CALL FOR MUSIC DIRECTOR & PIANIST
For both an upcoming workshop & production for Chromatic Theatre & Handsome Alice Theatre
Chromatic Theatre & Handsome Alice Theatre is currently looking for a Music Director/ Pianist for an upcoming workshop and production of Little Elves, a new musical co-created by Kodie Rollan and Alixandra Cowman.
Interested parties are asked to send a resume and cover letter (in one pdf) outlining their music direction experience in theatre via the following google form: https://forms.gle/RLtjgHkea7UQVbUv7
Applications will be accepted until Friday, April 10, 2026 at 11:59pm.
Cover letters should outline your interest in the project, why you’d like to work for both companies, and your experience as a music director (including how you like to lead a room and participate in an artistic process).
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Little Elves is a new horror-holiday musical loosely based on the folktale of St. Nicholas & the Evil Butcher. The story centers three young elves who after killing their captor, create an elaborate lie in order to survive. A reimagining of a folktale gone wrong, Little Elves brings the audience into a world of lies, deceit, and desperation. It explores a variety of intersectional themes among which are interrogations of “justified” vengeance, IBPOC relationships to religion, abolitionist interventions within cycles of violence, and the longstanding history of Anti-Asian policies and sentiments in Turtle Island (Canada). Overall, the piece asks the question, “when the odds are stacked against you, what will you do to survive”?
The music of the piece is deeply rooted in a variety of folk, country, and pop sounds.
KEY ENGAGEMENT INFO:
The MD/ Pianist is expected to be part of an upcoming workshop which will take place from May 18 – 22, 2026 with working hours from 10am – 6pm. They are also expected to be part of the production which has a rehearsal timeline of September 28 – October 29, 2026, and shows from October 28 – November 7, 2026.
This is a paid position. The fee for the May workshop is $1,000 (+ GST if applicable), and a weekly fee during the production of $1,050/wk for a 6 week engagement period (+ GST if applicable)
Both the workshop and production will take place in Calgary, AB – we are specifically looking for local artists, or artists who can work locally, as we have limited budget for travel and accommodations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Within the workshop, the MD/ pianist will work closely with the composer to explore and devise interstitial music for the production. For both the workshop & production, the MD/pianist will lead and conduct music rehearsals, guiding the actors and band with learning the music of the show, as well as be part of the on-stage band as the pianist during performances. The MD and onstage musicians will also be engaged as ensemble singers. The MD/ pianist is also expected to collaborate closely with the directing team & production team to ensure music aligns with the artistic vision of the show.
QUALIFICATIONS/ REQUIREMENTS:
Previous experience in music direction for the theatre
Shown ability to lead rehearsals, provide constructive feedback, create a clear and balanced sound, motivate performers, and provide a healthy and positive working relationship with all artists in the team,
Strong knowledge of music theory and background with both musical theatre and folk genres and playing styles
Strong piano playing skills, including the ability to improvise
All applicants will be responded to as to the status of their application. Please note that we may invite applicants to have an interview with the team to determine fit.
Applications due April 10, 2026 at 11:59pm. For any questions or inquiries, please feel free to contact Artistic Director, Kodie Rollan at [email protected].
ABOUT CHROMATIC THEATRE:
Chromatic Theatre is a theatre company based out of Moh’kins’tsis (Calgary). We develop and produce work by local racialized (Indigenous, Black, and Persons of Colour) artists. Within our mandate, we are committed to develop and support diverse voices that contribute to an artistic landscape reflecting the spectrum of diversity we see across the country. We do so by creating opportunities for diverse artists and marginalized community groups through the arts, and employing diverse artists and paying them professionally and equitably to strengthen our community of professional artists.
ABOUT HANDSOME ALICE THEATRE:
Handsome Alice is devoted to amplifying women, trans and non-binary voices through theatre works that are inclusive, curious, and rebellious. A performance hive where big ideas meet creation.
