O’Neill Music Theater Conference Accepting
Submissions For 2003 Through January 3

Waterford, CT, December 6, 2002 - The O’Neill Music Theater Conference (OMTC) is accepting new work submissions for next summer with a submission deadline of January 3, 2003. Each summer, music theater professionals from around the country meet at the Conference for three weeks to create a supportive and challenging community in which creative talent can refine and clarify their vision about a work during its formative stages. Lyricists, librettists and composers who are selected come together for a three-week rehearsal process at the O’Neill Theater Center which includes several script-in-hand readings. Both rehearsals and readings are open to the public. In addition, several writers and composers attend each year to work on projects that are not yet fully written.

OMTC Artistic Director Paulette Haupt commented, ÏWriters and composers who come to the O’Neill join a community marked by its talent, diversity and tremendous creative energy. The Music Theater Conference enables these artists to explore the structure and substance of a new work in an atmosphere of symbiotic exchange with other theater professionals and audiences who embrace the creative process. The level of concentration that is possible during three weeks at The O’Neill provides an opportunity for experimentation and revisions while works are still in development.Ó

Works of any length and all forms of music theater in which singing plays a dominant role are accepted; however, OMTC does not develop work intended for young audiences, musical revues or plays in which the music is incidental or minimal. Writers who apply to the Music Theater Conference must be U.S. citizens or residents with current visas. Works by both individual artists and collaborative teams are accepted. Adapted works are accepted, contingent on proof of rights. Works under option are accepted, provided that this is stated in the application. Works do not need to be complete to be accepted, as long as the minimum requirements for submission are available. Early submissions are strongly encouraged.

More than 80 musicals have evolved at the O’Neill since the Music Theater Conference began in 1978. Last year, nearly 200 writers and composers applied, and nine – Stephanie Jones, Joshua Z. Kant, Laurence Klavan, Robert Lopez, Janice Lowe, Jeff Marx, Polly Pen, Stephen Tomac and Jeff Whitty – were in residence to develop four new projects.

The Conference traditionally includes writers and composers who range from those working on their first musical to experienced veterans whose works have been produced worldwide. The cultural exchange between all participants is further enhanced by a staff of directors, music directors and a company of actors drawn from a national pool of musical theater professionals who are committed to new work and the developmental process.

Submissions to this year’s Conference must be postmarked no later than January 3, 2002. Those interested in applying may call (212) 244-7008 ext. 11, apply on-line, or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:

O’Neill Music Theater Conference / 2003 Submissions
534 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036

The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, founded in 1964 and based in Waterford CT, is dedicated to the advancement of new work for the theater and creates and operates programs which complement that goal. These include the Puppetry Conference, Playwrights Conference, Critics Institute, Music Theater Conference and the National Theater Institute, a college-accredited training program for theater artists. The O’Neill also owns and operates the Monte Cristo Cottage and holds the annual Eugene O’Neill Celebration, honoring its namesake, every October.