I know that there are websites (like myauditions) in which you can find openings for symphonies and opera orchestras (and of coarse you can check out individual orchestra's websites themselves for auditions), but I was wondering if anyone knows how to audition to be a part of the pit for a Broadway musical? I'm having a hard time finding any "official" websites for Broadway, or any particular musicals. Does anyone know how that works?

Hey Michelle,
I know that www.playbill.com lists some openings. I know someone very well that played in a broadway show. However, they found out thru word of mouth, not thru this website, so I'm not sure how extensive it is for its listings, esp. for instrumentalists.

Michelle, I believe it is a "who you know" kind of gig. Find someone who is involved and play for them.

These are well-paid covetted union gigs. Networking with other free lancers in NYC helped a friend land one. There also are booking agents. Did you read the article about Barbra Streisand's orchestra openning up gigs this summer in B'way. Maybe this is a good time to get a gig with many of the regulars out of town.

Michelle, I don't know what instrument you play - I am only guessing piano from your icon.

If you happen to play a wind instrument, I know the top freelance clarinetist in NYC. Indeed - its about networking, but also being a top player. The freelance woodwind artists in NYC play many instruments and can transpose and sightread anything at the drop of a hat. In fact, I would call those freelance artists some of the best musicians in NYC.

It's about Networking and being a great musician. Start out playing small gigs first and create a reputation for being a solid player. NYC is a smaller town than you think - its always about how well you played your last gig.

Thanks a lot!

PS. I play piano and bassoon, however I want my career to be mostly concentrated w/ the bassoon.

quote:

Originally posted by Michelle:
Thanks a lot!

PS. I play piano and bassoon, however I want my career to be mostly concentrated w/ the bassoon.

Do you also play Oboe? Very few shows have only Bassoon books - it usually doubles with oboe / english horn and sometimes flute and clarinet. Broadway is always looking for ways to cut back the pit - condensing books and even going to canned music are more common than ever before. Again, if Broadway is your goal, that's what the scene is about. Orchestrally, there is a serious lack of top caliber Bassoonists compared with the number of flute, clarinet and oboists in the area - so the odds are in your favor for finding work in the NYC/NJ area.

Contact me offline at gatto97@aol. and I'll pass on John's info. At the very least he can give you some real world advice from the trenches of the Broadway scene.