Writing a Musical: Tips and Resources | Page 11 of 14

Helping Characters Land Through Song

Dec 27, 2018 | 6 |

Audiences need to discover a unique protagonist to whom they can attach themselves and follow as he pursues a powerful goal. The goal is the hook. Pursuing it is what keeps the audience invested in the protagonist and his story.

3 Writing Tips from Wicked Creators Winnie Holzman and Stephen Schwartz

Nov 25, 2018 | 3 |

The people who created the musical Wicked did many things right. They ended up with a mega-hit...

Writing for Today’s Musical Theatre Performer

Nov 11, 2018 | 5 |

There are a number of challenges musical theatre performers face in today’s industry. Most pressing are the vocal demands of a musical theatre score. Some contemporary scores require what is considered heavy vocal load singing for longer periods of time than is healthy. As writers, we have a responsibility not to normalize potentially dangerous vocal writing for the voice. We must take into account what the voice is capable of recreating 8 shows a week, whether on a Broadway stage or regional theatre. It is the highest sign of respect to the performing artists, who bring to life our characters, allowing them to tell their stories in more powerful ways.

When Supply Outstrips Opportunity

Oct 19, 2018 | 0 |

Musical Theatre composers and lyricists are living in challenging times, where audience demand to see shows starring a recognizable name has (somewhat predictably) spread across to the writing teams. We and other writers are making the most of the cabaret platform and the wonderful world of social media to reach our audiences, which involves writing pieces which are inherently theatrical but also stand alone.

Writing Lyrics: With a Song in Their Hearts

Oct 5, 2018 | 0 |

Steve Cuden offers his perspective on the kinds of storytelling suited to show tune lyrics. For anyone refining their lyric writing skills, or for those newly exploring how to write lyrics for musicals, Cuden brings up some important considerations.