Musical Director (Saturdays, term time)

Musical Director (Saturdays, term time)

The Musical Theatre Centre Closing date: Wed, 03 Feb 2027

Artform: Performing arts
Role: Creative
Contract: Contract
East
London
South East

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled musical director with an interest in working with young people (aged 7-19) to musically direct the R&D and workshop performance of a new song cycle/musical. Fixed term: March to June 2027, paid at £35.00 per hour.

Job Description

We are based in Chelmsford, Essex, just ~35 minutes on the train from London Liverpool Street, and a further 5-10 minute walk from the station.

Our 2027 performance project involves all students being involved in the creation of a new song-cycle/musical. You will be engaged from March, to be a creative voice in and accompanist for auditions. Following the Easter holidays (ie. from mid-April), you will lead music rehearsals in a similar fashion to a standard musical theatre/new musical rehearsal process, with the support of a professional Director, in addition to our in-house staff team, who will take on roles including Composer, Choreographer, and Stage Management.

In June, you will lead, conduct, and play in, a live band for one band call, a sitzprobe, a "dress rehearsal" and then a relaxed, workshop-style performance to a small invited audience.

Dates and times of engagement are Saturdays during school term-time, from March 2027, 10am to 1pm, in addition to extended hours on two Saturdays in June (to accommodate band calls & sitzprobe) and one full Sunday in June (for the performance).

This position is paid at £35.00 per hour, with the full Sunday paid at a day rate of £200.00.

The song cycle will be composed by our Owner and Director, Ashton Moore: a multi-award-winning composer and musical creative, and winner of the 2025 Stiles & Drewe Best New Song Prize.

Job Requirements

Essential:
- Highly skilled pianist, confident sight-reading and playing contemporary musical theatre and pop/rock
- Previous experience MDing at a professional level
- Previous experience piano-conducting a live band
- Positive, engaging, friendly personality
- Enhanced DBS checked, or prepared to be if offered the role

Desirable:
- Previous experience working with young people
- Previous experience working on new musical theatre
- Good knowledge of vocal technique & vocal health

Job Responsibilities

Duties in line with standard industry expectations for a piano/conducting musical director working on a new musical. There is no expectation to contribute to arrangements or copy work.

Useful Links

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Musical Director (Saturdays, term time)
  • Salary: £50k+ (pro-rata)
  • Hours: Part time
  • Artform: Performing arts
  • Role: Creative
  • Contract: Contract
  • Closing date: Wed, 03 Feb 2027
  • Location:
    East
    London
    South East

How to Apply

Apply through the application pack using the Apply Now link, or by selecting Opportunities >> Work With Us on our website.

Please apply by 5pm, 3 February 2027.