Musical Director - Springer Opera House

The Springer Opera House is a non-for-profit professional theatre that produces 11 shows annually with some of the nation's most sought after talent from Los Angeles to New York. It is the home of the Springer Theatre Academy, the largest theatre training program for young actors in the Southeast. Built in 1871, the Springer is on the registry for National Historic Landmark and was named the State Theatre of Georgia by Governor Jimmy Carter in 1971.

STATEMENT OF JOB: The Musical Director is responsible for the overall quality and integrity of the vocal and instrumental components of all Springer Opera House musical productions, including Main Stage, Studio, and Children’s Theatre productions. The Musical Director is hired and answers to the Artistic Director and Director of Production. The Musical Director collaborates with the Director, Choreographer, Stage Manager, Conductor, Orchestra, Audio Engineer, and Production Team in preparing a theatre production for public performance. The Musical Director will also collaborate with the Springer Theatre Academy to assure proper musical training to all Theatre Academy students. 

DUTIES 

• Collaborate with the Director to determine the vision of the show and support that vision throughout the process including communicating all musical needs to the Director, Director of Production, Audio Engineer, Stage Management, etc. in a timely manner. 
• Decide in conjunction with the Director and the Conductor on the size and composition of the orchestra needed, using local musicians wherever possible, bearing in mind budget guidelines provided. 
• Review all scores in advance of rehearsals and consult with the Director and Choreographer on the size and composition of the ensemble needed based on the approved budget, communicating any necessary adjustments to the score. 
• Attend all auditions, vocal rehearsals, tech, dress rehearsals, and strike for a production 
• Lead vocal rehearsals for the purposes of teaching vocal score to the cast, ensuring that they have a clear understanding and can successfully interpret the score. This includes encouraging good vocal technique to ensure that they can perform the music as needed, while also promoting safe vocal practices. 
• Supervise and provide direction to accompanists as needed. 
• Hire conductors and on occasion serve as conductor when needed. Collaborate with the conductor and approve orchestra rehearsal to provide for effective preparation of the orchestra for performance. 
• Collaborate with the Audio Engineer to provide appropriate mix levels and suitable amplified vocal and instrumental sound. 
• Serve as Lead Teacher for the Musical Theatre class during the summer Springer Theatre Academy session and teach additional Academy classes and/or workshops during the regular season when the production schedule allows as agreed upon by the Artistic Director and Academy Director.
• Collaborate with the Artistic and Education Staff to develop educational opportunities to improve mainstage ensemble quality and to identify and nurture young talent. 
• Collaborates with the Production Stage Manager to organize and safely move the orchestra set-up from the rehearsal hall to the pit, ensuring a safe and quality experience for the orchestra. 
• Supervises the storage and up-keep of musical instruments owned by the Springer Opera House including the regular contracting and scheduling of piano tuners. 
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Artistic Director. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• An understanding of the musical needs of a large-scale musical production. 
• Experience in teaching music to large ensembles in a musical theatre setting. 
• An ability to integrate performers who have limited vocal ability or unique vocal qualities. 
• Experience/training in music theory, musicianship, sight-singing, ear-training, and basic piano playing. 
• Experience in conducting and preparation of accompanying instrumentalists in a fashion that balance vocalists. 
• Competency in working with electronic and amplified sound. 
• Understanding of the professional musical theatre market and maintaining connections to current musical theatre practices. 
• Experience in teaching music to young performers of a variety of age ranges. 
• Ability to effectively work and collaborate with others. 
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and supervisory skills 
• Ability to work independently and maintain deadlines. 
• Positive and flexible attitude

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to rgossett@springeroperahouse.org