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Underscore Theatre Company Accepting Submissions For 4th Annual CHICAGO MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL

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Underscore Theatre Company is currently accepting submissions for its 4th annual CHICAGO MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL, set for February 2018 (venue to be announced). Applications can be submitted through May 15, 2017 at www.cmtf.org.

CMFT 4 will include a number of new development opportunities for participants, including feedback from a panel of local playwrights, composers and judges, as well as networking events with theatre professionals from across the country. The Festival will also coincide with Chicago's popular Chicago Theatre Week, allowing more audiences to enjoy the line-up of new works.

Since its inception in 2014, the CHICAGO MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL has brought 35 new musical to Chicago stages. The festival provides much-needed artistic resources for emerging composer/lyricist teams to have their work supported, explored and most importantly - performed!

"We're pleased to expand the Festival in 2018 with a number of new professional development opportunities for our musical theater artists," comments Festival Director Rachel Elise Johnson. "We're also staggering CMFT 4 with the New York Musical Festival (NYMF), encouraging artists to participate in both festivals if they choose. Finally, aligning with Chicago Theatre Week is a win-win for our artists and Chicago audiences, alike. We can't wait to share a brand new line-up of works in 2018!"

About Underscore Theatre Company

Founded in 2011, Underscore Theatre Company is a team of Producing Artists dedicated to exploring stories of power and resonance through a musical lens; fostering the development of new musicals; and bolstering Chicago's role as a national leader in musical theatre. Since its creation, Underscore has produced 44 new musicals in Chicago. Underscore is proud to be Chicago's home for new musicals.

Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best New Musical - Top 3
1. The Lost Boys
36.4% of votes
2. Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
24.4% of votes
3. Schmigadoon!
23% of votes

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