5th Avenue New Works Program Seeks Musical Theatre Writers and Composers; Deadline 12/15

The 5th Avenue Theatre is looking for Pacific Northwest musical theatre writers and composers to join its new 5th Avenue Writer's Group. A part of The 5th's New Works program, the Writer's Group seeks to cultivate the next generation of musical theatre writers, right in our own backyard. Under the mentorship of 5th Avenue professionals, three participating teams will grow into savvy, creatively driven writers and composers ready to take their musical theater projects to the next level. The 5th Avenue Theatre is now accepting applications for participation through December 15.

"At The 5th, we are committed to the support and development of our rich community of writers," said Director of New Works Ian Eisendrath. "The Writers Group will have not only the benefit of peer-to-peer development, but the guidance and counsel of The 5th Avenue Theatre's creative expertise."

The 5th Avenue Writers Group will nurture, challenge, and motivate a core group of three writing teams (or individuals) through a two-year conversation about their work. The group will provide them with the opportunity to attend monthly meetings to share and discuss their works-in-progress. Each team will be expected to share new work at each and every meeting. Participants will receive staff-level access to 5th Avenue projects, space, and equipment, and will showcase their work at the end of each year. The 5th Avenue New Works program will produce a reading of a one-act musical written by each team at the end of the first year, followed by a full-length reading at the end of the second year. Each team will also receive a transportation stipend of $250 per year.

Writers may apply individually or as teams. Each application must include:

· A letter of intent (explaining how the Writers Group would impact their work).

· A writing resume with contact information.

· Two examples of work. Bookwriters: two scenes leading to, following, or incorporating songs. Composers and/or lyricists: demo recordings and sheet music for two songs.

Applications must be received by December 15, 2012. Materials should be mailed to:

5th Avenue Writers Group
The 5th Avenue Theatre
1308 5th Avenue, Suite 735
Seattle, WA 98101
Attn: Ian Eisendrath, Director of New Works

The 5th Avenue Theatre's New Works Program supports the design and construction of new musicals, guided by The 5th's Alhadeff Family Director of New Works Ian Eisendrath. The New Works Program is a robust, comprehensive, and artistically rich program that develops new musicals in an environment designed to meet the specific needs of individual projects throughout each phase of the creative process, from page to stage.

The 5th Avenue Theatre is one of the nation's premier incubators for new musical theater. Since 2002, the celebrated company has produced 14 new musicals. Five have moved on to Broadway premieres, earning a combined 14 Tony Awards, including two for Best Musical (Hairspray and Memphis). 5th Avenue premieres number six (Saving Aimee – now called Scandalous: The Life and Trials of Aimee Semple McPherson) and seven (A Christmas Story, The Musical) opened on Broadway in November of 2012. The 5th Avenue Theatre is also known for its world class, critically acclaimed productions of musicals chosen from both the contemporary canon and the Golden Age of Broadway.

Unique in its Chinese-inspired design, this exquisite theater opened in 1926 as a venue for vaudeville and film. In 1980, the non-profit 5th Avenue Theatre began producing and presenting top-quality live musical theater. Today, under the leadership of Executive Producer and Artistic Director David Armstrong, Managing Director Bernadine C. Griffin and Producing Director Bill Berry, The 5th Avenue Theatre attracts an annual attendance of more than 287,000 and ranks among the nation's largest and most respected musical theater companies.

In addition to its main stage productions, The 5th Avenue Theatre is also committed to inspiring the next generation of theatergoers through its extensive educational and outreach programs which include: The Adventure Musical Theater Touring Company, The 5th Avenue Awards Honoring High School Musical Theater, the Student Matinee Program, and Spotlight Nights. These programs serve 65,000 students each year.

For more information about The 5th Avenue Theatre, its season and its programs, visit www.5thavenue.org.

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