Jen Bender News

The New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) crowns the winner of its 2015 NYMF NEXT BROADWAY SENSATION competition tonight, December 16.

The New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) has announced details for the 2015 NYMF's NEXT BROADWAY SENSATION competition.

The New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) is now accepting submissions for new musicals for its 2016 Festival. Also announced was the selection of panelists for the 2016 Grand Jury who will help to choose shows for acceptance into the Next Link Project, NYMF's primary writer-service program.

Tennessee Shakespeare Company, in partnership with the University of Memphis' Department of Theatre & Dance, presents its third and final developing musical reading on the University of Memphis mainstage with The Oliver Experiment by Jeremy Desmon and Jeff Thomson tonight, August 15 at 7:00 pm.

Tennessee Shakespeare Company, in partnership with the University of Memphis' Department of Theatre & Dance, presents its third and final developing musical reading on the University of Memphis mainstage with The Oliver Experiment by Jeremy Desmon and Jeff Thomson on August 15 at 7:00 pm.

The New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) announced the winners of the 2015 NYMF Awards for Excellence, which were awarded last night, July 27, 2015 at Urbo (11 Times Square). The full list of winners, plus photos from the ceremony, can be found below!

Tennessee Shakespeare Company, in partnership with the University of Memphis' Department of Theatre & Dance, presents its third and final developing musical reading on the University of Memphis mainstage with The Oliver Experiment by Jeremy Desmon and Jeff Thomson on August 15 at 7:00 pm.

The New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) presented Women of Note, a one-night-only concert event celebrating the women writers who are changing the landscape of musical theatre. Women of Note took place at The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 W. 42nd St.) on Monday, July 20 at 8:00 pm.

The New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) 2015 celebrated its official opening night earlier this week on Tuesday, July 7th, at the Liberty Theater. The event runs through July 27th, 2015. BroadwayWorld has photos from the opening festivities below!

Tony Award winner John Targalia may be known for his work acting in the Broadway musicals AVENUE Q and SHREK: THE MUSICAL, but this summer he can be seen behind the curtain directing the NYMF musical CLAUDIO QUEST.

Just yesterday, Justin Guarini hosted The New York Musical Theatre Festival's Annual Press Conference at Urbo (11 Times Square, New York, NY 10036). As a part of the special presentation, cast members from Acappella, Claudio Quest, Deep Love: A Ghostly Rock Opera, Manuel versus the Statue of Liberty, The Calico Buffalo and Tonya & Nancy: The Rock Opera performed excerpts from the productions. BroadwayWorld brings you photos from inside the special day below!

ACAPPELLA, a musical about finding your own voice, conceived by Greg Cooper, with book by Vynnie Meli, music and lyrics by The Acappella Company, direction by Lee Summers and musical direction and arrangements by Evan Feist as an Invited Selection of the 2015 New York Musical Theatre Festival. Performances run Tuesday, July 7 at 7:00 pm, Friday, July 10 at 5:00 pm, Saturday, July 11 at 9:00 pm, Sunday, July 12 at 12:00 pm, Tuesday, July 14 at 1:00 pm at the PTC Performance Space. Scroll down for a sneak peek at the cast in action!

In anticipation of his concert at the 2015 New York Musical Theatre Festival, award-winning musical theatre writer Joel B. New sat down with Jen Bender, NYMF's Director of Programming and Artists Services.

The 2015 New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) today announced the 2015 Next Link Project musical selections. The 10 musicals, and three initial invited productions, were announced as part of the 12th edition of the Festival, which will take place in July at locations around midtown Manhattan in New York City.

The New York Musical Theatre Festival (NYMF) today announced that Jen Bender has been named as the new Director of Programming and Artist Services for the organization. Jen returns to NYMF after having served as a founding producer of the Festival in 2004.

Below, BroadwayWorld brings you a look backstage!

Since 2009, Broadway South Africa has conducted empowerment through the arts programming in disadvantaged communities throughout South Africa. The organization has raised close to $500,000, helping to improve the lives and future's of student's dramatically affected by poverty, violence, abuse, and HIV/AIDS.

Award-winning composer Jeff Thomson made his debut at 54 Below with 'Go Where The Love Is' last week, January 20. The evening will highlight material from the upcoming musicals Pump Up the Volume, Trails, and Jawbreaker, as well as several yet-to-be-revealed projects. Check out highlights from the concert below!

Coming up this week, 54 BELOW, the performance venue located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond: