Applications Open Through Monday for BEAM2018

Applications to take part in the pitching days for BEAM2018 will close on 25 September. To be a part of Musical Theatre Network and Mercury Musical Developments' biennial industry showcase of new British musical theatre, applicants must submit their ideas by this date ahead of the industry showcase at Theatre Royal Stratford East in March 2018.

Executive Director of Mercury Musical Developments, Victoria Saxton, said today "All too often in a rehearsal room for a new musical workshop the only person in the room not being paid is the writer - without whom the piece wouldn't exist at all! This why we're fundraising to try and pay writers who take part in BEAM2018'

Susie McKenna said today 'Having attending BEAM, I can honestly say it's a great way for theatre directors and producers to discover new talent and projects! Everyone who dreams of a career writing musical theatre - get creating and apply to pitch! It's so worth it!'

The first stage of BEAM is made up of 15 pitching days spread across venues around the UK where creative teams developing new musicals can pitch their ideas. This culminates in an industry showcase of the most promising projects to be held at Theatre Royal Stratford East on 1 & 2 March 2018. This two-day event provides a platform for aspiring and established musical theatre professionals to display their work to the producers, venues and anyone with resources to help develop and stage them. BEAM also gives an overview of up to 40 new British musicals currently in development. This is the second showcase following the inaugural event launched at the Park Theatre in 2016.

The 15 pitching days, beginning on 30 September in Cardiff, will see the company travelling to cities all over the country in search of the most promising new musicals in development. Other cities along the tour include Leicester, Glasgow, Dundee, Gateshead, Ipswich, London, Watford, Leeds, Southampton and Manchester.

BEAM is designed for anyone in a position to help develop and stage new British musicals. We'll do all the legwork to bring the most exciting talent and emerging musical theatre projects together from around the UK, so you can experience them, meet the creative teams - and grab the opportunity to become involved from the early stages of development. BEAM is a key part of both organisations' mission to support the development of new musical theatre. BEAM will encourage the development of musical theatre across the UK, supporting diverse art form development, connecting practitioners and finding champions for original work. The two day showcase itself will also be an unprecedented opportunity for the musical theatre community to gather together.

Do you have an idea for a musical? Or perhaps you're already developing one?

Whether you've written a musical before or not, if you have a track record as a professional artist and an idea for a new musical, then we want to hear from you. Please see below for full information on locations and dates. For more information on how to get involved and see a full schedule of pitching days, please go to www.beamshowcase.com to apply before 25 September.

Musical Theatre Network brings people and resources together to improve infrastructure and opportunities for new musical theatre in the UK. Its membership is a national network of venues, producers, colleges, organisations and individuals. In partnership with its members, MTN works to strengthen and diversify the new musical theatre sector nationwide, and so support development of the artform.

Mercury Musical Developments is the UK's only membership organisation dedicated to developing new musical theatre writing. We nurture and support the work of bookwriters, lyricists and composers through a series of initiatives including workshops, masterclasses and showcasing opportunities. Join our growing community of over 400 members and be part of the conversation shaping the future of musical theatre writing.

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