The BOOK WRITER writes the book of a musical, specifically the spoken words that are not the lyrics, or the words of each song. BOOK WRITERS help provide a blueprint for the actors and creative team from which to work as they develop a show. They help craft the musical or show’s plot, character development, and structure, specifying stage directions and dialogue. Sometimes they can also be the lyricist of the show.

The COMPOSER creates all the original music in a production, from short incidental music for specific scenes to an entire score for a musical.

A DRAMATURG works with the PLAYWRIGHT/BOOK WRITER, DIRECTOR, and/or ARTISTIC staff to help them have a deeper and more accurate understanding of a production.

A LYRICIST creates and writes the words for the songs in a musical production.

The MUSICAL DIRECTOR is in charge of all music-related aspects of a production.

The ORCHESTRATOR works with the COMPOSER to bring the score to life and plans for the specific musical needs of a production.

A PLAYWRIGHT is the person who writes the script or play that becomes the show.

The VOCAL ARRANGER works with the actors to bring a story’s music to life.

A VOCAL DIRECTOR works with performers to strengthen and teach vocal techniques.