Today's episode features David White, who works as an upright and electric bassist in the world of musical theatre. David is based in New York City and is currently on tour with the Bridges of Madison County. We talk about his time at the Berklee College of Music and working as a bassist for Royal Caribbean, moving to New York City and getting involved with the theatre scene, a week in the life of a theatre musician, developing networking skills, and much more. Enjoy!

Links:

• David's website
• Shirtwaist Sisters

Interview Highlights

Early Years

• mom choir teacher, dad lighting designer
• started playing drums, then started bass in 6th grade
• attended Berklee College of Music for two years

Working for Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of The Seas for 9 months

• weekly schedule varies depending on the length of the cruise
• production shows made by Royal Caribbean that are played for every cruise
  • three of these productions for David's ship
    • tango show
    • rock song medley
    • Broadway medley
• fly-ons or guest artists
  • people that would come in and just do their one show for that cruise
• big band set / jazz set depending on the show
• generally no days off

Getting into the theatre scene in New York

• David moved to New York with the intention of getting into the theatre scene
• joined the union (802), got the union book and started contacting bassists
• networking principles
• how subbing for a show works

The Zen mindset of playing the same music every night

Typical weekly schedules for a show

• Mondays typically travel day
• Tuesday is opening night for the show
  • morning is free
  • load-in during the afternoon - unpack instrument, get it plugged in, cords taped down, etc.
  • soundcheck at 5 or 5:30 - cast is also getting a walkthrough in the theater (weird entrances for that particular theater, etc.)
  • you get an hour before the show to eat and change
• Wednesday, Thursday, Friday have evening shows (mornings and afternoons are off)
• doubles on Saturday and Sunday
• close the show Sunday, pack up gear and head back to hotel

Gear: what David uses for shows

• upright
• electric
• amp
• accessories

Developing networking skills