AN AMERICAN MUSICAL
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
[This page will grow as questions emerge.]
TOPICS
About the Show
Politics, Values & Alignment
Experience & Roles
Time Commitment & Schedule
Location & Logistics
Compensation & Costs
Audience, Impact & Beyond
Getting Involved
About the Show
Q: What is the show about?
A: An American Musical is a contemporary, full-length musical set in a small New England diner on Election Day. Through the intersecting lives of ordinary people—immigrants, workers, artists, and neighbors—the show explores fear, hope, responsibility, and belonging during a moment of civic uncertainty. At its core, the show asks a single, urgent question:
What does it mean to be an American?
Q: What is the tone and style of the show?
A: The show is grounded, human, and emotionally direct. While it includes moments of warmth and humor, its overall tone is serious and reflective rather than satirical. The storytelling is character-driven, with music serving emotional truth rather than spectacle.
Q: Is this a workshop, staged reading, or fully staged production?
A: This is intended as a fully staged production, scaled appropriately to the venue. While the work continues to evolve—as all living theater does—the script and score are complete and performance-ready.
Q: How finished is the script and score? Will changes be made during rehearsal?
A: The script and score are finished and have undergone extensive development. Minor refinements may occur during rehearsal, but participants should expect a stable text and music rather than an open-ended workshop process.
Politics, Values & Alignment
Q: Does the show take a partisan political position?
A: An American Musical is not aligned with a political party or candidate. It focuses on the human experience of living in a democracy—how ordinary people respond to fear, division, responsibility, and belonging.
Q: What values or commitments do you look for in participants?
A: We are looking for collaborators who feel a deep and urgent concern about the erosion of freedoms and democratic norms, and who are alarmed by what is increasingly visible in our streets and echoed in the national outcry. This project is rooted in peaceful, creative resistance through music and theater. Participants do not need to share identical views, but they must be willing to engage honestly with themes of democracy, civic responsibility, and social courage. Above all, we value integrity, generosity, and a willingness to place one’s craft in service of something larger than oneself.
Q: What level of political or public exposure should participants expect?
A: Participants should be comfortable being associated with a work that openly engages with civic themes. While the show is not partisan, it is public-facing and values-driven, and that visibility is part of the commitment.
Q: What steps are taken to ensure a respectful, safe rehearsal environment?
A: This project prioritizes mutual respect, clear communication, and professional boundaries. The expectation is that the rehearsal room remains a place of trust, care, and shared purpose.
Experience & Roles
Q: What level of experience and skills are expected of actors and singers?
A: We are seeking experienced, professional-level actor-singers with strong musicianship, reliable vocal technique, and the ability to work collaboratively in an ensemble-driven piece. Participants should be comfortable learning music efficiently, sustaining a role through a full run, and engaging with contemporary, character-centered material. Just as important as skill is professionalism: preparation, dependability, generosity in the room, and respect for the ensemble and the process.
Q: What roles or positions are available?
A: The show is written for
10 actor-singers, along with a
stage director, choreographer, music director, and key collaborators in
sound, lighting, and social media/marketing. Additional production and technical roles may be added as the project takes shape.
GO HERE
for a complete list of acting roles and
GO HERE here for character descriptions.
Time Commitment & Schedule
Q: What is the expected time commitment for actors, directors, and crew?
A: For actors, the expected time commitment is comparable to a small professional production: approximately
4–6 weeks total, including rehearsals, tech, and performances. Rehearsals are typically concentrated on evenings and weekends, with a heavier load during the final two weeks leading into tech and opening.
For directors and designers, the commitment begins earlier and runs longer—often 6–10 weeks—to allow for concept development, meetings, and coordination across departments. Crew members are most heavily engaged during tech week and performances, with lighter preparation beforehand depending on role. All roles are structured to respect professional time while supporting a collaborative, mission-driven process.
Q: What is the overall timeline for the project?
A: While exact dates will be finalized once a venue is secured, a typical production calendar looks like this:
- Weeks 1–4 (Rehearsals):
• Two rehearsals per week
• Each rehearsal 2–3 hours (evenings and/or weekends)
• Focus on music, staging, character work, and ensemble building - Week 5 (Polish & Integration):
• Two rehearsals, 3 hours each
• Full run-throughs and transitions - Week 6 (Tech & Performances):
• Technical rehearsals and cue-to-cue
• Full dress rehearsal(s)
• Three performances (typically Fri/Sat/Sun)
• Informal cast/crew gathering or after-party
The goal is a focused, efficient six-week process that balances artistic rigor with sustainability.
Location & Logistics
Q: Where will rehearsals and performances be held?
A: Rehearsals and performances will take place at a venue (to be determined) in the
Northampton / Amherst / Greenfield area. We are currently in conversation with several appropriate performance spaces and will confirm locations once scheduling and technical needs are finalized.
Compensation & Costs
Q: Are these paid positions (actors, directors, crew)?
A: At this stage, An American Musical is being developed as a
volunteer, pro-bono production by experienced artists who feel personally connected to the project’s mission. While positions are not currently paid, the work is structured to respect professional standards, time commitments, and artistic integrity. Should funding or institutional support become available, compensation models may be revisited.
Q: Where does funding come from?
A: All non-personnel expenses for this production are being covered
out of pocket by the composer. This includes venue rental, rehearsal space, production materials, marketing, insurance, and administrative costs.
Q: Are there any participation fees or personal expenses?
A: There are
no participation fees associated with this project. Participants may be responsible for limited personal expenses such as transportation, meals, or basic wardrobe items, depending on role. Any expected out-of-pocket costs will be communicated clearly in advance.
Audience, Impact & Beyond
Q: Who is the intended audience for this show?
A: The show is intended for adults and mature teens interested in theater that engages thoughtfully with contemporary life and civic identity. It is designed to be accessible without being simplistic.
Q: Are talkbacks or community conversations planned?
A: Talkbacks or post-show discussions may be offered depending on venue interest and capacity. Participation in these conversations is always voluntary.
Q: Is there an intention to remount or further develop the show?
A: Possibly. This production is conceived as both a complete artistic statement and a foundation for future life, should the right opportunities arise.
Getting Involved
Q: How do I express my interest in participating?
A: If this project resonates with you, we invite you to review the materials on this website, including the script and music. When ready, please send a brief letter of interest describing your background, skills, and the role(s) that interest you to
Jack Tierney at drjackmct@gmail.com. Thoughtful engagement is valued, and we look forward to hearing from you.