Finding a Home for your Musical

Have you written or collaborated on a musical? Are you looking for opportunities to have it produced or published but can’t find your niche? Perhaps you need to do a little more “tweaking” before you give up hope.

Musicals are a wonderful genre to create because of their diversity. What other creative art form can include the theatrics of a play, the freedom of dance choreography and the beauty of music; all of which are integral parts of a musical.

Although many have created all aspects of their musicals (think “Oliver” by Lionel Bart, “Music Man” by Meredith Wilson or “Rent” by Jonathan Larson), the diversity of the form often brings together the writer (to create the book), the composer (to create the music) and the lyricist (to create the lyrics).

Sadly, the musical is one of the most difficult genres to market successfully for many reasons.

MANY CONTESTS/THEATRES DO NOT HAVE THE RESOURCES

Dance numbers require space, which is a problem for small theatres.

Auditions are more time consuming because potential performers must not only audition as actors but most would be required to sing and possibly dance as well. Chorus performers most certainly would be required to attend dance auditions and demonstrate the ability to sing as well.

Additional personnel are needed (musicians/conductor/choreographer) which adds to the expense.

Musicals are very difficult to do as “staged readings”. At best one could expect a piano player to provide the music and songs may even be left out altogether, which could seriously alter the overall effect of the musical.

Some frown upon musicals written without collaboration so anyone who’s worn the hats of bookwriter, composer and lyricist may have difficulty getting their works produced simply for this reason.

SO WHAT DO YOU DO?

1. Keep cast size reasonable.

2. Have a piano reduction score available for smaller companies.

3. Write songs that can be sung by actors who can sing instead of by professional singers.

4. Research your market carefully.

WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE?

Look for contests that specifically ask for musicals. (Read their guidelines carefully and make sure you follow them to the letter. Don’t send a work with a cast of 20 if they specify 10 or fewer parts. If you write for a specific genre (like children), make sure they accept children’s musicals.

Subscribe to online ezines and newsletters that generate contests and markets listings. These can be extremely helpful because they contain brief descriptions with contact information and/or links to a website where writer’s guidelines are found.

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