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Joseph K. Ivan
Joseph K. Ivan
Joseph is a multifaceted music director, pianist, conductor, guitarist, and educator. His academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with a focus on piano and a minor in Music Theatre and a Master’s degree in Theatre Music Direction. Throughout his career, he has worked in theaters and schools across the country, recently starting his Broadway journey as a music assistant to Olivier and Tony Award-winning conductor and MD Alan Williams on Sunset Blvd. (2025 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical) and Elf the Musical before finishing his MFA conducting a thesis production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
In his current role as a music director, he has seen over 20 shows through as either MD or Associate MD, with some favorites being Falsettos (Penn State) and Zombie Prom (Stagedoor Manor). These credits are on top of his experience as a pit musician, both on piano/keyboards and guitar, sometime simultaneously as in his productions of Rent (Penn State) and Spring Awakening (Cincinnati Actor's Studio and Academy).
Beyond music direction, his skills extend to transcribing and engraving music. Comfortable in both Finale and Dorico, he has used both for anything from drum charts to full score reductions/copying. He is also adept in sound design with Qlab 5 and keyboard programming through Mainstage, the latter of which he has used for his productions of Rent and Falsettos, in addition to many other smaller school projects.
A strong advocate for the transformative power of theatre, he believes in creating productions that are both relevant and grand in scope. His philosophy emphasizes the importance of conveying significant messages through art, particularly in ways that engage and challenge the audience. He is committed to fostering strong musicianship within music theatre, pushing the boundaries of the medium while providing education and enrichment for both the cast and the audience.
When not immersed in the world of theatre, he dreams about conducting Chess and is often busy watching old Charlie Brown cartoons. A fan of video games, he appreciates the storytelling and creativity that gaming offers.
Through his diverse experiences and passions, Joseph continues to strive towards fostering a love for music and theatre that resonates deeply with audiences and performers alike.
REVIEWS and QUOTES
BroadwayWorld.com Review of Aurora Light Productions The Unexpected Vol. 2: Unscripted
"One of the best sounding orchestras I've heard at Penn State." - Kyle Jensen, Assoc. Sound Designer after hearing the sitzprobe for How to Succeed...
"...the music assistant straight from heaven..." - Nate Patten, MD of Elf the Musical, introducing me to a colleague
"He worked with a great mix of professional and fun, as befitted the nature of the project." - Rick Lombardo, director/writer of A Christmas Carol
"Not only does he know his craft, but his level of confidence is equally impressive...He is so comfortable in his own skin -- I felt as though I was watching someone at least ten years his senior." - Darren Cohen, regarding my work as his Associate MD on Urinetown
"The best college show I've ever seen." - Dorie Ivan, my mom, regarding opening night of How to Succeed...
Contact - jkivan98@gmail.com
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