One of the most rewarding parts of my job here at the National Endowment for the Arts has been the Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge for High School Students, which we launched in 2016. I’m thrilled that we’re now partnering with NAMT for the re-launch of the program with a return to in-person events following several wonderful years of partnership with the American Theatre Wing.

Through the years, it’s been absolutely inspiring to see the vast array of talent among high school students from around the country. These young songwriters have powerful things to say, and a program like the Songwriting Challenge is a special opportunity to empower them to express themselves.

One of the things we’re most excited about for the new partnership with NAMT, in addition to their incredible team, is the powerful network of members, who I know are going to be integral partners in the next phase of this program. I’m always so inspired speaking to all of you during events like the NAMT Fall Conference, and I know you’ll be just as invested in the success of this next generation of talent as I am.

Look for more news from NAMT about ways to partner with the Songwriting Challenge coming up in the Fall!

  Greg Reiner
  Theater & Musical Theater Director | Performing Arts
  National Endowment for the Arts

Over the years, the Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge for High School Students has been a platform for blossoming talents, uncovering exceptional songwriters and bringing their work to the forefront. As we cherish these remarkable alumni moments, we’re also filled with anticipation, looking forward to launching a new season of Songwriting Challenge! Dive into the legacy, and experience the musical tales that have left an indelible mark. Read More. 

The world of songwriting is calling you, waiting to be discovered. In collaboration with The National Endowment for the Arts, we are thrilled to present the Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge for High School Students.

The Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge for High School Students is an opportunity for high school students all across the country to develop and showcase musical compositions that could be part of a musical theater production. Submissions will be judged by a panel of leaders in the musical theater field — including NAMT members and Festival of New Musicals Alumni Writers, among others — who will select the Challenge’s winning writers/writing teams. Those writers will be invited to New York City in June 2024 to work with mentors, culminating in a concert of their songs. Read More. 

The Call Board is brought to you in partnership with NAMT Member New Musicals Inc. Create a free account at NMI's Musical Theatre Resource Center and check out more contests, submission opportunities and professional development resources. Look below for a selection of their upcoming submission deadlines. 

Musical Theatre West New Works Reading Festival 2023

http://musical.org/new-works/

Submission deadline: August 28, 2023

The ASCAP Foundation “The Latin Beat” Songwriter Program

https://www.ascapfoundation.org/programs/awards/latin-beat-songwriter-program/application

Submission deadline: August 31, 2023

New Works of Merit
https://www.newworksofmeritplaywritingcontest.com/dates--award--eligible-script--ineligible-script.html
Submission deadline: August 31, 2023

The Ten Minute Musicals Project
http://www.tenminutemusicals.org/Annual_Competition.html
Submission deadline: August 31, 2023

Theatre Now New York NY Musical Theatre Writers Lab

https://www.tnny.org/musicalwriterslab

Submission Deadline: September 4, 2023

The Relentless Award Ten Minute “Picket Plays"

https://www.americanplaywritingfoundation.org/the-relentless-award
Submission deadline: Sept 5, 2023

Prospect Theater Company 2023 Musical Theater Lab

https://www.prospecttheater.org/2023-mt-lab-application

Submission deadline: September 18, 2023

Want to add to this listing? Spot an error or old info? Reach out to us at newworks@namt.org.

At NAMT, we believe the next industry-defining voice is out there, waiting to be discovered. The Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge is a unique platform for high school students, bridging nascent talent with the luminous world of musical theater.

Delving Deeper: A Two-Step Evaluation
At the heart of the Songwriting Challenge is an innovative two-draft system designed to nurture budding talent. Entrants initially submit their song for Draft 1, where it's met with constructive feedback from industry professionals. Armed with these insights, participants can refine their composition and resubmit it as Draft 2. This revised piece is then in contention for the coveted winners' weekend — a unique opportunity to shine among peers and professionals alike.

Read more about the Submission Process, Evaluation Criteria and how to bring the Songwriting Challenge to your community.

Every note penned, every lyric written is a step towards crafting the next iconic musical number. The Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge isn’t just a competition; it’s a learning experience, a mentorship and a golden ticket to the world of musical theater. Don’t just dream it, script it! Read More. 

> #ICYMI <

Check out last month's edition of The Table Read at namt.org!

Want to contribute to the Table Read? Send in your idea. 

The stories in this newsletter are by and about our readers. If you have an idea for a piece or are about to engage in a writing/reading/planning/production process, let us know.