I play the flute (if you hadnt guessed by the username!) and I've been thinking about what kind of jobs I would like to do before I start applying for uni and music colleges etc etc.

I was wondering if anyone had any information on musicians who play for musicals or plays in theatres? I think that would be a fantastic job! And something I would really enjoy. How do people become employed in that area of work?

any info would be much appreciated!

Thanx

Iz

On the amateur circuit it's entirely word of mouth as far as i know. Being a flautist is rather a disadvantage in securing such work, I'm afraid: there are an awful lot of flautists!

Liz

This is not an area I have direct experience in, but I do know that flautists often have to double on single-reed instruments for this type of work. You may need to ensure you are proficient on clarinet and sax as well as flute. This may have implications for your flute embouchure.

I agree - on the amateur circuit it's word of mouth. Once your 'in' they don't let go of you!
David

and do not expect to make a living at it! Even on the bigger circuits where the money is good it is still not what you know but who you know.

I played the piano for my local amateur dramatic society. I think the orchestra got paid £100 each which was for 6 performances and rehearsals. It's good fun but is a commitment that you don't get paid well for.

Thankyou for all your replies. I've been teaching myself clarinet for a few years now but maybe it would be god for me to start having proper lessons and take exams. I think it would be a great experiance to have, however like you said, its not very well paid - but it would be a great hobby or thing on the sidelines - whatever I go on to study at university. Thanx for the info

Good luck too!

You may find there's a lot of scope for performance at theatres, just maybe in the realm of sampled / computer-aided live music as well as acoustic performance. I'd keep your ear to the ground - and if something sounds vaguely interesting, go for it. Could you get to know any actors / directors / lighting people / stage managers / costume designers? They might have an "in" on what's going on at a local theatre...

My daughter's sax teacher (who's also a friend of ours) plays professionally for pantos, shows, tours etc. and yes, it's definitely word of mouth and "friends of friends". The main trick seems to be to get that first booking.

I don't think you'd get away with just one instrument either, as most orchestra pit musicians have to be multi-instrumentalists. As a sax specialist he takes a soprano, alto & tenor sax plus clarinet and flute if they're needed. That lot don't come cheap!

Good luck though - he really enjoys doing it!

As far as amateur productions go, look out in your local paper for local groups advertising auditions or just phone up local amateur dramatics groups and offer your services. I'm involved with an amateur group, who all perform for free, but we pay the musicians. I'm not sure how common that is.

F
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P.S. I bet the West End production of Chicago is fun to play for - up on stage all the way through!

Thanx for the extra info. I think hving clarinet lessons would help me tremendously. I do alot of local productions and I think generally the musicians do get paid (and the acting is done for free) I'm going to be involved in a musical later this year so I may get talking to people in the band and see what they suggest. It would be great to do - even if its just something enjoyable to do in the evenings!

Thanx very much for your help. I have 2 years of difficult decision making ahead of me!