Andy Collopy
Andy is a New York City-based theatre musician who has worked on and off Broadway, across the country, and around the world. He specializes in the development of new musicals.
"I have never felt so supported by a music director as when I worked with Andy. He is collaborative, prepared, organized, intelligent, story-driven, generous with his time, and truly understands how to communicate with vocalists and instrumentalists alike. I hope I have many, many opportunities to work with Andy again."
Julie Benko (Actor – Funny Girl, Harmony, Fiddler on the Roof)
Music Director
Andy’s credits as a music director include the national tour of Daniel Fish’s Tony Award winning production of Oklahoma! and the regional premier of a new chamber version of Jane Eyre at Theatre Raleigh, starring Julie Benko and Matt Bogart.
Most recently, Andy was the associate music director of the world premier of Take The Lead at Paper Mill Playhouse. His other work as an associate MD includes such productions as The Lightning Thief on Broadway, the Off-Broadway production of Daddy Long Legs, and the Toronto world premier of Sousatzka.
Andy is passionate about the development of new musicals and has worked extensively on readings and workshops of new works. A selection of these projects can be found on his resume and a more comprehensive list is available by request.
“I can't imagine working on any of my musical theatre scores without Andy. His musical chops, collaborative nature, warmth, and friendship are all an enormous part of everything I do.”
Derek Gregor (Composer – Island Song, Unlock’d, Modern)
Pianist
Andy is a classically trained pianist specializing in all eras and styles of musical theatre. He has worked extensively as a rehearsal pianist, including for the Broadway productions of The Notebook and The Lightning Thief.
As an extremely experienced audition pianist, Andy has accompanied tens of thousands of professional auditions ranging from Broadway productions and national tours to Off-Broadway, cruise ships, and regional theatres. The casting offices he has regularly played for include Tara Rubin, ARC, The Public Theatre, Whitley Theatrical, Michael Cassara, and JZ Casting. He is also a frequent accompanist for many classes and coaches, such as the Open Jar Institute, MaxTheatrix, Actor Therapy, the Jen Waldman Studio, Meisner in Music, and the NYU Tisch New Studio on Broadway.
For the past two years, Andy has been the Solo Performance Pianist for the Jimmy Awards, accompanying the eight finalists on the stage of the Minskoff Theatre. Videos of all of these performances are available on the Jimmy Awards YouTube page.
"As an audition accompanist, Andy is one of the best in the biz. He combines technical mastery with a wonderful knowledge of repertoire, allowing him to support singers compassionately and thoroughly."
Michael Cassara, CSA (NYC Casting Director)
Coach/Educator
Andy has extensive experience as a coach and educator, working with professional and highly motivated student performers in both one-on-one and classroom settings.
As a coach, Andy offers a full range of music services for the auditioning actor. From audition and repertoire coaching, to arranging and copy work, to studio-quality rehearsal and performance tracks. He specializes in thoughtful and practical pop/rock arrangements that capture the energy of the original songs, but are intuitive and idiomatic when put in front of an accompanist. Contact him here for rate and availability inquires.
Andy works regularly for such organizations as the Open Jar Institute, Broadway Up Close, and MTCA, working as a coach, pianist, and music director for classes, workshops, and showcases. He has spent the past two years as the Solo Cut Supervisor for the Jimmy Awards, working with the nominees on the solos that they sing on the Minskoff stage if they're selected to be a finalist.
In a more academic setting, Andy is on the faculty of the Musical Creators' Institute, a graduate level training program for musical theatre writers and directors. For MCI, he has taught music theory, composition, and Finale skills classes.
“There are few musical talents I trust more than Andy Collopy. He knows just how to lead a group of artists, and how to deliver a musical vision with excellence and clarity. I would hire Andy for every project I direct if I could.”
Aaron Galligan-Stierle (Actor, Director, Head of Musical Theatre at Slippery Rock University)
Copyist
As someone who has always been drawn to the visual beauty of sheet music, Andy takes great joy in making music elegant, intuitive, and easy to read. He holds all of the music he copies to immaculate standards, from audition cuts for coaching clients to the scores and parts of full musicals.
Andy was the copyist for the Paul Gordon and John Caird musical Knights' Tale which premiered in Japan to sold-out audiences. He also copied a subsequent concert run of the show for which the orchestration was expanded for the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. There is an even larger production currently planned for Summer 2025.
He has also served as the copyist for many readings and workshops of new musicals and for a number of shows aboard Carnival Cruise Lines. A comprehensive sample of his work is available by request.
“As a composer of new musicals, Andy is always my go-to, first ask when I need a music director, one of the first people whose opinion I seek out on my songs in progress, and a stalwart collaborator. He is a clever, kind, steady, delightful contributor to any writer’s room and rehearsal space.”
Megan McCormick (Composer/Songwriter – Fuckboy Saves The World!, Jane The Queen)
Videos
Sasha Hutchings and Sean Grandillo performing "People Will Say We're in Love" from Oklahoma! on The Late Late Show.
Music Directed and Conducted by Andy Collopy
Julie Benko performing “Painting Her Portrait” from Jane Eyre at Theatre Raleigh.
Music Directed and Conducted by Andy Collopy
Megan McGinnis and Adam Halpin performing "The Color of Your Eyes" from Daddy Long Legs on Seth Speaks.
Accompanied by Andy Collopy
Max Chernin, Corey Cott, and Chris McCarrell performing "Santa Fe"/"I'll Cover You (Reprise)" from Rent at 54 Below.
Music Directed and Conducted by Andy Collopy
2024 Jimmy Awards winner Damson Chola Jr. performing "Make Them Hear You" from Ragtime.
Accompanied by Andy Collopy
2023 Jimmy Awards finalist Maya Sharma performing "In My Dreams" from Anastasia.
Accompanied by Andy Collopy