Calling all Music Theatre writers for the next big hit

Calling all Music Theatre writers for the next big hit

The Victorian College of the Arts at the University of Melbourne is calling on Music Theatre writers to submit new works, which could be developed into a major stage hit.

Works selected will be put through a three-stage development process which will end with a “main stage” showcase for the general public and industry producers.

Industry Consultant and Lecturer in Music Theatre at the VCA, Martin Croft, said the New Work Music Theatre Project was a great opportunity for writers to create the next big thing in Australian Music Theatre.

“The two-year project involves expert industry mentoring and creative development workshops through to a fully financed showcase production in a commercial venue performed by graduating VCA Music Theatre students,” he said.

“There will be input from professional directors, choreographers and musicians which could help transform a promising work into a major commercial success.

“As well as helping develop writing talent, the New Work Music Theatre Project establishes the VCA’s role as the Australian leader in Music Theatre studies, and Melbourne as the home of Music Theatre in Australia.

“We hope through the New Work Music Theatre Project that we will have a major new Music Theatre hit on our hands by late 2014.”

The VCA New Work Music Theatre Project is made possible with the support of the Victorian Government through Arts Victoria.  

Submissions from writers of new Music Theatre works will close on Monday 3 December 2012.  Six works will be chosen by a panel of industry experts and each will be given a $2000 Development and Mentoring Award. From the six works, three will be awarded $6000 each and move forward to a two-week workshop process.

The final stage will see one, two or all three of the works share in a $30,000 Award, as determined by an industry selection panel.

The successful final production will be given a fully financed and professionally produced showcase season in July 2014.

Three stage development process

Download the outline of the three stage development process (pdf file, 107kb)

Conditions for submissions

Download the conditions for submissions (pdf file, 101kb)

Submission enquiries should be made to: 
Martin Croft, Industry Consultant and Lecturer in Music Theatre at the VCA
vca-musictheatre@unimelb.edu.au

Submissions must be made by email or direct mail to:
Lois Robinson, Funding Initiatives Officer
Faculty of VCA & MCM, The University of Melbourne
Building 860, Level 2, 234 St Kilda Rd, Southbank , VIC 3006, AUSTRALIA
Email:  loisr@unimelb.edu.au

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