The Secret Life of the American Musical Archives

26 Musical Theatre Books, Librettos, and Biographies You can Borrow for FREE (save $468)

As a musical theatre writer, your craft is both an art and a science. You need to have a strong...

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.

Summer Reading Books for Musical Writers

Catch up on relevant musical writing books this summer, including ideas for public domain material, how-to books, and books on “the making of a musical.”

Clambake: Curtain Up Act Two

The audience has stretched their legs, endured the line to the loo, and checked their email and the likes on their selfie with the night’s Playbill. The lights dim, and it’s time for Curtain Up: Act Two.

La Vie Bohéme – Curtain, Act One

If the audience is allowed to push the pause button and re-enter the reality—and mental hijack—of crowds, bathroom lines, and social media updates, then the creative team better have a carefully devised plan on how to keep at least a little hook in an audience member’s brain during intermission.

“If I Loved You” – Conditional Love Songs

Not every show has a love story at its core, but most do. It can take the form of romantic love, familial love, friendly love, or passion for life, but (in a good story) the heart of the protagonist is always on fire for someone or something.

The Wizard and I – The “I Want” Song

The “I Want” song, usually the second number in a show, tells us who the story is about and the thing they’re willing to risk everything to pursue.

Curtain Up, Light the Lights – Writing Opening Numbers

When constructing “curtain up” moments and opening numbers, you must be clear, clever, and able to convince the audience to stay with you for the ride.

Another Show, Another Opening Number!

Most writers know they have to tackle certain structural must-haves, but there is one in particular that tends to be the most elusive: The Opening Number.