MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Northern Virginia Performing Arts (NOVAPA) is seeking experienced and collaborative Musical Directors for youth musical-theatre productions at our Leesburg, Virginia location.
The Musical Director will teach the production’s vocal material, support healthy and age-appropriate singing, and collaborate with the Director and Choreographer to prepare students for a polished theatrical performance.
Responsibilities:
Teach vocal music, harmonies, rhythms, diction, dynamics, and musical interpretation.
Prepare and lead organized music rehearsals.
Collaborate with the Director, Choreographer, Production Manager, Technical Director, and other production-team members.
Assess vocal ranges and capabilities during auditions or the early rehearsal process.
Make appropriate vocal-part assignments in coordination with the Director.
Adapt or redistribute vocal material when necessary and properly authorized.
Teach healthy vocal practices appropriate for children and teenagers.
Prepare rehearsal tracks, vocal materials, or practice resources when required.
Track musical progress and identify material needing additional rehearsal.
Coordinate with accompanists, musicians, sound staff, and microphone personnel.
Attend production meetings, sitzprobe, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances as required.
Communicate attendance, preparedness, vocal-health, behavioral, or scheduling concerns to the appropriate NOVAPA administrator.
Maintain professional boundaries and comply with NOVAPA’s child-safety and professional-conduct policies.
Refrain from making unauthorized promises concerning casting, solos, refunds, schedules, or policy exceptions.
Qualifications:
Experience as a musical director, vocal director, accompanist, music educator, or vocal coach.
Strong piano skills are strongly preferred. Applicants should indicate their level of piano proficiency.
Ability to read and teach standard musical notation and vocal scores.
Knowledge of musical-theatre vocal styles and healthy vocal technique.
Experience working with children and/or teenagers.
Strong rehearsal-management, communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to collaborate while meeting individual deadlines and responsibilities.
Degree or formal training in music, musical theatre, music education, or a related field is preferred but not required when supported by significant experience.
Evening and weekend availability is required. Must have reliable transportation.
All selected candidates must complete NOVAPA’s background-screening process, child-safety training, and required onboarding before beginning work.
Location: Northern Virginia Performing Arts, Leesburg, Virginia
Production: Sweeney Todd, Hadestown, Frozen, Little Mermaid, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, Mean Girls, How to Train Your Dragon, Trolls
Rehearsal dates: Depends on the show title. See website for specific dates.
Production dates: Various. See website for more dates of productions. All season long. August 2026 to July 31, 2027. www.northernvirginiaperformingarts.org
Compensation: A stipend of at no less than $1,000 but based on education, position, leadership responsibility, and any certifications you have obtained.
Position type: Part-time, seasonal, and/or production-based
To apply, submit the following to todd@novapa.org:
Résumé
Musical-directing, teaching, or performance résumé
Three professional references-including last 2 supervisors
Description of piano proficiency
Relevant performance recordings, production credits, or portfolio materials
General evening and weekend availability
Northern Virginia Performing Arts provides serious young performers with high-quality training, meaningful performance opportunities, and a professional, safe, and supportive environment.