Help Please

Wow Walter Muso ummmm but of an overreaction there. I'm shocked that you responded so strongly to a mere "wanted" ad. Noone else would react the same way if the "wanted" ad was requiring a hired hand, or an apprentice. That being said, I agree in theory to your comment. Being a bit of a music purist myself, I kinda feel that one shouldn't start rehearsals for a musical without acquiring a pianist first. In fact, in a perfect, more professional world MD's would be accomplished pianists as well as the other "bells and whistles" but this is amateur theatre. People like that don't grow on trees, even professionally, let alone amateur. As someone who makes a professional living solely out of playing piano, I have to say that I would still be willing to do shows for free, given the right one. For the mere fact that I love the overall experience. And I'm not alone. I know of plenty of professional pianists who take the "biggest pay cut of all" simply for the thrill. But when KTW claims that they've "exhausted all avenues", I believe it. Doing shows for free is one thing, but when it starts to cost you an arm and a leg (petrol, food, having to forego other gigs) then there should be some sort of reimbursement in the form of, say, an honorarium. Something that doesn't necessarily mean you got paid, but brings you back on an even keel, rather than in the red, so to speak. Kwinana is a blessed long way away for some people so, unless you can do either one of two things: 1. Pay the pianist a small amount to cover the fuel or 2. Find someone who lives locally then maybe musicals aren't appropriate for the theatre. And before anyone goes and complains about having to pay the musicians I'll say this. I act on stage wayyyy more than I play in the pit ('cause I prefer it) and I've seen it from both points-of-view. I believe strongly that, if you want to have a GREAT band, you have to offer something. Some talented musos will do it for the after party (I know of several, you crazy cats), some wont do it without some form of payment. You've got to accept the fact that, quite often, they're the professionals, not you.