Broadway Musicians

Equity Partnership

What We Do

Are you a professional musician interested in learning more about Broadway orchestras, but have never had the opportunity?

The Broadway Musicians Equity Partnership is providing access and learning opportunities for musicians from underrepresented communities to learn about playing in the musical theater industry.

Through a hands-on, three-month program, professional musicians who want to learn more about the Broadway industry will have a chance to gain exposure, learn a book, and practice with Broadway professionals.

About Us

Developed in August 2021 by a group of Broadway musicians, music directors, and former Local 802 Executive Board members, BMEP aims to achieve a common goal of expanding access and of sharing knowledge of the unique skills of musical theater playing with musicians from historically underrepresented communities, including those of color, with disabilities, and from the nonbinary and transgender communities.
We will work together with Music Directors, Management, Production, Union Representation and Musicians to:
- Develop an environment to present the unique skills required to succeed in a Broadway show to musicians who have historically been excluded from this professional genre.
- Expand networking possibilities and employment opportunities for musicians from underrepresented communities.
A three-month program of one-on-one partnerships, workshops and networking opportunities that explore unique skills associated with playing in the theater. Program participants may elect to take part in a final project which will consist of a rehearsal alongside Broadway musicians in a hands-on learning environment.
Timeline: A pilot program will run for three months with a target start date in early September 2023.
Training Facilitation: Facilitator will give participating Broadway Professionals a foundational framework to a) approach their partnerships with practical skills; b) develop an awareness of unconscious bias; and c) utilize civility, cultural competency and sensitivity within their partnership, as well as in the workplace. Training session will be 60-90 minutes.
Equity Partner Meetings: Broadway Equity Partners will meet in person to discuss the unique skill set of the Broadway musician, “shadow train” in actual Broadway pits, network, and share ideas and advice.
Workshops and Networking: Access to 2-3 workshops (in-person or virtually) with guest speakers ranging from Broadway Music Directors, Contractors, Orchestrators and other Broadway musical professionals. These workshops can give a greater context to the working environment on Broadway and also offer critical networking opportunities.
Final Project: A hands-on playing experience combining participants to create a side-by-side learning environment.

Participating Musicians

Interested in becoming a visiting partner for our next cohort of professional musicians to learn about playing in Broadway orchestras and gain exposure to the industry?

Apply to join our next cohort!

Apply

Broadway Chair Holders

Want to have a positive impact on diversity in Broadway orchestras?

Fill out our short questionnaire to be a chair holder adviser and we’ll match you with a visiting partner who plays the same instrument as you. Our first cohort will run from September to December 2023.

Sign Up