Readings are an important part of musical development. Understanding the different types will help you know what’s best for where you are.
Getting Started:
Writing, Collaboration & Development
You’ve got an idea for a musical and are ready to get started. Here are some helpful articles on writing, community and collaboration, tech and software tips, and more!
How Writers and Directors Work Together on New Musicals: An Interview with Ilana Ransom Toeplitz
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
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
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
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
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
Carol de Giere and Stephen Schwartz explore how musicals convey time through backstory, memories, and compressed action.
Member Spotlight: Fred Rohan-Vargas
Academy Member Fred Rohan-Vargas is an experienced playwright and composer and recently was accepted in the 2021 BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop.
4 Tips for Writing Better Lyrics
Ready to get started writing lyrics for your musical? Here are 4 tips to help you create songs that stand out and stay true to your story.
Coaching
Script and Score Diagnostic
FREE DOWNLOAD
Use this helpful checklist to evaluate your own musical or analyze your favorite shows.