ASCAP & Disney Taking Applications for Musicals Workshop

As part of its continuing commitment to nurture new American musicals, The ASCAP Foundation is seeking new musicals for the annual ASCAP Foundation/Disney Musical Theatre Workshop in New York.  Serving once more as artistic director for the workshop is Oscar and Grammy-winning composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz whose credits include the Broadway smash Wicked, Godspell, Pippin, the Walt Disney films Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and the Dreamworks' film The Prince of Egypt. 

The workshop will take place April 30, May 1, 22, 23 & 24, 2007, at 7:00 p.M. Sharp, at The Rock Theatre at Roy Arias Studios and Theatres, 300 W. 43rd Street (btw. 8th and 9th Avenues), Room 500, 5th Floor, New York, NY.

Workshop participants will have the opportunity to present selections from their original works in progress for professional critique.  Each session will feature prominent guests from all aspects of musical theatre, including producers, directors, critics, performers and composers.  Past panelists have included Lynn Ahrens (Tony Award-winning lyricist: Ragtime);  Stephen Flaherty (Tony Award-winning composer: Ragtime); Sheldon Harnick (Tony Award-winning lyricist: Fiddler on the Roof); Mark Hollmann (Tony Award-winning composer/lyricist: Urinetown); Rupert Holmes (Tony Award-winning librettist and composer/lyricist: Drood); and Joseph Stein (Tony Award-winning librettist: Fiddler on the Roof).

Writers interested in applying for participation in The ASCAP Foundation/Disney Musical Theatre Workshop in New York should submit the  following:

·     A CD of four (4) songs with lyric sheets
·     A brief description of each song as to its plot placement
·     A brief synopsis of the musical
·     Biographical information for each composer, lyricist & book writer
(Please include address/phone number/email)

Send complete submission package to:

Michael A. Kerker
ASCAP/Disney Musical Theatre Workshop
7920 W. Sunset Boulevard, Suite 300
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(Note: While the workshop will take place in New York, submissions must be
sent to ASCAP's Los Angeles office)

All submissions must be received by Friday, March 30, 2007.

Please note:
1)    Please submit 4 songs only.  If you send us a full recording, we will
      only listen to the first 4 songs.
2)    Submissions do not need to be produced in a studio.  We are looking
      for talent and potential, not how well the CD or tape is produced.
3)    You will be notified by Thursday, April 12, 2007 if you have been
      selected to present your musical in the workshop.
4)    If your musical is selected, you will need to present 50 consecutive
      minutes from the musical at the workshop.  The 50-minute selection
      must include book and songs.

Space is limited.  Submissions will not be returned.

For further information, please call Michael Kerker at 323-833-1000.

The ASCAP Foundation/Disney Musical Theatre Workshop in New York is part of an ongoing series of workshops sponsored by The ASCAP Foundation to nurture new American musicals.  The workshops are free of charge and are open to everyone, regardless of performing right affiliation.

Founded in 1975, The ASCAP Foundation is a charitable organization  dedicated to supporting American music creators and encouraging their
development through music education and talent development programs. Included in these are songwriting workshops, grants, scholarships, awards, recognition and community outreach programs, and public service projects for senior composers and lyricists.  The ASCAP Foundation is supported by contributions from ASCAP members and from music lovers throughout the  United States.  Visit www.ascapfoundation.org for more information.

Photo of Stephen Schwartz by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.