Jane Best is a NYC-based music director, pianist, and educator originally from the Philadelphia area. She is a passionate artist who loves to work on musicals in all genres and styles, with all ages. Recent projects include SIX: The Musical, Burn the Floor, and Jersey Boys with Norwegian Cruise Line; The Theory of Relativity and Spring Awakening at the University of Montana; Cinderella, Pippin, Bonnie and Clyde, and Mamma Mia at Summer Repertory Theatre; and various composition and cabaret projects around the country. Jane received an MFA in Music Direction at the University of Montana in Missoula, MT and her undergrad degree in Music Education from Gettysburg College.
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Music DirectorAs a music director, Jane's passions lie in working with actors, interpreting scores, and musical storytelling. She enjoys the way that music directors are a part of the entire theatrical process, from early production meetings through conducting or playing the run of the show. Music directing combines her three primary passions- music, theatre, and education- in a way that is exciting, challenging, and always unique.
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PianistAs an pianist, Jane enjoys playing in varied styles and ensembles. Her specialties and interests include contemporary musical theatre and rock/pop music. She loves to work as a collaborative pianist for voice lessons, musical theatre ensembles, and school choirs.
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Composer/Lyricist.As a writer, Jane loves to explore a wide variety of genres and styles. Her original musical, Welcome to the Void, co-written with Elli Caterisano, was produced, filmed, and streamed as a part of UM's Spring 2021 Mainstage Season. Her short play Some Things Never Change was published in a collection of short plays for StagePartners. She has also written for Fort Peck Summer Theatre's Children's Tour, Porter-Gaud School Choir, and Zootown Cabaret. Other writing credits include Spin Rate, a show with book and lyrics by Jadd Davis and music by Jane Best, and the book, music, and lyrics for Take A Chance.
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