Music Services Manager

About The 5th Avenue Theatre:

The 5th Avenue Theatre is one of America’s leading musical theaters.

As a nonprofit company and our region’s largest performing arts employer, we spread the joy of great musicals, enrich the community with this art form, and give the Pacific Northwest a front-row seat to original powerhouse productions that light up marquees and audiences all the way to Broadway.  Through our nationally acclaimed education programs, we reach more than 75,000 young people with programs designed to develop new musicals and ensure the next generation of great musical storytelling.

We share a core belief that Musical Theatre is critical to uplifting and reflecting the humanity around us, and that The 5th Avenue is a vital resource for Seattle, Downtown, and The Pacific Northwest.  Our diversity of people and talents are unified behind these truths, working hard to make great art and sustain a great work culture of belonging & inclusion.

Applications from those who have been traditionally underrepresented in the theatrical industry are strongly encouraged. We are striving for our staff to be inclusive of a diverse and vibrant community that represents multiple identities, perspectives & influences.

• Position: Music Services Manager
• Department: Artistic
• Reports to:  Senior Director of Artistic Programming
• FLSA Classification: Full-time, salary, exempt
• Compensation: $78,250
• Work Locations: Downtown Seattle. The 5^th Avenue Theatre and administrative office located within Skinner Building (1326 5^th Avenue).

Position Overview:

The Music Services Manager plays a crucial role in the artistic and operational success of The 5th Avenue Theatre by overseeing all aspects of music services for 5^th Avenue productions, special events, and other events that require music creation, direction, or production. The candidate will be responsible for managing and implementing all aspects of the CBA between Local 76-493 American Federation of Musicians and The 5th Avenue Theatre.  The Music Services Manager’s primary focus will be to foster a healthy, positive work environment that supports the creation of music by generating and implementing successful plans and processes regarding hiring musicians, coordinating music production, managing the orchestra during rehearsals/performances, budget creation/management, submitting/managing musician and music staff payroll, and assisting with the implementation and creation of rehearsal schedules.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

Orchestra Hiring:

• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Senior Director of Artistic Programming, visiting conductors, music directors, and/or orchestrators to select and contract musicians for each production, ensuring the orchestra meets each show’s artistic standards and requirements.
• Maintain a knowledge of local musicians.
• Recruit and identify musicians from various backgrounds for projects and to further develop and enhance the artistic vitality of both given projects, and the 5^th Avenue Theatre artistic community as a whole.

Music Production Coordination:

• Work closely with the Executive Director, Director of Artistic Programming, Senior Director of Production, music directors, conductors, and other production staff to ensure seamless integration of music elements into productions.
• Create timelines for key changes, music alterations (creating new orchestrations, altering existing orchestrations), creation of concert or orchestra books, music sides for auditions, and specialty material for 5^th Avenue events.
• Develop staffing requirements for proposed cross-departmental projects with specific attention to what will be needed for both those working on the project, as well as the project itself to succeed.

Orchestra Management:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for orchestra members from recruitment through hiring, contracting, rehearsals, and performances.
• Coordinate logistics and schedules and ensure adherence to union regulations and theater policies. Working to resolve issues with artists through collaboration and mutual problem-solving.
• Assist musicians with parking, ticketing, and other workplace needs.
• Solicit feedback from musicians and music staff about their experiences at The 5th with a focus on learning and developing a more productive, successful process and product.

Orchestra and Music Rehearsal Schedule Assistance:

• Collaborating with Production leadership to develop and assist in managing detailed project-specific rehearsal schedules, ensuring efficient use of rehearsal time and resources.
• Work with guest music directors and conductors to develop their rehearsal schedules and assist them with administrative tasks for them to be successful at The 5^th Avenue Theatre.

Budget creation, oversight, and implementation:

• Create music department budgets and orchestra budgets for both mainstage projects, Education & Engagement activities, and all and department special events where music programming is required.
• Manage and track expenses, with a focus on fiscal responsibility
• Create and submit payroll for musicians working on 5^th Avenue projects, including musician fees, travel expenses, and other related costs in accordance with CBA rules, and 5^th Avenue policies.

Culture and Collaboration:

• Collaborate with multiple stakeholders to create and foster open communication, clarity of expectations, and a welcoming environment for both seasoned professionals and early-career musicians, singers, actors, music directors, and conductors.
• Work collaboratively with artistic, production, administrative teams, and guest artists to achieve artistic and budgetary goals while also maintaining high standards of excellence
• Participate in fostering a culture of inclusion in and out of the rehearsal and performance spaces, by engaging in anti-racist and anti-oppressive practices and support the 5th’s goals to becoming a fully inclusive organization.

Special Considerations:

It is understood that this position will serve as a music director and rehearsal pianist for special events, auditions, and, at times, mainstage productions. The candidate understands that during those times, their administrative responsibilities are still required, and the additional duties as a music director occur concurrently with their administrative work.

• For work as a music director or conductor for new work development, or special events it is understood no additional compensation is provided. However, for the mainstage music director or conducting, additional compensation will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• This role will need to travel as required to fulfill the duties and responsibilities and will work from various locations while traveling to build relationships and partnerships.
• This position will primarily be required to work on-site and in person, with some nights and weekend hours required.

Desired Qualifications and Competencies:

The ideal candidate for this position will possess most of these skills and qualifications, or relevant experience and achievements to help them meet needs of the role.

• A bachelor’s degree or demonstrated equivalent education in music, arts administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Is a trained musician with strong sight-reading and music arrangement skills and ideally plays piano, although candidates who are not piano players will also be given full consideration.
• Proven experience in music administration, preferably in a theatrical setting.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of orchestral practices, union regulations, and industry standards.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with music notation software (e.g., Sibelius, Finale) is a plus.
• Passion for musical theater and a commitment to promoting the arts.

Additional Benefits:

The 5th Avenue Theatre employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, & Vision package; Sick, Personal, & Vacation time; ten paid holidays per calendar year, commuter benefits (Orca Card and reduced-price parking); Life and Disability Insurance; enrollment option in the company’s 401(k) retirement plan and tax-advantage savings accounts; complimentary performance tickets to most shows.

Additional Requirements:
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background and reference checks.

To Apply:

Qualified candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references to careers@5thavenue.org.
Please include Music Services Manager in the subject line.