Phoenix Productions at The Count Basie Center for the Arts
Red Bank, NJ
US

DESCRIPTION

Rate of pay: Stipend of $2500, travel stipend available. Plus $125/ performance for playing the show.

Performances: March 27 - 28, 2026

Phoenix Productions is seeking a Musical Director experienced in the rich tradition of Black music, musicals and stage productions to guide an all-Black cast for its 2026 production of Ain’t Misbehavin’. This is a paid musical leadership role. The MD will lead a six-piece onstage band and collaborate closely with the creative team throughout auditions, rehearsals, and performances. Acting experience is not required.

About the Role

The Musical Director is responsible for all musical elements of the production and serves as the musical leader for the cast and the onstage band. This includes teaching all show music, shaping stylistic interpretation, preparing the ensemble vocally and instrumentally, coordinating with production leadership, and maintaining musical standards that reflect the artistic vision for Ain’t Misbehavin’.

This role requires deep familiarity with stride, swing, and jazz; strong organizational skills; and an ability to support performers through all phases of the production process — from auditions to closing.

Rehearsal Schedule

1. Begins approximately 4–5 weeks before opening, starting the week of February 8, 2026
2. 3–4 evenings per week, scheduled collaboratively
3. Additional band or sectional rehearsals as needed
4. Tech week required

Responsibilities

Auditions & Casting

1. Attend all scheduled auditions and callbacks
2. Provide audition cuts and prepare musical materials as needed
3. Collaborate with the Director and Choreographer on audition flow
4. Offer musical input and recommendations during casting decisions

Music Direction

1. Teach and rehearse all vocal and instrumental music for the production
2. Develop a performance-quality sound that showcases the cast’s strengths while honoring the style of the show
3. Coach the cast on harmony, phrasing, swing feel, timing, and stylistic authenticity.
4. Lead the six-piece onstage band for all rehearsals and performances.
5. Prepare practice tracks or rehearsal materials as needed.
6. Maintain all musical cues, vamps, transitions, and tempi

Rehearsal Leadership

1. Assist the Stage Manager in preparing a rehearsal schedule for all musical work
2. Attend rehearsals involving musical numbers or musical scenes
3. Communicate promptly with the Production Manager regarding any schedule conflicts.

Band Hiring & Management

1. Provide recommendations for band members, ideally prioritizing musicians of color.
2. Verify the availability of recommended musicians for all rehearsals and performances.
3. Coordinate with the Production Manager and Artistic Director on musician approvals
4. Support scheduling and organization of Sitzprobe and any additional orchestra calls.

Production Collaboration

1. Attend weekly production meetings (in person or virtual)
2. Communicate all music-related space and equipment needs
3. Work with the Stage Manager and Production Manager to ensure music, scores, and materials are available at rehearsals
4. Read rehearsal reports and respond to any music-related notes within 24 hours
5. Partner with Sound to achieve a balanced, high-quality live mix

Show Preparation & Maintenance

1. Lead Sitzprobe and integrate cast and musicians
2. Ensure cast and musicians have the correct music and materials
3. Maintain musical quality through brush-up rehearsals during the run
4. Oversee the proper return of all scores and materials after the closing performance

Qualifications

1. Strong stride, swing, and jazz piano skills
2. Musical direction experience, particularly in jazz-based or ensemble-heavy shows
3. Ability to lead, coach, and motivate both cast and musicians
4. Excellent communication and organization
5. Comfort performing visibly onstage (no acting required)

To Apply
Please submit to James Grausam at [email protected]:

1. Résumé or bio
2. Brief note of interest
3. Piano performance sample (jazz or stride preferred)
4. General availability for the rehearsal period

DURATION

Feb 8, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026

SALARY

$2,500.00 – $2,500.00 per year

APPLY BY EMAIL

james…
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