Orchestra Director (Conductor)

Responsible for working with the Director in preparing a theatre production for public performance, including learning the show and score, selecting/auditioning orchestra personnel, giving input while casting, rehearsing the orchestra and conducting the performances.  The Conductor and/or the Assistant Orchestra Director works with the Director in scheduling orchestra rehearsals, deciding which cast members need to be there, and what the Director expects to accomplish at each rehearsal.  The Conductor ascertains that any media recording used for rehearsal purposes matches the score materials for vocal and choreography consistency.  They also handle all duties of the Assistant Orchestra Director if it is decided an Assistant is not needed for that production.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with Artistic Director and show Director to choose publisher’s orchestration version.
• Learn the show and score.
• Check score against any recordings that may be used for vocal, choreography or blocking purposes; score should take precedence.
• Attend auditions and make casting recommendations to the Director from a musician’s perspective. 
• Recruit, audition and select orchestra members.
• Ensure that all orchestral/band musicians know and are capable of performing their music.
• Attend several early vocal rehearsals led by Vocal Director and several later cast rehearsals with rehearsal pianist to ensure continuity of musical performance.
• Schedule and lead both orchestra-only rehearsals and orchestra-cast rehearsals in collaboration with the Director, Vocal Director, Choreographer and Stage Manager.  This would include a Sitzprobe. 
• Serve as performance Conductor. If necessary, in consultation with the Production Manager and Director, find a sub.  This should be the Assistant Orchestra Director or Vocal Director.
• Attend production meetings and rehearsals, as needed.
• With assistance from the Assistant Orchestra Director, maintain communication with crew, cast and OTP staff throughout the production.  This would include:
  • upkeep of a show-specific shared Google Sheet containing orchestra members’ names, contacts, instruments and schedule, and  
  • serving as a liaison between orchestra and the rest of the show personnel with regard to social interaction, show merchandise, scheduling and any other necessary communication.