"A DELICIOUS TALE THAT'S NOT SIMPLY ABOUT GETTING PRINCE CHARMING, BUT GETTING ITS HEROINE TO TAKE ACTION AND DISCOVER HER WORTH" – Variety
If only life were as easy as pie…
Broadway's smash-hit musical WAITRESS is baking its way to Australia for the very first time Inspired by Adrienne Shelly's beloved film and brought to life by a trailblazing creative team, including a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson, an original, uplifting score by Grammy winner Sara Bareilles (Love Song, Brave) and direction by Tony winner Diane Paulus, WAITRESS is the irresistible Broadway hit about resilience, friendship and hope that has captured hearts worldwide.
This heartwarming and empowering musical tells the story of Jenna, a small-town waitress and expert pie maker who longs to escape her rocky marriage and start again. When a baking contest, an unexpected new romance and the support of her fellow waitresses offer her a taste of change, Jenna discovers that the secret ingredient to happiness might be closer than she ever imagined.
Sweet, sassy and soul-stirring, WAITRESS is "a little slice of heaven" (Entertainment Weekly) and "made from the finest ingredients" (Time Out). It's a feel-good celebration of second chances, and the magic of a well-made pie.
Expression of Interest
We are looking for highly skilled musicians with a strong authentic feel for
the pop styles of Sara Bareilles, Ben Folds, Elton John, Billy Joel and The
Beatles. In this production the band is on stage and very much a part of the
show so we are looking for musicians who's personality shines through their
playing. Please be aware that all musicians will be required to use in-ear
monitors, and these must be supplied by the individual musician.
All musicians must be MELBOURNE based.
Should you be asked to submit an audition, this will be in the form of a video
of yourself playing excerpts from the show.
For consideration please submit a headshot with your current CV/Resume
and please include which chair you would like to be considered for.
To Apply
Please submit via the link below by Friday 5 December 5:00pm.
If you have any questions, please contact
Band rehearsals commence in Melbourne – approximately the week of 20 April 2026.
Available Positions
Piano Deputy
The piano is the musical soul of the show. A skilled musician with advanced chops, strong pop instincts, sensitivity to play delicate underscore, the ability to lead when required, and excellent ensemble skills sitting in the pocket. Experience playing ad lib groove is desirable.
This position is a casual basis depending on the needs of the production, playing approximately two shows per week.
Guitar
An experienced musician with strong pop instincts, a commanding personality, great pocket and an instinct for vibe and feel. Comfortable doubling on electric and acoustic. Must be a good slide player. This chair as moments of interaction with the actors and will be required to play a couple of numbers from memory.
Note – this chair is also responsible for tuning the on-stage guitar used by cast in the show and ensuring the correct capo is attached.
This is a fixed term, full time role.
Bass
Fantastic musician with strong pop instincts, a very strong electric player with a good feel for the swung Beatles/Paul McCartney sound and vibe. Two numbers are played on upright (pizzicato) and need to be memorised due to staging requirements. There is no arco.
This is a fixed term, full time role.
Drums
An experienced drummer with great pop instincts, feel and pocket. Solid time and groove is a must. Experience playing with a click is essential.
This is a fixed term, full time role.
Guitar/Cello
A challenging book to play, requires an equally strong guitarist and cellist. Must be comfortable with all techniques including double and triple stopping. A great feel and awareness of the pocket is required. One number on acoustic guitar needs to be memorised due to staging requirements. For the cello, professional-level playing with secure rhythm, tuning and tone across a wide pitch range and comfortable with all
techniques including double-stopping. Capable of playing beautiful romantic lines but also digging in and playing rhythmically with the band.
If you would like to submit for this chair please know that we understand there is still time, so if one of your instruments is not up to standard we would still love to see where you are at now and discuss what might be possible in the time we have.
This is a fixed term, full time role.
Inclusivity Statement
This production recognises the diversity of the Australian performing community and we seek to foster a more realistic and more creative representation of Australia on our stages. We encourage applications from performers of varied experiences, perspectives and circumstance including performers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, performers with disabilities, and performers from all gender
identities and body types.