Musical Theatre Writing

[ahhrealmonsters]

Posted: 9/17/11 at 4:32pm

I know that there are two prominent programs for musical theatre writing: NYU-Tisch's MFA program and the BMI Lehman Engel program. Are there other programs/classes for musical theatre writing? I know there are some non-degree programs like BMI throughout America, but are there any other Musical Theatre Writing MFA programs?

Where have the "successful" musical theatre writers received their training? I know Tom Kitt & Brian Yorkey, Robert Lopez & Jeff Marx (although they're no longer a writing team), and Ahrens & Flaherty are all BMI alumni, while many new up-and-comers, like Joe Iconis and Ryan Scott Oliver are alumni of the NYU program.

What's the best training for musical theatre writing?

[dexter3]

Posted: 9/17/11 at 4:48pm

Well...

The BMI program is completely FREE if you get in, and certainly has an incredible list of alumni. NYU costs many many many thousands of dollars a year.

So. Why don't you apply for the BMI program, try it out for a year at no cost, and if you feel like you're not getting what you want, then you can apply to NYU's MFA program and pay lots of money.

As for other places, there's nowhere else in America that you can learn and experience new musical theater like NYC. There's a similar program to BMI in Chicago, but really, most opportunities for new musical theater are in NYC.