FOR NEW MUSICAL THEATRE WRITERS
MUSICAL THEATRE ANATOMY
A free course on building a musical from the ground up, made to advance Black, Brown and Indigenous women writing for the musical stage.
- 25writers applied to the first cohort in 2020
- 19writers signed on to the 2020 cohort
- 2cohorts: online in 2020, in person in 2023
WHAT IT IS
BARE-BONES WRITING FOR THE MUSICAL STAGE
Musical Theatre Anatomy teaches the structure of musical theatre writing to lyricists, book writers and composers. Weekly sessions combine lectures, "speed dating" exercises that pair writers with collaborators, question and answer time with guest instructors, and feedback on each writer's own story ideas.
The course ends in a showcase of class-generated work for invited industry professionals.
WHO IT SERVED
WRITERS AT ANY LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE
BTGM encouraged every Black and Indigenous woman interested in the program to apply, whether or not she had written a musical before. Applicants sent a work sample and sat for one interview with a selection panel. Those chosen committed to attend every session.
In 2020 the call asked for 16 writers. Twenty-five applied, 22 interviewed on Zoom, and 19 signed on.
HOW IT RAN
TWO COHORTS
- Fall 2020, online. Eight Mondays on Zoom, 7 to 9 pm, October 26 to December 14, 2020, led by DJ Salisbury.
- Spring 2023, in person. Hosted with Fringe ArtSpace at Church Street Station in Orlando. Four sessions on April 5, 6, 12 and 19, 2023, and a showcase on April 26, 2023.
- 2023 instructors. Roberta Emerson, Donald Rupe and Brandon Martin.
- Selection. Written application, work sample and one panel interview. The 2023 call offered 12 seats.
- Cost. Free to every writer.
Bring it to your stage
Your theatre, school or arts organization can host this program. We bring the curriculum and reengage the practitioners who built it.
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