Manager, Music Direction

New York, NY
Full Time
Experienced
About RWS Global
As the world’s largest producer of groundbreaking live entertainment, RWS Global creates meaningful connections and customized experiences spanning from theatrical productions to events, multimedia and more. In 2024, the entertainment leaders expanded capabilities into live sporting events with the introduction of RWS Global Sports. 

Headquartered in New York, London, Cincinnati and Sydney with dedicated RWS Studios in NYC and the UK to serve its vast talent pipeline and client base, RWS Global serves major brands and corporations, theatres, cruise lines, sports properties, live venues, parks, resorts and more. Offering end-to-end services from ideation to operations, RWS Global’s team of world-class designers, creators, producers and visionary talent provide unrivaled scale, producing over one million live moments every day and employing over 8,000 individuals worldwide. 
 
The RWS Global roster of clients includes Apple, Azamara, The Coca-Cola Company, Commonwealth Games, Crayola, Europa-Park Resort, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, The FRIENDS™ Experience by Original X Productions, Hard Rock Resorts, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, Holland America Line, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, International Cricket Council, Invictus Games, Lionsgate, Marella Cruises, MSC Cruises, Roompot, Rugby World Cup, Six Flags, Space Center Houston, TUI Group, Vera Wang, Warner Bros., Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway, Chicago the Musical, Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes and more. For more information, visit rwsglobal.com.

Job Summary
Reporting to the Sr. Manager. Music Direction, the Manager, Music Direction is responsible for supporting and maintaining the creation of RWS experiences. This role acts as an in-house music director whose primary responsibility is to teach or re-teach new or existing show material to our casts. The Manager, Music Direction is also responsible for upholding the RWS brand standards and ensuring the creative vision is executed to client specifications.

Role & Responsibilities
  • Directing and rehearsing the talent for our casts and musicians across the RWS Global portfolio.
  • Adding and sustaining a world class pool of Music directors and vocal coaches.
  • Compose, arrange and assist with arrangements, BGV, guide and sick track recordings where applicable.
  • Make edits to arrangements based on adjustments made during Rehearsal/Install – any large adjustments would be made by the original arranger.
Rehearsal
  • Music Direction for talent coming into US HQ Studios or on location, inclusive of teaching own casts and coverage in teaching for Seasonals, when needed.
  • Avail check and initial offer for seasonal Music Directors – Sr Manager, Music Direction to handle contracting and payout.
  • Assist with big picture scheduling for MD coverage across all projects.
  • Ensuring that Technical Manager has all audio files to load into system for Rehearsals.
  • Attend creative runs to give notes.
  • Attend talent welcome meetings.
  • Review, rehearse and provide feedback on cabaret sets for performers, where required.
Maintenance
  • Provide musical documentation and maintain Box organization.
  • When requested, travel on-site to install new experiences and/or ensure company standards are being upheld.
  • Developing/updating set lists, building a base repertoire for each group or venue to share with incoming musicians and keeping in communication with band leaders/onboard Music Directors.
Supporting
  • As needed, assist casting team in recruiting, auditioning, and evaluating potential performers for leading and ensemble roles.
  • Works with Technical Manager on audio technical support in the US Studios.
  • Provide input to Production Manager on cast vocal leadership positions, inclusive of interview process.
  • Working with Production Manager & Manager Creative Integrity to ensure vocal notes are submitted to the talent throughout their time onboard.
  • Working with Production Manager and visits to troubleshoot onboard musical issues.
  • Involved in auditioning processes – potentially viewing self-tapes or may involve attending in-person audition days.
Please Note: While this is intended to be an accurate description of the job, this is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the position, and may require that other or different tasks be performed as necessary and assigned.


Qualifications
  • Experience in the entertainment industry working in theatre or live entertainment settings.
  • A minimum of 2 years in a management position, preferably within a theatre setting.
  • Experience documenting show related materials.
  • Cruise ship and/or Theme Park experience a plus.
  • Extensive experience with Sibelius, Dorico or Finale.
  • Experience in Pro Tools, Qlab and Logic preferable.
  • Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
  • Must be proficient in Excel and MS Office applications.
  • A flexible schedule allowing for approximately 30% international travel.
  • Ability to work 6 days per week when on-site.
  • Motivation, dedication, passion, integrity, collaboration, and self-direction.
Salary: 65k-70K

Company Benefits
•     Progressive PTO 
•     Health benefits- Medical, Dental, and Vision 
•     Paid parental leave 
•     401k  
•     Summer Fridays

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT 

DIVERSE IS WHO WE ARE
Way more than a box to check, diversity is core to RWS Global culture. We value it, promote it, protect it and hire it. All differences are welcome here. We know for a fact that each employee’s individual background, life experiences, knowledge, self-expression, and capabilities are a contribution to our culture, as well as our reputation and achievements. So, bring all of who you are, no questions asked.
 
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