Pit Musician
Funding
Union contracts · Production budgets
Structure
Contract-based · Show-by-show or tour-based employment
Credentials
High-level performance ability · Strong sight-reading and stylistic fluency
Responsibilities
Performing in staged productions
Reading complex scores
Maintaining consistency across long runs
Touring or relocation
Pros
Union protections · Contract stability · Strong crossover skill development
Challenges
Long, repetitive runs · Physical and mental stamina demands · Frequent travel or relocation