Job postings fall into a few broad categories:
Postings written by well meaning HR folks that have no idea what the job really entails.
Postings written by well meaning HR folks in very large organizations (e.g. Universities, government institutions, etc.) where a position in the performing arts sector has to squeeze into an existing job category (lab technician = stage technician, right?)
Postings written by supervisors or managers that have no idea what the job really entails
Postings written by supervisors or managers that are trying to replace the person that left the job with exactly the same qualities or better (See Purple Squirrel).
Postings written that might as well have the internal candidate's name stamped at the top.
Smart people that are looking for a candidate that is a good fit with the organization and are open to developing the applicant's skills and abilities to fit the position.
Even the best written job posting can present an overwhelming amount of information, making it hard for job seekers to distill the key requirements. Employers often list an extensive range of qualifications, sometimes even conflicting ones, causing confusion about what qualifications are truly essential versus merely desirable. The internet is rife with apocryphal stories of employers looking for entry level positions that require at least 10 years experience and a Master's Degree. It may not be true, it just seems true. I'm sorry Indeed, but the whole notion that entry level positions require any experience at all is just stupid and there is no way to rationalize that stupidity. Not in today's job market.
Murky job postings can deter you from applying for a job that might actually be perfect for you because you feel you may not meet the criteria. Additionally, overly complex or verbose job descriptions can obfuscate the core duties and expectations of the role, making it challenging for you to visualize yourself in the position.
So what's the determined applicant to do?
My advice is boring, repetitive, and effective. It boils down to research. If you take the job description at face value, at best you're only getting a part of the picture. You need more information before you lob that resume into the ether. Do your homework. Find out who was in the job before. Call your contacts. Find out as much as you can about the culture of the organization before you apply. Remember, it's not whether you are qualified for the job, it's whether you would be a good fit for the organization.
A couple of other tips:
Avoid applying through a third party application platform. Look for the posting on the company's website. Try to connect with the hiring manager, HR person, or even the supervisor. As a last resort, send your resume and cover letter by mail. If you go this route, address it to the person you think is most likely to open it (I've never met someone named To Whom It May Concern and you haven't either).
If the position is posted through an employment agency, make an effort to connect with the recruiter. There are advantages and disadvantages to positions that are managed by outside professional recruiters. The good news is that they are often open to speaking with you directly if you reach out. The lukewarm news is that ultimately they work for the company, so they're not necessarily your advocate. But don't be dissuaded; establishing a relationship with a recruiter that specializes in the performing arts is a good way to stay on their radar. Good recruiters can suss out your skills and abilities, and will actually call you when something comes up if they think you might be a good fit.
At the end of the day, there is no harm or foul in applying for the position. If you get the interview, the door is wide open for you to ask questions about the position. You get experience with interview situations, and it gets your name out there. You might also find out that the job is perfect. Or not. Either way, you can fill in the blanks.