BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop accepting applications for composer/lyricist class

The BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop is now accepting applications for its first year composer/lyricist class. The August 1, 2010 deadline is quickly approaching and applicants are asked to send in the requested materials as soon as possible. The Workshop begins September 21, 2010 and runs through June 2011. A recipient of the Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre Award, the Lehman Engel Musical Workshop consists of approximately 250 composers, lyricists and book writers who are actively writing new works for the musical theatre.

The first year class is co-moderated by Workshop Artistic Coordinator Patrick Cook (Captains Courageous, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington) and Workshop alumnus Frederick Freyer (Captains Courageous). Alumni include Tony Award winners Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez (Avenue Q), Edward Kleban (A Chorus Line), Maury Yeston (Titanic, Grand Hotel, Nine), Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors), Michael John LaChiusa (Hello Again, Marie Christine, The Wild Party) and Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey (Next to Normal).

Workshop participants will pay $27 for an identification badge, but all other sponsorship costs are fully covered by BMI. The purpose of the Workshop is to bring writers together to work under the guidance and supervision of experienced professionals in order to develop new creative talent in American musical theatre. A springboard for new works, the Workshop creates a learning environment for members to experiment, take risks and learn from moderators and other participants.

Applications for the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop can be downloaded at http://www.bmi.com/genres/entry/534241, or requested by emailing theatre@bmi.com. Applications should include:

Composer: Three (3) contrasting compositions on CD, up-tempo, comedy song, ballad. Please include copy of score that includes lyrics.

Lyricist: Three (3) contrasting lyrics – up-tempo, comedy song, ballad.

Composer/Lyricist: Three (3) contrasting songs on CD - up-tempo, comedy song, ballad. Please include copy of score that includes lyrics.

Please send completed applications to:
Jean Banks BMI - 250 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10007-0030

Broadcast Music, Inc.® (BMI) is an American performing right organization that represents more than 400,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in all genres of music and more than 6.5 million works. BMI reported $905 million for its 2009 fiscal year in performing right collections. BMI has represented the most popular and beloved music from around the world for 70 years. The U.S. corporation collects license fees from businesses that use music, which it then distributes as royalties to the musical creators and copyright owners it represents.