There was an interesting article, by Phil Willmott, about the various schemes that are used to developing the next big musical project. Reading through the article, these schemes certainly do seem to offer a lot of good support. And so, the is an idea I'd like to put forward, that may allow one to help the other. My idea is this.
What if the leaders and organisers of the schemes mentioned below, came together and co-ordinated their efforts, to form a new mid-level musical theatre 'federation' of sorts, to develop - and to house - new to mid level musicals?
This may seem quite a tough challenge, but I believe that the combined resources of all musical theatre schemes, could more than fund and supply key mid-level venues around the country. After all, there are now numerous musical theatre courses being offered at universities and colleges, so the recognition for musical theatre as an industry are on the up. And this kind of collaboration, would create even more opportunities for musical theatre performers and creatives.
The schemes include:
- Stiles and Drew Prize and Mentorship
- Mercury Musical Developments and BEAM
- Book, Music and Lyrics (BMI)
- The Other Palace
- New Musical Development Collective
- Perfect Pitch
- Katy Lipson, Aria Entertainment and Page to Stage
That is my idea, and scheme leaders who are reading this: if you pool your resources, you will more than achieve your aims.
Sources: The Stage Magazine, December 7, 2017 pgs 3, 24
