Whether you’re polishing a musical or just figuring out how to start one, the annual Musical Writers Festival in Dallas, Texas, is where musical theatre makers gather to connect, grow, and actually move their musicals forward. From templates and tacos to Texas-sized talent, here are 26 reasons to book your trip.
A is for “Access to Insight”
Budget templates, pitch strategies, and content checklists, oh my! (You’ll leave with tips you’ll actually use.)
B is for “Big Texas Energy”
From the oversized hotel rooms to the oversized personalities, this musical writers festival is a Texas-sized experience.
📷 credit: Daniel Wolfert
C is for “Comedy & Craft”
Feedback sessions dedicated to both serious ballads and laugh-out-loud numbers will help you shape your material for the stage.
D is for “Demo Videos”
Workshop attendees may submit individual songs for our New Works Cabaret and song feedback sessions. All of these performances are recorded, which means you’re likely to receive high quality video of your selected songs for use in your own promotional materials. Like this one:
E is for “Examples & Templates”
From budgeting to branding, we give you plug-and-play resources so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. (Click here to see some examples!)
F is for “Food Worth the Flight”
Tacos. BBQ. Hotel breakfast that doesn’t disappoint. You won’t leave hungry.
G is for “Gate-Crashing (the Good Kind)”
MusicalWriters.com strives to be an anti-gatekeeper in the theatre industry. This isn’t about who you know—it’s about what you’re creating. And who you should be sharing it with.
📷 credit: Diane Currie Sam
H is for “Hospitality, Y’all”
The warmth is real. Whether it’s your first or fifth time attending, you’ll feel like part of the family.
I is for “Introvert-Friendly Networking”
Small groups, shared interests, and plenty of low-pressure ways to connect—even if mingling isn’t your thing.
📷 credit: Hannah Midkiff Photography
J is for the “Joy of Hearing It Live”
When your lyrics hit just right, and the vocalist nails it… yeah, that feeling.
K is for “Kicklines & Key Changes”
You don’t have to include them…but this is a place where people get it if you do.
📷 credit: Hannah Midkiff Photography
L is for “Like-Minded People”
Finally, people who understand how exciting it is to find the perfect rhyme for “protagonist.”
M is for “Meet Your Collaborators”
Writers, composers, performers, and directors everywhere you turn. You might even find your next creative partner over coffee or at sound check.
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N is for the “New Works Cabaret”
An unforgettable showcase of attendee songs performed by powerhouse Texas talent. Your work. Their voices. One incredible night.
O is for “Open Mic Night”
Bring your own work and perform it in a room full of (music-drunk) cheerleaders. This crowd wants you to win.
📷 credit: Hannah Midkiff Photography
P is for “Pitch Night”
The Musical Writers Festival’s signature SharkTank-style event where composers pitch their shows to real producers, and compete for a FREE staged reading from MusicalWriters.com.
Q is for “Questions Encouraged”
No pretension, no gatekeeping. Ask for what you need; someone else in the room is definitely wondering the same thing.
📷 credit: Hannah Midkiff Photography
R is for “Rebecca – freaking – Lowrey”
The CEO of MusicalWriters.com, Rebecca shines at this festival—conducting, connecting, emceeing, AND music directing with heart and humor.
S is for “Social Strategy That Works”
Learn what to post, when to post, and how to make social media serve your creative career. (And grab a checklist for content to capture while you’re in festival mode!)
T is for “Texas Talent”
Prepare to be blown away by the vocalists. These singers don’t just hit the notes, they elevate your work, and may even become your biggest fans!
U is for “Unfiltered Feedback”
You’ll get kind, honest, helpful feedback from people who want your work to succeed, not to tear it down.
V is for “Voices Raised”
The Musical Writers Festival is all about amplification: your story, your style, your unique perspective. (Not to mention singers that raise the roof with attendees’ songs!)
📷 credit: Hannah Midkiff Photography
W is for “Welcome to the Club”
Writing musicals can feel isolating. This weekend? Pure community.
X is for “X-Factor Moments”
That chance hallway conversation. That offhand suggestion. That unexpected clarity. These moments happen here.
📷 credit: Amanda Dills
Y is for “Your New Fan Club”
The artists and performers in Texas love new musicals. Play your cards right, and you’ll leave with fans, followers, and maybe even future castmates.
Z is for “Zero Pretension”
It’s not about Broadway buzzwords. It’s about doing the work, sharing the work, and getting better together.
Does this sound your kind of event? Find out more at festival.musicalwriters.com.
