Got Musical!

On Monday, April 11th at the Colony Theatre in Burbank, the Academy for New Musical Theatre will present the third annual Got Musical!, a sneak preview of brand-new musicals in development for producers across the country, giving an insight into the Academy's process for creating new musicals from scratch specifically for producers and theatre companies.

Musicals to be showcased include nine new shows currently in development for producers:

Windjammers by Robin Share and Clay Zambo -- songs and stories about shipping on the Great Lakes.

A Midsummersausage Night's Dream by Joanne Koch, Bill Johnson and Larry Todd Johnson - a fanciful retelling of Shakespeare in the land of the Cheeseheads.

Duplexity by Eric Dodson and Jake Anthony -- a envisioning of The Parent Trap for the gay community.

The Max Factor Factor by Adrian Bewley, Chana Wise, and Joseph Blodgett -- Two gay leading men from rival studios in repressed 1930's Hollywood.

Madwomen of Manhattan by Marian Partee, Patricia Zehentmayr, and Cindy O'Connor -- a woman finds herself in a very unusual loony bin with some very famous inmates.

Manson's Girls by Scott Guy, Mitchell Glaser, and Todd Syswerda - the story of Charles Manson from the point of the view of the women in his life.

The Ring by Eric Dodson and Alan Ross Fleishman - Will the high school reunion of some old rivals unearth TRUTH or...CAT FIGHTS?

The Big Ol' Orange County Beauty Pageant by Sachi Oyama, Brad Beaver, and Tom Adams -- what's behind the usual cat fights at a beauty pageant?

In the Mind of Olympians by writers from both sides of the pond --- comparing and contrasting the upcoming 2011 Olympics with the last games held in London in 1948.

The excerpts will be presented by members of the Academy Repertory Company (Elise Dewsberry, Ellen Dostal, Scott Guy, Evelyn Halus, David Holmes, Christopher Maikish, Sari Rose Poll, Andrea Press, Tedd Szeto, and Peter Welkin); and Guest Artists Jamie Baer, Noel Britton, Jordan Kai Burnett, Alex Chester, Randy Guiaya, Evan Laffer, and Minta Mullins. Musical Direction by Ross Kalling.

Guy explains that the ANMT development process is fairly simple: the producer generates or approves an idea; the creative team creates a paragraph-sized version, then a half-dozen-page version, and eventually a 15-minute first pass. At this point, the producer either shuts down the project, or agrees to produce a public reading of the work. If a producer approves of the project after the first 15-minute pass, the Academy supports table readings and workshops of the work, nurturing it through first draft. Then, the producer produces a public reading of the work at his expense. After the producer has fulfilled his obligation by producing the reading, he is under no obligation to produce the musical; but if he does produce the musical, the Academy expects the producer to do so under terms approved by the Dramatists Guild.

"We've found this to be a win-win situation for the writer and for the producer," says Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry, "and we're excited to share this funny, artful and stimulating evening and showing off our innovative business model for developing new musicals for independent producers and theatre companies."

Got Musical! takes place at 7:30pm on Monday, April 11th at the Colony Theatre in Burbank. Tickets are $10. For more information, and to make a reservation, please visit www.anmt.org and click on Got Musical!

We're teaming with London musical theatre writers

We're collaborating with writers from Mercury Musical Developments in London to create a new musical revue. It's called "In the Minds of Olympians" -- and we're giving a sneak-preview concert of it, and Robin Share/Clay Zambo's "Windjammers" on Feb. 14th at 7:30pm at the Colony Theatre. You can order tickets by clicking this link: http://www.anmt.org/events_reservation_1.asp?EventID=155.

In the Mind of Olympians is a powerful and touching revue about athletes, set in both London in 1948 and London 2012, written by contemporary musical theatre writers in London and Los Angeles, presented in concert at the Colony Theatre, 555 Third Street in Burbank, at 7:30pm on February 14th.

Developed by Mercury Musical Developments in London and the Academy for New Musical Theatre in Los Angeles, this new musical is being developed and workshopped simultaneously in London and North Hollywood.

'It is thrilling working again with London musical theatre writers,' says Elise Dewsberry, the Academy's Artistic Director, 'We developed four shows with Mercury Musicals in 2005, back when it made economic sense to mail a crate full of VHS tapes to London. Now, of course, we're streamcasting live rehearsals, and uploading videos and mp3's and Skyping, and so we're working even more closely with the writers. We're hoping to workshop the whole show this summer, and then inspire a series of productions all across the country in 2012.'

The athletes featured in the 1948 portions of the revue are based on real men and women who competed in London, right after World War II ended; the athletes in 2012 are composites of contemporary athletes.

'Comparing 1948 London to NOW gives us a sobering and exhilarating perspective,' says Scott Guy, one of the three book writers of the revue, 'seeing how much the world has changed since London last hosted the Olympics: there were so many athletes back then competing out of patriotism, and now Olympians are selling their citizenship to the highest bidder. Or, did you know that women weren't allowed to run the marathon until the 1970's? The longest distance they were allowed to run in 1948 was 800 meters. Writing this revue allows us to shine spotlights on real people with real issues, comparing them to our own issues...what's changed? What's frighteningly the same?'

There are three bookwriters on the project, and twelve different songwriting teams. Two bookwriters are British, one is American, and the song writing teams are from both sides of the Pond as well.

The writers of the show include: Craig Adams, Mark Allcorn, Jake Anthony, Richard Castle, Michael Dresser, Richard Free, Scott Guy, Carl Johnson, Larry Todd Johnson, Matthew Levine, Robin Share, Peter Shrubshall, Chana Wise, and Clay Zambo.

The concert is directed by: Lindsey Hendrickson, David Holmes, Todd Nielsen, Luke Yankee, Andrea Press, and Peter Welkin. Music Direction is by Ross Källing. Stage Management is by Kevin Meoak.

The cast includes: Noel Britton, Elise Dewsberry, Randy Guiaya, Scott Guy, David Holmes, Mike Irizarry, Evan Laffer, Christiana Moffa, Minta Mullins, Sari Rose Poll, Andrea Press, Sara J. Stuckey, Tedd Szeto, Christina Valo, and Peter Welkin.

The concert on February 14th presents seven sections of the revue; the second half of the evening features another musical in development, Windjammers, telling the dramatic stories of the men and women of the Great Lakes' shipping industry in the 19th century.

Admission is $10 at the door, or make reservations at the Academy's website: www.anmt.org.

ANMT Online Holiday AUCTION

It's time once again for ANMT's exciting online HOLIDAY AUCTION!

The fun begins this Friday, November 26th - right after you've enjoyed all your turkey on Thanksgiving Day!

Just navigate to our auction site - sponsored by BiddingForGood - and you'll find all kinds of amazing gifts and gadgets at some real bargain prices. And all the proceeds go to help in the creation and development of brand new musicals through ANMT!

Hankering to eat somewhere new? Want to see a great musical live onstage? Crave an ocean breeze flowing through your hair? Wish you had learned to play the guitar? Need a new evening purse for that big night out? Mommy needs a massage? Need a good tax preparation service?

You'll be able to bid on all these items - and many more - during the ANMT Holiday Auction.

The auction opens this Friday, November 26th, and runs until Sunday, December 12 at 5pm.

Don't miss out - click now to see what's available and place a WATCH on your favorite items:

http://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/Auctionhome.action?vhost=anmt

CONCERT: Gilbert & Sullivan on Wall Street, Monday 11/15

What happens when you marry the outrageous machinations of Wall Street executives to a soundtrack of Gilbert & Sullivan tunes?

Total. Irrational. Exuberance.

The winner of the Academy for New Musical Theatre’s 2010 Search for New Musicals, Gilbert & Sullivan on Wall Street will be presented in concert at the Colony Theatre in Burbank on Monday, November 15th at 7:30 p.m.

It's a tale of passion, betrayal, global domination, and office romance! A loving tribute to the operettas of Gilbert & Sullivan, the score is set to the music by Arthur Sullivan with original book and lyrics by Charles Veley. Gilbert & Sullivan operettas are arguably still the most widely-performed on the planet, more than a century after delighting their first audiences. A recent viral video mashup of G&S and President Obama has entertained internet audiences and caught the attention of major news outlets like the Huffington Post. This tribute also follows happily in the G&S tradition, taking a lighthearted view of contemporary follies and foibles. Like the G&S stories, Gilbert & Sullivan on Wall Street starts with a somewhat absurd premise, propelling the characters through topsy-turvy turns of events and arriving at a logical but hilarious conclusion.

The concert will be directed by director & choreographer Allison Bibicoff (Xanadu) with musical direction by Ross Källing and will feature members of ANMT's Academy Repertory Company and others, including Ellen Dostal, Johanna Kent, Christopher Maikish, Sean Smith, Peter Welkin, Elise Dewsberry, Michael Downing, Elizabeth Greene, Evelyn Halus, David Holmes, Sara Stuckey, Mona King, Andrea Press, Jeremy Sage, David Scales, Tedd Szeto, Jennifer Winkler, and Paul Wong. "This is a valuable opportunity for the author to hear his show performed by 18 strong voices, and to hear live audience feedback, which will help him make important choices as he continues to develop this new work," expresses director Allison Bibicoff.

First Prize in the Academy for New Musical Theatre’s Search for New Musicals is the concert reading, preceded by a workshop last spring, and detailed feedback and dramaturgy. "We were initially drawn in by how well the contemporary language of the Wall Street lexicon marries comically to this classical score and have delighted in its further development," says Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry.

Gilbert & Sullivan on Wall Street will be performed in concert at the Colony Theatre in Burbank on Monday, November 15th at 7:30pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10.00.

For more info or to purchase tickets online, please visit www.ANMT.org.

Free Writers' Workshop DEMO on August 15

On August 15, the ANMT Staff is offering a completely FREE musical theatre writing workshop that will serve as a sample of and an introduction to our exclusive Writers' Workshop Core Curriculum. So head over to the NoHo Arts Center (11136 Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601) at 5:30 pm 8/15/2010, and see what all the buzz is about.

Limited space available-- reserve your place in advance at http://www.anmt.org/events_reservation_1.asp?eventid=153.

To learn a little more about the Writers Workshop program, take a look at the video:

Aging Out: The Musical - 7/21 to 8/4

"Aging Out" is a new rock musical written by Darin Goulet, Tara Rede-penning, and Hillary Rollins about foster care kids aging out of the system into the real world in one big, scary leap. After a successful workshop production last year, it is BACK for a developmental production of its newest version.

Here's the best part: the August 4th performance is a BENEFIT PERFORMANCE. 100% of the proceeds go to three great causes: The Serpentine Project for former foster care kids (see video below), the UC Irvine Department of Drama, & ANMT. See the musical; automatically donate to charity. Musical theater with a social conscience- how cool is that?

It's a poignant, eye-opening, amazing musical experience that you don't want to miss!

Only TWO more performances before it closes! If you want to see it, get tickets at http://www.anmt.org/.

The Biz: A Conference for Actors - In Two Weeks!

Our 2010 Actor Conference begins on Friday, August 6 - that's two weekends from now!

There will be tons of interesting panels on things actors need to know to be successful: how to network, how to audition, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to generally thrive as an actor.

In addition to the seminars, this event brings you into the proximity of Broadway producers, directors, casting directors, agents, and many more! And thus, it is a rare networking opportunity.

Interested? The schedule, and specific panel information is below! You can register at http://www.anmt.org/conference_actors.asp.

Conference Schedule

Friday, August 06, 2010

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Opening Wine & Cheese Schmooze

8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

THE STATE OF THINGS (Panel)

Mixed panel of Director, Agent, Casting Director, Producer, and Actor discuss the state of the industry today from various perspectives.

Confirmed Panelists:
Gerry Koch (Senior Agent, The Gage Group)
Steven Glaudini (Producing Artistic Director, Musical Theatre West)
Richard Israel (Director)
Forbes Candlish (Producer)

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Saturday, August 07, 2010

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Coffee and Donut Schmooze

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

WORKSHOP: AUDITION TOOLS (Panel)

Auditioning is an art unto itself. Concrete, simple tools and methods you can use to get your mind in a good place so that you walk into every room set up for success.

Confirmed Panelists:
Dan Callaway (Actor, Vocal Teacher)
Heather Provost (Broadway Producer)
Angel Creeks (Dancer/Singer/Choreographer)

11:30 AM - 1:15 PM

THE ACTOR AS ENTREPRENEUR or FIRING YOUR DAY JOB (Panel)

Stop being a poor, desperate actor, get your money in shape, and thrive. It’s not as hard as you think. A panel of entertainment pros tell you how to do it.

Confirmed Panelists:
Brian Bellomo (Lead Coach for Abundance Bound)
Michael Salerno (Western Regional Manager - Actors Work Program at the Actors' Fund)
James Leo Ryan (Broadway Actor)
Evelyn Halus (Performer and Vocal Coach)
Thomas Griep (Musical Director)

1:15 PM - 1:45 PM
Lite Lunch Schmooze

1:45 PM - 3:15 PM

SHOOTING YOURSELF IN THE FOOT (Panel)

The things actors unwittingly do that lose them work.

Confirmed Panelists:
Rob Sternin (Executive Producer, TV)
Pru Fraser (Executive Producer, TV)
Nick DeGruccio (Artistic Director, Havoc Theatre Company)
Bob Fraser (Writer, Producer, Show Runner, Author)
Thomas Griep (Musical Director)

3:15 PM - 3:30 PM
Coffee Break Schmooze

3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

PERSPECTIVE: BEHIND THE TABLE (Panel)

What it’s really like on the other side of the table. Mixed panel offers perspective on what the actor is walking into when they enter the room.

Confirmed Panelists:
Amy Lieberman (Casting Director, Amy Lieberman CSA)
Heather Provost (Broadway Producer)
Calvin Remsberg (Director/Producer)
Lee Martino (Choreographer)

Invited Panelists:
Michael Donovan (Casting Director)

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
BREAK for off-site dinner

7:30 PM - 10:30 PM

LA THEATRE SCENE (Panel)

Representatives from the various LA Theatre companies talk about the state of things and what’s going on, what they need/want from the actors they see.

Confirmed Panelists:
Barbara Beckley (Artistic Director, The Colony Theatre)
Ivan Rivas (Actors' Equity Association)
Lewis Wilkenfeld (Artistic Director Cabrillo Musical Theatre)
Chad Borden (Producing Director Havok Theatre Company)
Douglas Clayton

Invited Panelists:
Michael Ritchie (Artistic Director, Center Theatre Group)

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Sunday, August 08, 2010

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

ACTOR LIFE: It's About More Than Booking Jobs (Panel)

Experts talk about cultivating a full and rich life that supports your acting career.

Confirmed Panelists:
Barbara Deutsch (Career and Life Coach)
K Callan (Actor and Award Winning Author)
Davis K. Brimberg Ph.D. (Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in performance concerns)

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Lite Lunch Schmooze

1:30 PM - 3:15 PM

PRACTICALITIES (Panel)

Which headshots work? Which ones get immediately rejected? How important is your reel? What about your resume? Mixed panel discusses the tools of the trade and how actors can do themselves every favor by having these elements up to date and in place.

Confirmed Panelists:
Ray Garcia (Actor/Photographer)
Jacole Kitchen (Agent, KSR)

3:15 PM - 3:30 PM
Coffee Break Schmooze

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

IT'S WHO YOU KNOW (Panel)

How to make meaningful connections in the industry, use technologies like social media, and not be annoying.

Confirmed Panelists:
Dallas Travers (Author)
Kat Landsberg (Producer, Pariah Entertainment Group)
Jacole Kitchen (Agent, KSR)

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Break for off-site dinner, and move to NoHo Arts Center

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

AUDITION ASSESSMENT (Panel)

An overall assessment of performance, presence in the room, headshot and resume, material, what that person’s product is, etc. (All participants will be able to audit this session: a limited number will have the opportunity to actually audition and be assessed by the panel.) NOTE: This session will take place at the NoHo Arts Center on Magnolia, just west of Lankershim.

Confirmed Panelists:
Gerry Koch (Senior Agent, The Gage Group)
Richard Israel (Director)
Heather Provost (Broadway Producer)
Thomas Griep (Musical Director)
Evelyn Halus (Performer and Vocal Coach)

Invited Panelists:
Nick DeGruccio (Artistic Director, Havoc Theatre Company)

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Final Schmooze - at NoHo Arts Center