What Does a Music Director Expect Actors to Know in Rehearsal?

This varies by production, but I can tell you what a music director usually does not expect: they do not expect every actor in the room to have a music degree. They know they are working with performers. What they generally do expect is that you pay attention, learn the material, and understand enough of the language being used that rehearsal can keep moving.

You should be able to find where we are. If somebody says “measure 72,” find measure 72. I know this could sound basic, but it is also one of the easiest ways to lose rehearsal time. Everyone is ready to go and someone is still flipping through seven pages trying to figure out where everybody went. Write things in your score. Circle things. Make whatever markings help you.

Your music does not need to remain in museum condition.

Write down corrections. If the music director fixes something, mark it. Please. There is nothing less exciting than giving the exact same correction four times. I promise we remember.

Ask when you genuinely do not understand. I would rather somebody ask what a term means than nod confidently and do the wrong thing for the next twenty minutes. There is no prize for pretending.

You are allowed to say: “Can you show me what you mean there?”

That is normal.

What if you are not a strong music reader? Then know how you learn. Maybe you need to hear the part, need to record it, or maybe looking at the contour on the page helps even if you cannot identify every note. Use the approach that works for you.

You are not suppposed to be a music theory expert. We do not expect that. But we do expect you to show up and be prepared to do your job.