Ok, I haven't seen other posts on this topic, so here it goes...(long post)

What does your group do to find and attract a music director? Our group's background: we're a smaller sized community theater in a town setting. We've been around for about 30 years, and have had our share of successes. Our season follows a 2 straight shows, 1 musical format. Recent musicals include "Wizard of Oz," "Annie," and "Sound of Music (in production)." We have a reasonable expectation to be sold out for at least half of our 6 show dates for our musicals (500 seats).

We'd like to continue with these kind of shows, but we will need to recruit for next year. Our group hasn't had a "deep bench" in terms of non-acting production roles, and we're losing a quality musical director (being hired full time elsewhere).

A "real" music director is not commonplace. By 'music director,' I mean someone who can actually teach music to diverse skill levels of people, who can summon a rehearsal pianist and a (small) orchestra. What I don't mean by 'music director' is someone who is a good singer, and knows how make/find midi files. If you do know the difference, I'd like your input. (If you don't know the difference, wait until your canned music suddenly stops working in the middle of a show!  >8O )

We do pay a stipend for the music director and a small amount for the orchestra (I'm not sure what it is). I'm somewhat new to the administration affairs of community theatre (not on the board, but I work closely with them), and I'd like to hear what works elsewhere. Our board has been shifting from the old guard to the new guard. Many of the old guard have been disappearing due to moving, or (literally) dying off. We've lost some of the local experience that I could ask these questions of, so I'm posting here.

Thanks!

Okay, places to look for musicians who want work. I would try these  because that is where people call looking for my daughter who is my music director. (Yes, I am very lucky.) Try a local university with a school or college of music. Upper level students and master degree students in performance are excellent choices. They are capable and anxious for the experience, plus they know lots musicians. Ask at a music store.The sales staff will know all of the local musicians. Often they will have a bulletin board and can help put the word out.  Churches are good places too. They all use musicians and mostly just on Sunday. Try voice teachers and piano teachers in the area including those people who work for public schools. You can try other theaters too. I know music directors who work for more then one theater and many will book on a first come first serve basis,so if you can book ahead of time all the better. My daughter is going to be away next year, and I just booked one of her friends for June 2006.   I hope this helps.

Good luck.

Linda

Hi Tom,

I have never actually interviewed a music director with a set of interview questions. I can't imagine the music directors I work with going for an interview unless it was for a full time position or a lot of money. They are hired on reputation and ability. My daughter is hired regularly over the phone by people who have never met her based on reputation. This includes a professional theater company.  

I have hired, with the full support of the board, anyone I chose. The first music director I worked with, at the theater I am with now, had worked for them before. I called her up. We had coffee. She talked. I talked. We talked about a vision for the for show. It jived. I asked  her if she would work with me. (Not for me, with me.) It has pretty much gone like that since. Our theater has a list of music directors that have worked with us and list of potentials. A director and producer for a show decide who they want to hire from the list, or decide to bring in someone new.

The only problem I have had in 30 years was a couple of years ago, when my daughter was studying in Germany. I hired this guy, who I knew. He is a very competent musician. One problem. He kept crying. I never saw him cry before, haven't seen him cry since. Music directing was not for him. We talked. We agreed I was right. He was miserable. I brought in someone else. Everyone is still friends.

I would look for confidence, a good sense of humor.

Good luck in your search.

Linda