FNAM and Darren Criss Launch 'Show Search' for New Musical Theatre Writers

The Festival of New American Musicals (FNAM's) spokesperson, Darren Criss (Glee) and executive producers Marcia Seligson, Bob Klein, and Linda Shusett are announcing the first annual nationwide search for emerging young musical theatre writers. It is called FNAM's Show Search. FNAM is looking for the next "Stephen Schwartz" (Wicked), and now some of the best up-and coming musical theatre talent will have the opportunity to showcase their work via an online search at www.festivalofnewamericanmusicals.org to find FNAM's "Best New Musical." Finalists will have their 10-minute musicals performed by some of theaters' top pros as a staged reading in Los Angeles with celebrity judges.

"We are delighted to launch FNAM's Show Search to further part of the mission behind the Festival of New American Musicals," says Co-Executive Producer of the Festival, Bob Klein. He continues, "Kids who want to perform have lots of opportunities through their schools and local youth theater groups. But for those who create, the opportunities are practically non-existent. With Show Search we can begin to offer opportunities for up and coming talent to showcase their passion for musical theatre and the arts in a way that will reach thousands, speak to new audiences and will allow for prime exposure for these emerging musical playwrights."

Writers will submit a 10-minute, unedited musical, which will be judged on storytelling, musicality, performance and originality. The contest is open to contestants' ages 14-25 years of age. FNAM's Show Search will officially launch in January of 2012, but applicants are encouraged to start creating their pieces now. The search will be an online submission contest using YouTube and www.festivalofnewamericanmusicals.org, where contestants will be encouraged to promote and spread their entries by using their social media networks. Finalists will be flown to Los Angeles in Spring 2012 and a celebrity jury will judge them. The winners (six total), three for high school-age musicals and three for college age, will receive a live concert reading as an addition to FNAM's New Musical Staged Reading Series, scholarships and more.

More information about the 2012 Festival season and contest details for FNAM's Show Search can be found at www.festivalofnewamericanmusicals.org.

About Festival of New American Musicals: The 2011 Festival of New American Musicals (FNAM), a five-month musical theatre festival, wrapped up its 4th season on August 31. The Festival presented 32 new musicals in theaters large and small, colleges, high schools, middle schools, elementary schools and community centers across the Southland. With a true mission to help build the next generation of musical theater audience and support, the Festival is already preparing for the 2012 season.