ScriptLab for Musical Theatre

ScriptLab Master Class Series Writing for Musical Theatre with Leslie Arden

ScriptLab is a not-for-profit organization with a 15-year history of developing new work in Toronto. Currently under the Artistic Direction of Jim Betts, ScriptLab has a mandate to develop the works and the artists of the Canadian Musical Theatre.

ScriptLab is pleased to announce that Leslie Arden will lead its first Musical Theatre Master Class this September. Composers, Lyricists and Book Writers are invited to submit “completed works" and/or "works in progress" for possible inclusion in this 10 session Master Class.

Leslie Arden is one of Canada's foremost musical theatre composers and lyricists. Her works include the critically acclaimed The House of Martin Guerre (book by Anna Theresa Cascio), with productions by Chicago’s Goodman Theatre and CanStage, the Chalmers Award winning The Happy Prince and the regional favourite The Last Resort (book by Norm Foster). Leslie is currently at work on The Boys Are Coming Home, a musical adaptation of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, which is being produced this summer by Chicago's American Theater Project and directed by Gary Griffin (Broadway’s The Color Purple).

To be considered as a participant the materials we require include:

· Names of Composer(s), Lyricist(s) & Book Writer(s) with contact information for a primary contact;

· Demo recording containing at least 4-6 songs from the show, in show order, not including reprises or instrumental sections (CDs only – no need for a professional recording);

· Detailed synopsis or treatment of your show, noting the placement of songs from the demo recording (approximately 2-3 pages);

· 15-page script sample (15 consecutive pages representing the heart of the show and including lyrics for at least one of the songs on the demo, stapled);

· Complete script or for works in progress a minimum of 30 pages or a complete Act 1, NOT in a folder or binder (brads or binder clips are fine, double-sided preferred);

· A one page history of the development and staged productions of your show, if any.

· $25 non-refundable administration fee per submission, cheques payable to ScriptLab.


Mail your materials to: ScriptLab c/o LL7 - 45 Charles St. E., Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 1S2. No personal deliveries please.

Materials must be received by August 21, 2006. Materials will NOT be returned. You are welcome to submit more than one show.

Should you be accepted to participate there will be a $265 (incl. GST) participant fee per writing team. Shows selected to participate in the Master Class may be also be selected to be part of the Toronto Musical Theatre Festival in November.

Forward all inquiries to: submissions@scriptlab.ca