The Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge 

The Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge is a national competition for high school students who have a passion for writing songs that could be part of a musical theater production. Launched in 2016 as a pilot program in three cities (Dallas, TX; Minneapolis, MN, Seattle, WA), the Songwriting Challenge offers six finalists mentorship opportunities with professional songwriters and musicians and the opportunity to have an original song performed by those musicians. Finalists will also receive scholarship awards and more. Applications are open on October 2, 2017 and due by January 5, 2018. Finalists will be announced in February 2018 and the national competition will take place in New York City in April 2018.

General Information:

Who should apply?
Any student enrolled in High School (grades 9-12) who demonstrates talent and a passion for writing musical theatre songs that could be part of a musical theatre production. 

Citizenship: In keeping with federal law, student competitors must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a valid tax identification or Social Security number. Tax identification or Social Security numbers are required to receive prizes, including cash payments or travel awards. Students are responsible for verifying their eligibility.   

What Kinds of Applications are Competitive?
Applicants (individuals or writing teams) who can demonstrate their talent through an audio submission and written narrative.

Timeline
The application cycle will begin in the Fall of 2017:

• October 2nd, 2017 – Application portal opens
• January 5th, 2018 – Deadline to apply!
• February 2018– Regional winner selections made by expert panel
• April 2018  – Finalists Weekend in New York City!