Category: Writing a Musical

Writing Tips

Types of Readings for New Musical Development

Readings are an important part of musical development. Understanding the different types will help you know what’s best for where you are.

How Writers and Directors Work Together on New Musicals: An Interview with Ilana Ransom Toeplitz

by Holly Reed | 0 |

Director Ilana Ransom Toeplitz generously shares her thoughts and experience on the process of working with writers on new musicals.

How Opening Numbers Reveal a World or Launch the Story

by Carol de Giere | 1 |

Carol de Giere and Stephen Schwartz discuss the importance (and challenge) of constructing successful opening numbers — and offer a few tips!

4 Steps to Moving Forward When Your Script is Stuck

by Holly Reed | 0 |

At some point, we all find ourselves stuck creatively. Here are several ways to help you move forward when things seem to be stalling out.

5 Key Takeaways from Irene Sankoff

by Kenady Sean | 3 |

The MusicalWriters community recently chatted with Come From Away writer Irene Sankoff. Here are our 5 key takeaways for new musical development.

How Musicals Make the Most of Time: Montage, Backstory, Memories, and Ticking Clocks

by Carol de Giere | 0 |

Today’s musicals journey through time with concentrated stories and employ devices like montages, backstory, and ticking clocks to keep audiences engaged.

How Musicals Make the Most of Time – A Conversation with Stephen Schwartz

by Carol de Giere | 0 |

Carol de Giere and Stephen Schwartz explore how musicals convey time through backstory, memories, and compressed action.

Member Spotlight: Fred Rohan-Vargas

by Kenady Sean | 0 |

Academy Member Fred Rohan-Vargas is an experienced playwright and composer and recently was accepted in the 2021 BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop.