About the Company
Paper Mill Playhouse is a nationally recognized, award-winning not-for-profit theater dedicated to producing new works and revivals of musical theater, educating young artists, and engaging the community. Located in Millburn, NJ, we are a leader in American musical theater, fostering the next generation of performers and creators. Join our passionate team committed to artistic excellence.
Job Description
Paper Mill Playhouse is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Accompanist with a strong focus on dance and theater. The ideal candidate will provide exceptional musical accompaniment for rehearsals, classes, and performances across various dance styles (ballet, modern, jazz, tap) and theatrical productions. This role requires excellent sight-reading abilities, improvisational skills, and a deep understanding of movement and theatrical timing. You will collaborate closely with choreographers, directors, and performers to bring our productions to life. This is a part-time position with an attractive hourly rate and potential for performance-based bonuses.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide skilled piano accompaniment for daily dance classes, rehearsals, and performances across various disciplines including ballet, modern, jazz, and tap.
- Accompany theatrical rehearsals and productions, including vocalists and ensemble work, demonstrating adaptability to different musical styles and tempos.
- Collaborate effectively with choreographers, directors, and instructors to understand their artistic vision and support their teaching and production needs.
- Interpret musical scores accurately while also being able to improvise and adapt music to suit the needs of the moment.
- Maintain a professional and positive demeanor in all interactions with staff, students, and performers.
- Be punctual and reliable for all scheduled rehearsals, classes, and performances.
- Assist with minor musical arrangements or transcriptions as needed.
Required Skills
- Exceptional piano proficiency and sight-reading skills.
- Extensive experience accompanying dance classes (ballet, modern, jazz, tap) and theatrical rehearsals/performances.
- Strong improvisational abilities and musical adaptability.
- Comprehensive knowledge of diverse musical styles and genres relevant to dance and theater.
- Excellent rhythm, timing, and an understanding of movement dynamics.
- Ability to take direction and work collaboratively in a fast-paced artistic environment.
- Professionalism, reliability, and strong communication skills.
- Minimum 3 years of professional accompanying experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Music, Dance Accompaniment, or a related field.
- Experience with vocal coaching and musical direction support.
- Familiarity with various dance methodologies (e.g., Cecchetti, Vaganova, ABT).
- Ability to play other instruments (e.g., keyboard, percussion) is a plus.
- Prior experience in a professional regional theater or university setting.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive hourly wage with performance bonuses.
- Opportunity to work with renowned artists and contribute to acclaimed productions.
- Supportive and collaborative artistic environment.
- Complimentary tickets to Paper Mill Playhouse productions (subject to availability).
- Access to professional development opportunities.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this position, please click the "Apply Now" button below. To ensure your application is properly considered, please prepare the following:
- An up-to-date Resume or CV
- A brief cover letter summarizing your experience and motivation
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
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