Producing Artist Collective
A new path forward for original musicals.
We are a group of artists dedicated to advancing our work and launching commercial, sustainable musical theater productions for underrepresented voices. Our members, recognized as nationally accomplished composers and librettists, have also completed training in theater producing or hold commercial producing credits. We actively support each other through outreach and empower our community to create work that is ready for commercial partnership.
To join the Producing Artist Collective, all members must:
- be nationally recognized for their writing (examples: O'Neill semifinalist, NAMT festival selection, member of BMI or ASCAP workshop, other major award consideration or residency)
- be representing a project with at least 50% historically marginalized writers and at least three years of development time
- have taken at least one set of comprehensive theater producing courses (examples: CTI, TRU, Business of Broadway) or equivalent experience
- have produced at least one major milestone themselves (examples: 29 hr-equity reading, showcase, production) and have previously raised commercial funds towards the project
- be willing to jump in and help their peers on a volunteer basis and excited to work in partnership with commercial producers
All new members must be approved by the majority vote of the Collective.
Our members
The work of our members has been showcased on stages globally, and they have received various awards and residencies, including:
Princess Grace Award, ASCAP Foundation's Lucille & Jack Yellen Award, Johnny Mercer Writers Grove at Goodspeed, NAMT Festival, NAMT Challenge Award, ASCAP Workshop, Rhinebeck Writers' Retreat, Fred Ebb Award, Space at Ryder Farm, New Musicals Australia, The Tank (NYC), BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop, Dramatist Guild Foundations Fellow, MASS Cultural Council Grant, Creative Nation's First Storytellers Festival, NYTB Barn on Fire, Drama League Songwriting Contest, and more.
Current Projects
(members in bold)
Bastard Jones: Music/Lyrics by Amy Engelhardt, Book/Lyrics by Marc Acito, based on Henry Fielding's TOM JONES
1749, rural England. When lowborn Tom Jones falls for the Reverend's daughter Sophia, Somersetshire conspires to ruin him because of his birth circumstances. A rollicking, bed-hopping farce.
Development History
Millikin New Musicals Workshop (NAMT grant), Musi-Cal Showcase (Hollywood, CA), 2x Finalist: Eugene O'Neill NMTC, Finalist: Richard Rodgers Award for New Musicals, Sold-out Off-Broadway production @ the cell led to an OBA Best New Musical Nomination, Drama Desk/Chita Rivera Nominations for lead actor
Status
Ready for second NYC or regional production, film in the works
Māyā: The Musical: Book & Music by Cheeyang Ng, Book/Lyrics by Eric Sorrels
In the twilight of the British Empire, an aspiring poet named Maya Mehta sets out to make her mark on the world. Her ambitions lead her to the heart of the Indian Independence Movement, as Mahatma Gandhi’s famous Salt March passes through her hometown. Torn between her duty to her family and the inspiration of her freedom-fighting friends, Maya ultimately defies the Empire in both word and actions — joining the legacy of India’s quest for sovereignty, but at the cost of her family’s privilege and status. With a contemporary score that fuses Indian classical music with Western pop, Maya is the story of how one poet, one dreamer, one person can make a lasting mark on a movement.
Development History
NYU Graduate MT Writing Program, Pace New Musicals, NAMT Showcase, Amas Musical Theater Workshop, ASCAP Workshop, Prospect Musicals & NAAP Ignite & Discover Concert Series, London Industry Showcase
Status
Ready for production
Millennials Are Killing Musicals: Book/Music/Lyrics by Nico Juber
Meet Brenda, single Millennial mom who just wants to do better “adulting” like the seemingly perfect Jake’s Mom at her daughter’s school. Suddenly, younger #influencer sister Katrina shows up, eight months pregnant, totally unprepared for motherhood. Will the three women shed the Greek chorus of social media filters on their lives to achieve their dreams?
Development History
NYTB New Works Series, Concert at 54 Below, Off-Broadway Developmental Production @ Out of the Box Theatrics, 2x Semifinalist: Eugene O'Neill NMTC, Cast Recording
Status
Upcoming workshop and regional premiere
Picnic At Hanging Rock: Music by Greta Gertler Gold, Book/Lyrics by Hilary Bell
A new musical about the unexplained disappearance of three schoolgirls and a teacher on Valentine's Day 1900, and the ripple effect on the lives of those left behind. Moving between the elite Appleyard College for Young Ladies and the striking landscape of Hanging Rock (known by its traditional language groups as Ngannelong), the mystery has captivated people since the book's publication in 1967. It has been adapted in various forms (notably Peter Weir's film), creating a ripple effect of its own.
Development History
Hayes Theatre Grant, Create NSW Grant, Yaddo Artist Residency, NYC Development Lab & Joe's Pub Show, Upcoming two week workshop & Lincoln Center concert
Status
Upcoming London premiere
Savage: Book/Music/Lyrics by Nicolette Blount, Book by Lindel Hart
Set in the 1920s, Savage tells the inspiring and heartbreaking true story of Wanda Savage, a Chickasaw sharpshooter, silent film actress, and single mother navigating two conflicting worlds. Born into the Chickasaw Nation to a Chickasaw mother and a white father, Wanda struggles with her identity, caught between two worlds in a society that refuses to fully accept her as either Native or white. As Vaudeville exploits her heritage and Hollywood erases it, Wanda fights for acceptance and love in a world determined to silence her voice.
Development History
Dramatist Guild Foundation National Musical Theatre Fellowship, Creative Nation's First Storytellers Festival Residency, American Playwriting Foundation's Relentless Award, 2x Semifinalist: Eugene O'Neill NMTC, Concept EP
Status
Ready for a workshop