In the landscape of pop music and film scoring, theatre composition is an often overlooked music medium. But writing for theatre provides a wealth of creative opportunities and platforms, from pantomime to incidental music and fringe theatre to the RSC.
So how do you get started? Award-winning writer, composer, comedian and musician Vikki Stone shares her insider info.
Watch theatre
It sounds obvious, but know your market. Composing for theatre is such a wide field, so go and watch the sort of shows you’d like to write for, and have a look at the creative team involved.
Be prepared to learn new skills
Many composer jobs in the theatre are often combined with other roles – these include musical director, music supervisor and sound designer. This applies to shows at every level. Many of my composing jobs have required me to fill two (or more) roles.
How complicated these additional roles are very much depends on the specific show. Sound designer/composer is the most common pairing, so getting to grips with Q Lab (which is the industry standard software for most theatres) would be a very good start when looking to gain new skills.
There are also many theatres and organisations that offer assistant musical director roles that come with mentorship. These include the British Youth Music Theatre and London Musical Theatre Orchestra. It’s always worth asking your local theatre if they have any shadowing opportunities if you are looking for experience as an assistant MD.
Start small
Fringe theatre is a great place to start, and this doesn’t just mean the Edinburgh Fringe. Many cities have theatre festivals, so get to know your local fringe theatre scene and build your connections and skills from grass roots level. You’d be surprised who you build creative relationships with along the way. Last year I made a prime time TV show, with someone who first met me 12 years ago on a fringe show.
It takes a village
Once you’re making theatre shows, then the most important thing is to collaborate with your other creatives. You’d be surprised how many don’t. Theatre is a team effort, and great shows are only made when every department is listening and working together.
Look beyond the obvious commissioners
It’s usually senior producers who will commission a theatre composer, but not always. The larger venues will have a head of music – we’re talking places like The National Theatre and The RSC – whereas the vast majority won’t.
The writer will also have contractual sign off on who is composing on a show, and directors usually also have a say. If you’re looking to get into theatre composing, it’s worth building relationships with early career writers and directors.
