Sherman Oaks, California · Est. 1999
Professional audio for theater, opera & live performance — equipment, design, education, and consulting
Audio Equipment
Sound Design
Education
Consulting
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Sherman Oaks, California · Est. 1999
Professional audio for theater, opera & live performance — equipment, design, education, and consulting
About JABWORKS
Founded in 1999 and rooted in Sherman Oaks, California, JABWORKS has been the trusted partner for theaters, opera companies, and live event producers throughout the region and beyond.
We specialize in professional audio equipment for theatrical and operatic productions, bringing technical excellence to every performance. Whether you need cutting-edge sound reinforcement systems, intimate chamber setups, or touring-grade rigs, we have the expertise and inventory to deliver.
Beyond equipment, JABWORKS offers comprehensive sound design services, bringing your production to life with a sound world crafted specifically for your story. Our education and consulting services empower directors, producers, and designers to understand the tools and language of live audio.
We are proud to be a female-run, family-operated company, driven by a commitment to excellence, accessibility, and artistry in every engagement. JABWORKS is an LGBTQ+ friendly business — welcoming and affirming to all artists, organizations, and communities.
What We Offer
Premium-grade sound reinforcement systems, microphones, consoles, speaker arrays, and monitoring equipment — sourced and configured for theater and opera. Rentals and custom system design for productions of every scale.
We have an extensive equipment list which is constantly being updated and expanded. Please contact us with your specific needs, and we will gladly consult with you to create the appropriate rental package.
Award-winning sound design for theater, opera, and live performance. From atmospheric soundscapes to complex reinforcement plots, JABWORKS shapes the sonic world of your production with creative vision and technical mastery.
Hands-on workshops, seminars, and one-on-one training in live sound, audio technology, and theatrical sound design. Tailored for directors, producers, designers, and technicians at every experience level.
Strategic guidance for theater organizations, opera companies, and producers on system acquisition, venue acoustics, production planning, and building sustainable in-house audio capacity. Expert advice you can trust.
The People Behind the Sound
JABWORKS is powered by deeply experienced professionals who share a passion for the performing arts and a commitment to sonic excellence. We bring decades of real-world experience to every project.
Jonathan Burke is the founder of JABWORKS and one of the most respected sound designers and engineers working in theater and opera today. With over 30 years of professional experience, Jonathan has designed and engineered sound for productions ranging from intimate black-box theater to major opera stages across the country.
Jonathan has a particular specialty in musicals, bringing an expert understanding of the unique demands of music, voice, and live orchestration in theatrical spaces. He has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted and admired voices in theatrical sound design. He currently serves as Head of Sound Design at UCLA School of Theatre.
jonathan@jabworks.comJulia Pinhey began her career in professional audio 18 years ago as a high school intern on one of Jonathan Burke's sound designs — and she never looked back. What started as an early introduction to the world of live theater grew into a deep professional partnership, and today Julia runs the operations of JABWORKS, overseeing client relationships, project coordination, and the day-to-day business with the expertise of someone who has grown up inside the craft.
Julia is also a talented sound designer and mixer and is the Visual and Performing Arts Director at Santa Susana High School, where she brings her passion for live performance to the next generation of artists.
julia@jabworks.comAjna Geneva works behind the scenes at JABWORKS, keeping the day-to-day operations running smoothly and ensuring that clients, projects, and communications are handled with care, professionalism, and attention to detail.
With a background in artist liaison work, artist management, and contract negotiations, Ajna brings a keen eye for detail and a steady, precise approach to everything she does. Her strengths in logistics, problem-solving, and organization make her an invaluable part of the JABWORKS team — and a trusted go-to for keeping things on track.
ajna@jabworks.comWhat People Say
My company has been renting from JABWORKS for more than fifteen years! Owner Jonathan Burke and Rental Manager Julia Pinhey are the absolute best; up-to-date technology at affordable rates with no drama and a great collaborative spirit. I’ve never been disappointed, and I won’t be looking anywhere else!
Independent Producer, Former Artistic Director @ 5 Star Music Theatricals
JABWORKS is the LA area’s finest boutique sound rental shop. Period. Small enough to care and pay attention to every client, but big enough to flex serious muscles at even the toughest sound projects. And the best part? An authentic appreciation for the art forms they support. If you don’t use them, you should start.
Sound designer, mixer and Head of the Sound Design Program at USC School of Dramatic Arts
I love working with JABWORKS. They are very collaborative with the gear I am looking for and a top-notch crew.
Tony award-winning Sound Designer
Trusted By
One of Southern California's premier musical theater producers, bringing large-scale Broadway productions to the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.
Serving the USC School of Dramatic Arts and Thornton School of Music with professional audio solutions for performances, productions, and educational events.
Los Angeles Opera is one of the leading opera companies in the United States, performing at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in the heart of the Music Center.
One of the nation's preeminent arts organizations, Center Theatre Group is the resident company of the Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, and Kirk Douglas Theatre in Los Angeles.
Award-winning Rubicon Theatre Company in Ventura, CA is dedicated to producing world-class professional theater in an intimate setting.
The Los Angeles Philharmonic is one of the most innovative and forward-thinking orchestras in the world, performing at the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl.
Who We Work With
We are proud to serve an exceptional roster of theaters, opera companies, educational institutions, and organizations across Southern California and beyond.
Behind the Scenes
A look at JABWORKS in action.
![Jonathan working as sound designer and FOH engineer at the Cincinnati Opera (2021). [Photo Credit: Philip Groshong, Cincinnati Opera]](data/gallery/jab-cini.jpg)
Get in Touch
Whether you're mounting a production, building a program, or simply looking for the right equipment — we're here to help.
Sherman Oaks, California
Los Angeles Area
rentals@jabworks.com
1999
