Fall Conference 2011

Westin Times Square, Majestic Foyer (5th Floor)

Westin Times Square, Majestic Ballroom 2

Westin Times Square, Majestic Ballroom 2The acclaimed director of such shows as She Loves Me, Cabaret, Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Evita, The Phantom of the Opera and Parade, and the producer of The Pajama Game, Damn Yankees, West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof and many more, will share his thoughts on the state of the American musical today, and preserving its future.

Westin Times Square, Majestic FoyerSponsored by The Marriott Theatre

How do we train and sustain young artists — writers, directors, actors and more — to ensure vibrant new work and continued life for the classic canon? Where is the next generation coming from? How are we preparing them to enter a competitive marketplace? Are the NAMT member theatres finding the talent they want and need? How can we support the next generation to sustain both the art form and themselves?

Moderated by Victoria Bussert (Baldwin-Wallace College) and Soren Moeller (The Danish Academy of Musical Theatre), with Henry Fonte (University of Miami), Maria Goyanes (The Public Theater/NYSF), Andrea Lepcio (Dramatists Guild of America), Sarah Schlesinger (NYU Tisch Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program) and Frank Ventura (CAP21).

Do our new musicals and their writers reflect the changing population? Is musical theatre relevant in the modern world? Are shows being written that suit our various audiences and communities? Are writers coming from those communities? How can theatres bring audiences along for the ride to take risks with new types of work on new themes?

Moderated by Michael Baron (Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma), with Danny Larsen (The Yellow Wood, Festival 2008), Robert Lee (NYU Tisch Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program), Ralph Remington (National Endowment for the Arts), Darryl Reuben Hall (Stage Aurora Theatrical Company) and Billy Porter (Actor/Director/Choreographer/Writer).

252 West 47th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue)

www.glasshousetavern.com

Sponsored by Samuel French and Pittsburgh CLO

Westin Times Square, Majestic FoyerSponsored by Broadway/LA and Theatre Under the Stars

Case studies from members about creative ways they have lowered costs — on both new works and classics — without compromising the work or the audience’s experience. We’ll look at practical solutions to producing in the current economy, maintaining healthy and vibrant theatres, with ideas that are scalable and adaptable to any organization.

Moderated by Chris Scholey (Dancap Productions), with Michael Baron (Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma), Kevin Moriarty (Dallas Theater Center) and Kristin Staskowski (Red Mountain Theatre Company).

How do new shows that don’t go to Broadway get preserved and shared with a wider audience? How does that music live on and make it into the hands of fans, as well as potential future producers of the work? We’ll hear from recording industry experts, plus NAMT members and alumni who have successfully recorded new musicals, about the pleasures and pitfalls of getting your new show on disc or online.

Moderated by Robb Hunt (Village Theatre), with Wayne Bryan (Music Theatre of Wichita), Kurt Deutsch (Sh-K-Boom/Ghostlight Records), Sean Flahaven (Warner/Chappell Music), Elizabeth Healy (The Recording Academy), and Cara Reichel & Peter Mills (Golden Boy of the Blue Ridge, Festival 2011; Iron Curtain, Festival 2009).

What is the life of a new American musical. Where do they go? When do they stop being “new”? What development paths are available for new works today? With fewer shows starting out on Broadway, but many regional theatres only interested in world or regional premieres, how are shows entering the canon? Classic musicals have continued life — what’s changed in the last 20 years to change how new works live on? How can NAMT members collaborate to keep great musicals moving forward, sustaining their writers and the art form?

Moderated by Kent Nicholson (Playwrights Horizons), with Doug Cohen (Festival 2008, 2000 and 1994), Kelley Kirkpatrick (Center Theatre Group), Greg Schaffert (321 Theatrical Management) and Marilynn Sheldon (The 5th Avenue Theatre).

A delicious lunch with peer affinity groups to network and brainstorm! Over dessert the NAMT Board of Directors and staff will report on the state of the Alliance and plans for the year ahead.

Sponsored by Disney Theatrical Productions and The 5th Avenue Theatre

Meet the Licensers

Majestic Ballroom 1

An opportunity to talk to representatives from the major musical licensing houses: Music Theatre International, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Samuel French and Theatrical Rights Worldwide.

Music Prep

Melville Room

If you’re new to producing new work, the costs and logistics of music preparation (arranging, orchestration, and music copying) can sneak up on you. Learn what to expect in this informal session with Sean Flahaven (Warner/Chappell Music), Bruce Coughlin (Orchestrator) and Katharine Edmonds (Emily Grishman Music Preparation).

Working With Actors Equity

Majestic Ballroom 2

Discuss changing Equity rules and how they affect your work and your theatre. Share resources with your fellow NAMT members. Moderated by Robb Hunt (Village Theatre).

Working With Agents and Lawyers

Manhattan Room

Tips and tricks for working with agents and lawyers, straight from the source – Thomas Pearson (ICM) and Marsha Brooks (Brooks and Distler).

How do producers of classic musicals keep the work fresh when going back to the same shows their audiences have seen before? How do they attract new audiences or younger crowds to the classics we all love and want to preserve? Plus, when multiple versions of a script, score or orchestrations exist, which one are you able to produce?

Moderated by Steve Stettler (Weston Playhouse Theatre Company), with Bob Alwine (Goodspeed Musicals), Kate Galvin (Walnut Street Theatre), Andy Hite (Marriott Theatre) and more to be announced.

A quick wrap-up of the Conference, and a chance to ask any questions that weren’t covered earlier.