Band Expression of Interest

BAND EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR WAITRESS THE MUSICAL

Broadway's smash-hit musical WAITRESS is baking its way to Australia for the very first time Inspired by Adrienne Shelly's beloved film and brought to life by a trailblazing creative team, including a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson, an original, uplifting score by Grammy winner Sara Bareilles (Love Song, Brave) and direction by Tony winner Diane Paulus, WAITRESS is the irresistible Broadway hit about resilience, friendship and hope that has captured hearts worldwide.

This heartwarming and empowering musical tells the story of Jenna, a small-town waitress and expert pie maker who longs to escape her rocky marriage and start again. When a baking contest, an unexpected new romance and the support of her fellow waitresses offer her a taste of change, Jenna discovers that the secret ingredient to happiness might be closer than she ever imagined.

Sweet, sassy and soul-stirring, WAITRESS is "a little slice of heaven" (Entertainment Weekly) and "made from the finest ingredients" (Time Out). It's a feel-good celebration of second chances, and the magic of a well-made pie.

"A DELICIOUS TALE THAT'S NOT SIMPLY ABOUT GETTING PRINCE CHARMING, BUT GETTING ITS HEROINE TO TAKE ACTION AND DISCOVER HER WORTH" – Variety

If only life were as easy as pie…

Expression of Interest

We are looking for highly skilled musicians with a strong authentic feel for the pop styles of Sara Bareilles, Ben Folds, Elton John, Billy Joel and The Beatles. In this production the band is on stage and very much a part of the show so we are looking for musicians who's personality shines through their playing. Please be aware that all musicians will be required to use in-ear monitors, and these must be supplied by the individual musician.

Unless otherwise noted, all musicians must be Sydney based.

Should you be asked to submit an audition, this will be in the form of a video of yourself playing excerpts from the show.

For consideration please submit a headshot with your current CV/Resume and please include which chair you would like to be considered for.

To Apply

Please submit via the link below by Friday 21 November 5:00pm.

If you have any questions, please contact

Band rehearsals commence in Sydney – approximately the week of 20 July 2026.

Available Positions

Associate Musical Director/Piano

The piano is the musical soul of the show. A skilled musician with advanced chops, strong pop instincts, sensitivity to play delicate underscore, the ability to lead when required, and excellent ensemble skills sitting in the pocket. Experience playing ad lib groove is desirable. This chair is a touring chair and part of the music team. They will be required for rehearsals, understudy rehearsals and warmups during the season and will conduct the show as required by the musical director, so experience conducting and with technology is a plus, but not required.

Location – anywhere within Australia.

This is a fixed term, full time role.

Piano Deputy

The piano is the musical soul of the show. A skilled musician with advanced chops, strong pop instincts, sensitivity to play delicate underscore, the ability to lead when required, and excellent ensemble skills sitting in the pocket. Experience playing ad lib groove is desirable.

This position is a casual basis depending on the needs of the production, playing approximately two shows per week.

Guitar

An experienced musician with strong pop instincts, a commanding personality, great pocket and an instinct for vibe and feel. Comfortable doubling on electric and acoustic. Must be a good slide player. This chair as moments of interaction with the actors and will be required to play a couple of numbers from memory.

Note – this chair is also responsible for tuning the on-stage guitar used by cast in the show and ensuring the correct capo is attached.

This is a fixed term, full time role.

Bass

Fantastic musician with strong pop instincts, a very strong electric player with a good feel for the swung Beatles/Paul McCartney sound and vibe. Two numbers are played on upright (pizzicato) and need to be memorised due to staging requirements. There is no arco.

This is a fixed term, full time role.

Drums

An experienced drummer with great pop instincts, feel and pocket. Solid time and groove is a must. Experience playing with a click is essential.

This is a fixed term, full time role.

Guitar/Cello

A challenging book to play, requires an equally strong guitarist and cellist. Must be comfortable with all techniques including double and triple stopping. A great feel and awareness of the pocket is required. One number on acoustic guitar needs to be memorised due to staging requirements. For the cello, professional-level playing with secure rhythm, tuning and tone across a wide pitch range and comfortable with all techniques including double-stopping. Capable of playing beautiful romantic lines but also digging in and playing rhythmically with the band.

If you would like to submit for this chair please know that we understand there is still time, so if one of your instruments is not up to standard we would still love to see where you are at now and discuss what might be possible in the time we have.

Location – Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.

This is a fixed term, full time role.

Inclusivity Statement

This production recognises the diversity of the Australian performing community and we seek to foster a more realistic and more creative representation of Australia on our stages. We encourage applications from performers of varied experiences, perspectives and circumstance including performers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, performers with disabilities, and performers from all gender identities and body types.