Gabrielle Maldonado

Bio + Skills

Gabrielle is an accomplished educator, composer, music director, performer, and USC alumna, actively shaping Southern California’s vibrant musical theatre landscape while teaching at local colleges. Her extensive credits include music directing the OCTG award-winning production of "American Idiot" at Chance Theater, the OCTG-nominated "Beautiful," and performing in the NAACP Theatre Award-winning "Beauty and the Beast" at CASA0101. She also performed in the NAACP-nominated "The Prince of Egypt," directed the collegiate premiere of "Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812," and served as Vocal Supervisor for "Peter Pan Goes Wrong" at La Mirada Theatre. Beyond these roles, Gabrielle engages in a variety of creative projects, notably as a composer and lyricist for "Arena: A House Musical," which was Broadway World nominated and highlights stories surrounding the AIDS crisis. She also served as Music Director for "The Ride," a powerful piece about the AIDS epidemic and the annual AIDS/LifeCycle bike ride through California. "Arena" premiered at CASA0101 in Boyle Heights and later at the Renberg Theatre. Her diverse music direction credits include legendary titles such as "Legally Blonde," "Hairspray," "The Secret Garden," "RENT," "Ride the Cyclone," "Sister Act," "Carrie," and "Songs for a New World."

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Gabrielle has extensive experience working on live performances, ranging from small ensembles to large orchestras. She has directed and coordinated numerous productions, ensuring seamless execution and musical integrity, whether leading big orchestral arrangements or smaller bands tailored to each project's needs. She has played a key role in revoking and managing productions, maintaining high standards of musical quality, and specializes in building tracks that create dynamic soundscapes to support storytelling and audience engagement. Her work spans across a variety of roles in live theatre, demonstrating her versatility and dedication to musical excellence.

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As a passionate creator and performer, Gabrielle has contributed significantly to developing original works, including her involvement in building new musicals like "Arena: A House Musical" and "The Ride." These projects focus on powerful stories, such as the impact of the AIDS crisis, and showcase her talents as a composer and lyricist. Her collaborative approach spans from concept development to final production, emphasizing innovative storytelling through music. She is committed to bringing authenticity and depth to every role she undertakes, portraying characters with honesty and sensitivity, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, challenging stereotypes and promoting diversity. With nearly 80 productions as a music director, she continues to expand her skills as an educator, inspiring fellow artists, supporting emerging talent, and fostering an inclusive, collaborative live theatre community. Her passion for fostering creativity and connection through music drives her ongoing dedication to advancing the art form she loves.

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Specific Skills 

• Song writing

• Music notation

• Sight reading

• Recording session support

• Music theory

• Choral performance

• Keyboard/Conducting

• Private instruction

• Classroom instruction

• Performance direction

• Detail oriented

• Vocal technique

• Audition preparation

• Rehearsal accompanist

• A cappella singing

• Arrangements

• Performance/Track Creator

• Private Parties/Special Events

• Audition Accompaniment

• Collaborative Pianist

• Percussion (Int.), Guitar (Beg.

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