Staff Pianist/KTC Music Director

Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM with some weekends

The Department of Dramatic Art is seeking a Staff Pianist/ KTC Music Director to serve as accompanist for one Musical Theatre course each semester as well as the Music Director for the Kenan Theatre Company's 2026/27 season.

Established in 1936, we are the second oldest theatre department in the country. Our faculty members are both scholars and artists, teachers and practitioners, constantly moving back and forth between the classroom and the theatre. PlayMakers Repertory Company ( LORT D theatre) is embedded within the Department and the symbiotic relationship, between the Department of Dramatic Art and PlayMakers Repertory Company, builds upon a more than one-hundred-year legacy. The Joan H. Gillings Center for Dramatic Art is the crucible where students transform learning into practice every day. Our mission is to educate students to think critically and write cogently about the creative and artistic processes of theatre, its literature, and its history.

The Staff Pianist/ KTC Music Director serves as the principal accompanist and music director for the Kenan Theatre Company ( KTC), the undergraduate production arm of the Department of Dramatic Art. This position provides musical leadership, instruction, and performance support for curricular and production activities in collaboration with faculty, guest artists, and the Department of Music. The Staff Pianist/Music Director serves as accompanist and music director for one Musical Theatre course each semester. Responsibilities include leading vocal warm-ups, recording rehearsal and practice tracks, and providing live piano accompaniment for in-class work sessions focused on musical theatre repertoire and scene study. Courses meet twice weekly for 1 hour and 15 minutes. For the annual KTC musical production, the position serves as Music Director, Pianist, and Conductor. In coordination with the Music Supervisor (appointed by the Department of Music), the Staff Pianist supports DRAM 216, the course in which the cast learns and prepares the musical score. Once staging rehearsals begin, the position assumes full music direction responsibilities, providing piano accompaniment for rehearsals and conducting and/or performing with the orchestra for technical rehearsals and public performances. Additional responsibilities may include accompanying auditions for KTC, performing for special events, and collaborating with the Music Supervisor to contract professional pit musicians when student staffing is not sufficient.

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree preferably in the Theatre Arts, and some experience that provides the employee with the functional work experiences needed to perform the work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Ability to operate audio equipment used in live productions.
Professional experience in the arts field.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.