Theatre Workshop | Application Requirements

There is no fee to apply for or participate in the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop.

All participants must plan to live in the NYC area for the length of the course.

Writers may apply and be accepted to both the Songwriting and Bookwriting Workshops, but can only participate in one at a time.

Application Requirements

Composer

Three contrasting compositions: uptempo, comedy song, and ballad. Please include a PDF of your scores which includes lyrics.

Lyricist

A PDF of three contrasting lyrics: uptempo, comedy song, and ballad.

Composer/Lyricist

Three contrasting compositions: uptempo, comedy song, and ballad. Please include a PDF of your scores which includes lyrics as well as a PDF lyric sheet.

Auditions

Select applicants will be invited to audition in September.

Composers and composer/lyricists will be asked to perform at least two contrasting theatrical compositions; lyricists will be asked to recite samples of their theatrical lyrics.

All auditions are held live, using a provided piano. Composers need not play or sing their own material and can bring accompanists/performers.

Dates

  • Applications due August 1.
  • Auditions held early September.
  • Classes begin mid September.
  • The First Year Songwriting workshop meets Wednesdays 6–8pm, September–June

Application Requirements

Bookwriters

1 page description of a musical the applicant has written or intends to write.

20 page excerpt (or two 10 page excerpts) of dramatic material for which the applicant is the sole bookwriter or playwright. Can be original or adaptation. (May include lyrics written by others.)

A bio or resume.

Dates

  • Applications due June 1.
  • Invitations issued early September.
  • Classes begin mid September.
  • The First Year Bookwriting workshop meets Wednesdays 6–8pm, September–June.