Mandolin, strings, and guitars Shedd Aquarium events Shedd Aquarium

The creative team overseeing a series of fall live events at Shedd Aquarium is seeking musicians for two short but high‑profile performances.

We will be hiring one player on each of the following instruments:

• Mandolin
• Violin
• Cello
• Acoustic Guitar
• Electric Guitar

Each fall, Shedd Aquarium hosts a high-profile black tie gala event supporting the aquarium’s education, conservation research, environmental restoration, and advocacy efforts. Shortly after is Blu:
The Next Wave, a similarly themed but more casual event hosted by the Auxiliary Board, a group of young professionals and community leaders who support Shedd through volunteerism, public engagement, and fundraising.

The centerpiece of both events is a spectacular aquatic presentation in Shedd’s Abbott Oceanarium featuring live musicians, prerecorded narration, and large‑scale video. The piece is designed to connect deeply with the audience and inspire reflection, wonder, and renewed commitment to Shedd’s mission.

Though brief, the production is complex and requires precision, adaptability, and close collaboration with Shedd’s animal care and technical teams. Overall, it is one of the most unique and rewarding gigs you’ll play.

This year’s performance features an eclectic instrumental ensemble with a ten voice choir. Some music will be instrumental‑only, some a cappella vocals only, and some with everyone together. Music Director Tobi Mattingly will hire and rehearse all musicians, who must be fully available for all rehearsals and performances for both the gala and Blu (dates below) to be considered
.

Musicians may be positioned far apart within the cavernous Oceanarium, and three instruments (violin, acoustic guitar, and mandolin) will be mobile in the space for at least one song. In‑ear monitors and click are used to maintain coordination with each other, the media, and other technical elements. Prior experience working with tracked media is a plus but not required (several past performers have successfully used in‑ears for the first time in this setting).

Musicians are expected to provide their own instruments (including peripherals like amp and pedal board if required). All sound gear will be provided, though musicians are welcome to use their own IEMs provided they are compatible with our system.

Moody underscore, built on chromatic but rhythmically pulsing style like Radiohead. The finale is a rousing feel‑good melody to leave the audience in high spirits.

The performance requires a high degree of flexibility. Musical segments are written with built‑in loops and transitions that allow them to be extended or shortened on the fly as needed for animal segments. We’re especially interested in performers who can adapt smoothly in changing circumstances, as well as those comfortable with improvisation.

Rehearsals all take place in the week leading up to each performance, but there is considerable communication in the weeks prior to the event. This is a complex environment with a lot of moving parts, and most of the critical information is conveyed via email. Your communication, quick and thorough response to queries, ability to follow instructions, and attention to detail throughout the audition process will be evaluated as much as your musical ability.

Please note that while this schedule may look intense for the relatively short performance, it is designed around the technical needs of the space, the safety of the animals and trainers, and coordination with the vocal ensemble.
You must be fully available for all dates and times below, no exceptions. Please take into consideration your transit time to Shedd, a busy attraction with extremely limited parking and often surrounded by heavy traffic congestion, when confirming your availability.

• Monday, September 21, 5:00‑9:00pm
• Tuesday, September 22, 7:00‑10:30pm
• Thursday, September 24, 7:00‑10:00am – note early morning
• Friday, September 25, 4:30‑8:30pm
• Saturday, September 26 – tech and performance
  • 2:00‑5:30pm – rehearsal and final tech
  • 5:30‑6:30 – dinner provided onsite, time to prep/dress for performance
  • PERFORMANCE: 6:45 places, 7pm curtain

• Monday, October 19, 5:00‑8:00pm
• Friday, October 23, 7:00‑10:00am – note early morning
• Saturday, October 25 – tech and performance
  • 5:00‑6:30pm – rehearsal and final tech
  • 6:30‑7:30 – dinner provided onsite, time to prep/dress for performance
  • PERFORMANCE: 7:45 places, 8pm curtain

($1,000 after gala and $550 after Blu)