Musical Writers Reference Books

Essential Directories, Sourcebooks, Handbooks For Dramatic Writers

The Dramatist Guild Resource Directory for 2009

BUY the 2009 Dramatists Guild Resource Directory: The Writer's Guide to the Theatrical Marketplace

If you're writing a musical, keep current with this book AND with the Dramatists Sourcebook, listed next.

Dramatists Guild Resource Directory is the official annual reference for playwrights put out by the Dramatists Guild. This up to-date directory is that authoritative reference for any serious or casual playwright. It contains a number of useful resources for playwrights, all in one place: Comprehensive listings of submission opportunities Conferences and festivals An annual submission calendar Listings of commercial producer Publishers and theaters Agents Attorneys Colonies and residencies Fellowships Grants & emergency funds Membership and service organizations Workshops.

Dramatists Sourcebook, 25 Edition

This book is essential for for writers who want to get their work produced.

Buy the Dramatists Sourcebook 25th Edition (Dramatists Sourcebook)

Description from 24th edition: Dramatists Sourcebook-the best-selling guide for opportunities for stage writers-is completely revised, with more than 900 opportunities for playwrights, translators, composers, lyricists and librettists, as well as opportunities for screen, radio and television writers. In an easy-to-use format, the Sourcebook details script-submission procedures for more than 350 theatres seeking new plays; more than 150 prizes and sections on submission guidelines, fellowships and grants, organizations, script preparation, agents, colonies and residencies, workshops, publishing opportunities and a submission calendar. Thoroughly indexed, with an invaluable calendar of submission deadlines, this is an indispensable reference work for any playwright or person writing a musical.

Stage Writers Handbook: A Complete Business Guide for Playwrights, Composers, Lyricists and Librettists
by Dana Singer

Subtitled "A Complete Business Guide for Playwrights, Composers, Lyricists, and Librettists," the book sets out clearly and straightforwardly what to expect, what your responsibilities are, what your rights are, how much to charge for your services and how to protect yourself as a professional theater writer today. It's all here: copyrights, agents, contracts, script approval, credits, royalties . . . all the stuff that could make you--or break you. [This is also available at Amazon.co.uk for Europe: Stage Writers Handbook ]

2010 Screenwriter's and Playright's Marketplace

The 2010 Screenwriter's & Playwright's Market is on Amazon.com. 2010 Screenwriter's & Playwright's Market (Screenwriters & Playwrights Market)

This is the Writer Digest version of a guide that offers: play markets, play competitions, playwright resources, and more.

Producing Musicals, Musical Readings, etc.

Producing Theatre: A Comprehensive Legal and Business Guide

Producing Theatre: A Comprehensive Legal and Business Guide - Second Edition
by Donald C. Farber.

This book is aimed at the professional and student, and guides readers regarding raising money, obtaining rights and bringing a play to the stage. Appendices include actual examples of commonly used legal forms and contracts. "...likely to remain for some time to come the authoritative reference in its field." -Variety

Producing Musicals: A Practical Guide

Producing Musicals: A Practical Guide The author works in the UK but principles may apply everywhere. DESCRIPTION: The principles and procedures described in this book can be applied to shows of any size and complexity, from one–off cabaret entertainments to large–scale, multi–media extravaganzas. An invaluable companion for both first–time and experienced producers, directors, and designers, it covers such topics as: the key roles of producer, director, creative team, and staging departments; suggested approaches for producing, directing, designing, and casting shows; a breakdown of the rehearsal process; a detailed analysis of the procedures for moving a production from the rehearsal room into the theater...

The Commercial Theater Institute Guide to Producing Plays and Musicals

Book Description
Now in its 25th year, the Commercial Theater Institute sponsors an annual intensive program in New York for individuals interested in producing or investing in the theatre that attracts people from all over the world. The top working theatre professionals offer hard, factual information to those interested in producing for Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway, anywhere in North America, as well as in the United Kingdom. The Commercial Theater Institute Guide to Producing Plays and Musicals now collects for the first time the cream of the crop of that advice, from the noted theatre professionals who participate in the program, in their own words. Interviews, contributions, and a resource directory are included from 30 theatre professionals who have won a total of 45 Tony Awards. Agents, directors, production designers, general managers, fundraisers, marketing directors, producers, and theatrical attorneys all offer invaluable advice in a book that will be the definitive resource in its field.

From Option to Opening : a guide to Producing Plays Off Broadway - Revised and Updated This book is said to be useful to writers as well as producers, etc.

Book Description
For the potential, as well as the professional, producer and for writers, actors, directors, and investors, this book is for anyone wanting or needing to understand the process of producing Off Broadway plays from start to finish. Written in crisp, clear, nonlegal language that the layman can easily understand, every page reflects the experience and expertise of Farber, a well-known and highly respected theatrical attorney. The book contains detailed information on how to: option a property, raise money, obtain a theater, deal with the cast and other personnel, the art of negotiation, partnerships and co-production agreements, and much more. Especially useful are the updated and expanded appendixes, which include all new budgets and actual examples of today's commonly used legal forms and contracts.

Rhyming dictionaries - for songwriters and others

Musicals Theories and Definitions

Words With Music: Creating the Broadway Musical Libretto

Original by Lehman Engel, updated and revised in January 2006 by Howard Kissel.

Buy or browse at Amazon.com: Words with Music : Creating the Broadway Musical Libretto

Lehman Engel has advanced theories about how musicals work based on his experience as a conductor. The book covers characters, subject matter, feeling, subplot, romance, lyrics and particularization, music, comedy and entertainment, adaptation to libretto, failures, and more.

Book Description The dean of Broadway musical directors examines the dynamics of how the book, music and lyrics work together to create such hits as My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof, Guys and Dolls, Hair, Pal Joey, West Side Story, Company, South Pacific, Threepenny Opera and Porgy and Bess.

Howard Kissel, chief theater critic for the New York Daily News, extends the reach of Engel's subjects by bringing them up to date with commentary on such shows as A Chorus Line, Nine, Sunday in the Park with George, Rent, Working and Falsettos. Kissel offers a thoughtful history on how musical theater has evolved in the three decades since Engel wrote Words with Music (1972) and how Engel's classic work remains vital and illuminating today.

Words with Music : Creating the Broadway Musical Libretto

Also from Engel: This Bright Day: An Autobiography - Engel's love affair with Broadway.

Lyricists Reference Guides

Sammy Cahn's Rhyming Dictionary

To send suggestions, comments, or questions write to carol@musicalschwartz.com