We Are MUSE
Presenting MUSE: Musicians United For Social Equity. Join us for our inaugural event as we discuss MUSE's aim to cultivate more racial diversity in the music departments of the theater industry. Our coalition is motivated to create pathways for musicians of color, particularly Black and Brown artists, who are seldom granted access to high-level positions in theatrical music departments. In this panel with some of our core founders, we will talk about MUSE and its central values, laying out the programs and events that we plan to provide for our members and advocates as we move towards more equitable representation in our profession.
Accessing Your Skills
A conversation with five MUSE founding members as they discuss how their musical training prepared them for a thriving career in theater. There are very few educational programs for musicians aiming for Broadway, and thus a lack of exposure to musical theater as a profession, especially for Black and Brown artists. Join us as we examine how the skills that most musicians have been acquiring on-the-job have already laid a foundation that will allow them to flourish as theater professionals.
Creative Orchestration for Small Ensembles
One of the best compliments an orchestrator can receive is that upon hearing their orchestration, the listener was certain that there were more instruments populating the pit. In the shifting landscape of musical theater, today’s orchestrators are often finding themselves tasked with creating a sound that goes above and beyond the instrumentation they are working with. Join MUSE founding members as they share their expertise and creativity with you, offering tips on choosing the right instrumentation and writing for them in a way that will feel expansive, dynamic, and ultimately thrilling.
MUSE Holiday Mixer
Come ring in the New Year with the founding members of MUSE so we can officially welcome you to our community!
Music Direction Essentials
Being a successful musical director demands a number of skills that go beyond good musicianship. The musical director's ability to lead, guide, and inspire the room is of utmost importance and can truly lift a production. In this special panel with MUSE Founding Members, you will hear tips and advice from some of the best and most dynamic musical directors working in musical theater today. If Music Direction is something you are interested in pursuing, you won’t want to miss this special event.
Q+A: Michael Mitchell
Join us in a discussion with MUSE Founding Member Michael Mitchell, where he will share his knowledge, answer questions about his career, and get to know you!
Note: This event is open to MUSE Directory members only.
Meet Harold Wheeler
If you don’t know Harold Wheeler, now is your chance! Meet this trailblazing Black artist who has built and shaped the musical theater landscape through his orchestrations of shows like Dreamgirls, Hairspray, and The Oscars. Spend time with Mr. Wheeler in this candid interview that will be moderated by Founding Member Kenny Seymour.
Black Founding Member Roundtable
Join MUSE’s Black Founding Members for a roundtable discussion about their personal experiences climbing the ranks in a predominantly white industry. Moderated by MUSE Directory Member Missy Hardy, this event is open to all in celebration of Black History Month!
Meet Linda Twine
If you don’t know Linda Twine, now is your chance! Meet this trailblazing Black artist who has built and shaped the musical theater landscape through her music direction of shows like Caroline or Change, Jelly’s Last Jam, and The Color Purple. Spend time with Ms. Twine in this candid interview that will be moderated by Founding Member Joseph Joubert.
Black Founding Member Roundtable
Join MUSE’s Black Founding Members for a roundtable discussion about their personal experiences climbing the ranks in a predominantly white industry. Moderated by MUSE Directory Member Sean Mayes, this event is open to all in celebration of Black History Month!