, or theater direction).
Demonstrated ability to give clear, specific, actionable performance direction.
Strong working knowledge of basic recording/mic technique (proximity, plosives, room noise, levels).
Comfortable improvising and adjusting scripted material on the spot.
Excellent interpersonal skills; able to build rapport quickly with performers of varying experience levels.
Preferred (nice to have, not required)
Background in improv, theater direction, or acting coaching.
Experience directing non-professional or first-time voice talent specifically.
Familiarity with DAWs or recording software (e.g., Pro Tools, Adobe Audition, Reaper) for spot-checking audio quality.
Commitment & Compensation
Estimated time: Approximately 8 hours calibration, plus supervision across two recording sessions of ~4 hours each per participant
- Work Type - Freelance Remote
Skills Required
- Native fluency in Swiss German with a strong ear for natural, colloquial phrasing
- Experience directing, coaching, or producing voice or audio talent, such as voice direction, casting direction, podcast production, dubbing, ADR, or theater direction
- Ability to provide clear, specific, actionable performance direction
- Strong working knowledge of basic recording and microphone technique, including proximity, plosives, room noise, and levels
- Ability to improvise and adjust scripted material during sessions
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport quickly with performers of varying experience levels
- Background in improv, theater direction, or acting coaching
- Experience directing non-professional or first-time voice talent
- Familiarity with DAWs or recording software such as Pro Tools, Adobe Audition, or Reaper
