This notice is meant to provide additional information about the skills one needs to possess in order to pass an audition, specifically for the orchestra positions.
The "orchestra", which is not so much an orchestra but rather a band (5-15-piece band), is in charge of providing the music to all the production shows and variety acts. Production shows are 45-50 minute broadyway-style shows that are played to click track. In order to be able to play these shows properly, one must possess strong reading skills and drummers especially need to have a good knowledge of chart interpretation, as large parts of these shows are not supposed to be played literally.
Saxophone players must double on clarinet and flute for these shows. Some of these charts can be quite challenging and thus a good mastery of the respective instruments is a must.
Variety acts also require excellent sightreading skills, especially since these acts typically get on board the day of the show, and will be given only 45-60 minutes to rehearse the show. All musicians must be able to perform that show only a couple of hours later. There is thus not much time to practice the show and most of the "learning" must happen during rehearsal.

The term "sightreading" seems to cause a lot of confusion amongst musicians. When we talk about sightreading, we don't mean merely reading a chord chart, but rather reading full-fledged, note-by-note music notation, which seems to be a dying art.
All musicians must be able to read and play music in many different musical styles, and this includes, classical, jazz, R&B, musical theatre...

A side note for pianists. Some of the artists that come on the ship sing songs from operas. It is thus imperative that you have a good knowledge of classical music, that you can read classical music and that you have the ability to accompany singers and instrumentalists well, especially during "colla voce" style passages.
This doesn't mean that we are looking for classical pianists. The largest part of your job will be to play modern music such as Rock, Pop, R&B and Jazz. Improvisation is not required, but strongly recommended. You must also know your way around a keyboard as there are numerous patch changes. Countless rehearsals have been delayed because pianists don't know their keyboards well enough.

A side note to all drummers. Drummers need to have a very good knowledge of chart interpretation. Unfortunately, drum charts are different in that they don't indicate whether something is to be played literally or whether it is up for interpretation. There is no easy way to learn this, however. Experience is thus a must. There won't be anybody sitting next to you explaining to you how a chart is supposed to be played. You are supposed to be the expert on this.

It is imperative for every single musician to ask himself/herself whether they are a good sightreader or not. A good indication is usually your past experience. If you've played mostly in cover bands where you play by ear or where you merely read outlines of chord changes, chances are that you don't qualify for a sightreading gig. If you've sightread in college and you've been out of college for ten years, chances are that you're rusty.

Finally, keep in mind that knowing when to audition and when to pass up on the opportunity is extremely important for your own future career. If you fail an audition badly, chances are that you will be "red flagged" and some employers won't even give you a second chance. (And rightfully so I may add. A player that barely knows which end of the horn to blow into won't be a perfect candidate 5 months later!)

Be honest about what you are able to do and what not, you will benefit from it in the end.

PS: You can find more info on the topic of auditions on our auditions page. On this page, we've listed all the articles that appear here on the forum and there will be a link to one of our podcasts about the subject.