Festival Submission FAQs
Eligibility FAQs
What type of shows is NAMT looking for?
All types! We want to present eight exciting, diverse, great works of art that inspire and motivate the industry to produce them! We select shows that are of the highest quality across the widest possible range of themes and styles, in various stages of development, with great stories to tell. To see a list of shows we have recently presented, please check out the Festival History page.
My musical has already had a full production or is being considered for future productions at regional theatres. Does this disqualify it from submission?
No, it does not. The Festival is actually a great way to find future productions and development opportunities. We have presented many shows that have had multiple regional productions and also shows that have never had a reading before. We are looking for shows across the development spectrum.
Can I submit my musical if I do not use original music?
Yes. If you submit a musical that does not use original music, please be sure to provide documentation of full underlying rights clearance or documentation that the music is in the public domain.
My musical has a commercial producer attached. Is that a problem?
Not at all! The Festival is a fantastic way for producers to find future producing partners across the country to help develop the show. Shows that are accepted as part of the Festival with a commercial producer will still be presented on an absolutely equal footing with the other shows at the Festival. The producer will be included in the process but will not be permitted to supplement or enhance in any way. The producer will also be asked to sign the agreement with NAMT, if the show is accepted into the Festival.
Back to the Submission Requirements
Submission FAQs
My musical is based on another property and the original author or underlying rights holder will only give me clearance to submit the show to the Festival, but not through to full production. Can I still submit my show?
Each case is different and we understand that some underlying rights holders are more protective than others. Before submitting, contact New Works Director Frankie Dailey at frankie@namt.org or 212-714-6668 x14.
Do I have to submit a professional quality demo?
The demo should be a good quality recording with a clear piano (or appropriate instrumentation) and clear vocals. We also recommend that the singers on the recording are the appropriate vocal types/genders for the show.
Can I submit my score, orchestrations or lead sheets for consideration?
We only need the demo tracks, which are uploaded to your application, and can not accept any additional materials. If you are selected as a finalist, we will ask for a complete score in May.
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Festival FAQs
What does NAMT financially expect once my musical appears in the Festival?
Nothing. NAMT takes no future royalties and does not encumber the piece in any way. We do require acknowledgment in future productions and/or publications. Also, you may not sign any contractual agreements on your show between the time it is selected until 21 days after the Festival, unless a prior contract has been signed.
Why are the presentations 45 minutes?
The Festival is a marketplace for new musicals and the audience is made up of theatre professionals looking for new talent and new shows to produce. To attract the most theatre professionals to the Festival, we have found that presenting 45-minute presentations over two days garners the highest attendance levels.
What costs are covered?
NAMT covers the following costs for each presentation: performance venue, all technical equipment, writer honorarium, actor fees, director fee, musical director fee, band fees, stage manager fee, rehearsal space/supplies, script copying and the program insert for the Festival presentation. NAMT is not able to pay for travel or housing for any artists involved in the presentation, nor is it able to pay for orchestrations.
What are the limitations put on the presentation beyond the 45-minute time limit?
The maximum number of cast members in our presentations is 10 actors (this includes stage directions). Each show will be permitted 3 band members per show, essentially a piano and two instruments.
Should my musical be selected, am I required to provide the cast?
NAMT hires a professional casting director to work with each show. The casting director and the NAMT staff work closely with each show to find the best creative team and cast possible.
I normally star in, direct or music direct my shows. Is this possible at the NAMT Festival?
To ensure focus on the writing, we typically do not permit our writers to hold any other roles during the Festival.