Deadline: June 1, 2023
This nine-month course explores the fundamentals of writing book for the musical theatre.
Drama Desk Award winning bookwriter Adam Mathias (he/him) unlocks the toolkit for musical theatre librettists. Through lecture, discussion, and assignments students learn how to apply the fundamentals of playwriting to the craft of creating musicals. As a class, writers deep-dive into the DNA of the musical theatre canon — from the Golden Age through today — dissecting what works and why and then applying it to their own work.
Applicants should have a book-musical project in mind to develop over the course of the year; this musical could be anywhere from an early concept to an early draft.
The course runs September through May in New York City, Covid restrictions permitting. Prospective members should live in the city or be able to commute weekly.
Librettists Workshop
After completing the Bookwriting Basics program, writers may apply to join the established Librettists Workshop group. Not all writers who apply will be invited to join.
Nancy Golladay, veteran Broadway literary manager and dramaturg, moderates a writers’ roundtable focused on developing the skills unique to musical theatre bookwriters. Members read and critique each other’s work as their material evolves from one-page synopses to fully scripted scenes — including occasional cold readings of an entire show. In a yearly collaborative project, the Librettists Workshop engages with the First Year Songwriting Class. Librettist Workshop members are also eligible to participate in Collaborator Connections events with members of the Songwriters Workshops.
Application
Applicants must submit two writing samples, at least one of which must include comedic content.
Either or both samples could be:a 10-page or longer excerpt from a script or other genre
- a complete one-act
- a full-length script
Any of these may be in-progress, produced and/or published material.
Scripts from genres other than playscripts or musical theatre scripts are also acceptable; however, theatrical comedy scenes are preferred to stand-up or sketch material.
In addition, writers must include a bio or resume.
Schedule
Musical Theatre Bookwriting Basics — Tuesdays 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Librettists Workshop — Mondays 6:15 - 8:15 p.m.
All sessions take place at the BMI Offices in lower Manhattan from September through May. All prospective members must arrange to live in the greater New York City area or be able to commute weekly September through May. Please do not apply if this is not possible for you.
Applications must be submitted by June 1st.
There is no fee to apply for or participate in the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop.
Please note that Workshop participants will be charged $27 for a 7 WTC identification badge.