Seussical Music Director - Westonka Community Theatre - Westonka Community Education and Services

Westonka Community Theatre (WCT) is a growing non-profit artistic production company based in the Westonka District and operates in collaboration with Westonka Community Education. We are based in Minnetrista, MN, 20 minutes west of Minneapolis. The mission of WCT is to provide quality theater experiences for residents of all ages and abilities.

POSITION: Music Director for Seussical the Musical

REPORTS TO: WCT Executive Committee through the Board Chair/Producer

TIME: This is a project-based position for the duration of the production of Seussical the Musical. Production meetings start in December; auditions April 29th�May 1st; stage rehearsals begin June 7, 2027. Rehearsals are Mondays through Thursdays, 6�9 pm, with extended time and additional days occasionally during tech week. Tech week is July 17�22, and show dates are July 23, 25, 30, 31, and August 1. The Music Director is expected to attend rehearsals as needed, all music rehearsals, tech week, and at least all performances.  A few public appearances may need to be planned for publicity.

COMPENSATION: $2000 Stipend

The Music Director is responsible for the overall musical direction and instrumental music aspects of the production. The Music Director collaborates with the Director, Vocal Music Director, and WCT Board Chair to ensure that the production is guided by the WCT mission and credo. The Music Director must be cognizant of achieving WCT's goals for community engagement, artistic strength, financial stability, fundraising, and audience engagement. The Music Director provides a unifying musical vision for the production, preparing and leading the orchestra while collaborating with the artistic team to bring the music of Seussical the Musical to life.

*DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:*

* Prior experience as a Music Director for musical theater productions, preferably in educational or local community theater settings.
* Strong keyboard and piano skills, including the ability to accompany rehearsals and support musical learning.
* Experience conducting instrumentalists and working with a live orchestra or pit ensemble.
* Knowledge of musical theater scores, orchestration, musical interpretation, and rehearsal techniques.
* Ability to work with volunteer community members of varying ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.
* Strong collaboration, communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
* A deep understanding of how the music supports the story, setting, drama, and emotional context of the production.
* Ability to collaborate effectively with the Director and Vocal Music Director to establish consistent tempos, musical phrasing, transitions, and interpretations.
* Strong candidates will have a passion for musical theater, experience leading musical productions and/or ensembles, and the flexibility and creativity to meet the needs of a community theater cast and orchestra.
* Availability for scheduled music rehearsals, orchestra rehearsals, Sitzprobe, tech week, and other key production dates as needed.

*PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:*

* Foster a sense of community and belonging among all members of the production team, cast, crew, and orchestra.
* Establish and communicate a unifying musical vision in collaboration with the Director, Vocal Music Director, and Board Chair.
* Attend pre-production, production, and post-production meetings as needed to support planning and implementation of the overall artistic vision.
* Collaborate with the Director and Vocal Music Director during auditions as needed to assess musical readiness and support casting decisions.
* Review the score and establish tempos, musical interpretations, transitions, and other musical elements in collaboration with the artistic team.
* Prepare, organize, and lead the orchestra or pit ensemble for the production, including communicating expectations for preparation, attendance, and performance.
* Coordinate with the Vocal Music Director to ensure the cast and orchestra are musically aligned, including consistent tempos, keys, cues, and transitions.
* Work with the Director, Vocal Music Director, Choreographer, and Stage Manager to develop a rehearsal schedule that supports the needs of the production. Obtain approval from the Board Chair as required.
* Lead orchestra rehearsals and ensure instrumentalists are adequately prepared for rehearsals, Sitzprobe, tech week, and performances.
* Lead the orchestra during Sitzprobe and coordinate with the Vocal Music Director to ensure singers and instrumentalists have adequate time to work together before tech week.
* Collaborate with the Director, Vocal Music Director, and Choreographer regarding musical cuts, tempo adjustments, transitions, and other proposed changes. All changes to the score must be discussed and approved by the appropriate artistic leadership. No unauthorized changes to the music may be made.
* Coordinate with the sound designer and technical team as needed to ensure the orchestra and vocals are balanced and clearly heard throughout the production.
* Provide musical notes, feedback, and guidance to the orchestra and, as appropriate, the cast to support a cohesive and polished performance.
* Communicate rehearsal priorities, musical concerns, and progress with the artistic team and Stage Manager.
* Support the cast and orchestra in achieving a high-quality musical performance while maintaining a positive, inclusive, and encouraging rehearsal environment.

This position is temporary and does not guarantee future employment.