MUSE (Musicians United for Social Equity) is partnering with Maestra on a new intensive that will give early-career music directors a look behind the scenes of Broadway's Wicked. The three-week program will see one musician shadowing the production's music team through rehearsals, auditions, and performances.

"MUSE and Maestra are dedicated to bringing racial equity to the music theatre industry, as well as to supporting visibility to women and non-binary musicians and music directors,” says MUSE founding member (and Wicked's original associate conductor) Alex Lacamoire and Maestra Chief Program Officer Judy Yin-Chi Lee in a joint statement. "We are very excited to launch this initiative with Wicked, which will give one aspiring music director a hands-on, front row seat to the work that goes into keeping one of Broadway’s biggest hits in top musical form. Through this exposure, and upcoming experiences at other Broadway musicals, MUSE and Maestra aim to foster a more equitable industry and a pipeline for people of color, women, and non-binary musicians to forge careers on Broadway.”

The opportunity is being offered to MUSE and Maestra Directory members who are emerging music directors and based in the NYC and Tri-State area. The person selected will observe cast rehearsals and performances from both the orchestra pit and sound board, along with studying one of the show's three keyboard parts. The person will also work with the production's music director one-on-one for practical playing and conducting experience. Some experience music directing is required for consideration. A modest paid weekly stipend will be provided.

The program plans to expand in the future with similar programs in conjunction with the Broadway productions of Hamilton, The Book of Mormon, The Lion King, Aladdin, and Moulin Rouge!

Applications for the three-week program will be accepted through 11:59 PM ET July 10, with selected participants notified by July 20. To submit an application, click here.