Connecticut childhood home of Eugene O’Neill. Photo by Pam Harbaugh
By PAM HARBAUGH
By now you’ve heard plenty about Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton” creator and star). His previous musical hit, “In the Heights,” was developed in part at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Connecticut.
News is, the O’Neill is seeking submissions through Monday, Nov. 23, for development at its next National Music Theater Conference running during the 2016 Summer Season.
Here are the eligibility requirements:
1. Must be 18 years of age and have the right to work within the United States.
2. The project must not have had a professional production, or be scheduled to have a professional production, prior to August 2016.**
3. You may submit original or adapted work, providing that the rights to any material not in the public domain have been granted in writing, and a copy of the release is sent along with the application materials.
4. While resubmissions are permitted, a work may not be submitted for consideration two years in a row.
5. Only complete applications will be accepted, whether in hard copy or electronic form.
6. Projects and applications must be received online or postmarked by Monday, November 23 at 11:59pm PST.
7. Submission is $35.00 USD and covers the costs of the process.
So if you have something out there, give it a shot. An experience at the O’Neill is manna for a theater artist. The setting is fun and engaging. Dorms, group cafeteria, quick reads, quick workshops…writers collaborate with directors, musicians and scenic designers.
Please, please take a look at this video of brothers Daniel & Patrick Lazour talk about their 2015 experience developing “We Live in Cairo.”
“A big piano and a percussionist. That’s all we had for our presentations at the O’Neill, and you learn that way,” recalls Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda on bringing “In the Heights” from development at the O’Neill to a Tony Award-winning Broadway run. (Source, press release)
Since developing “Violet” in the 90’s, writer/composer Jeanine Tesori recently wrote the Tony Award-winning book for the acclaimed “Fun Home.” She said: “The O’Neill was the first institution to say ‘yes’ to me…it presents you with a compass…And it says, ‘Here’s where north is.’ It is not just about doing the work, it’s about learning how to work.” (Source, press release)
It’s the theatrical “Gold Ring” for theater artists looking to develop a project. And why not go for it?
For more info about the conference and submission details, click here. Direct inquiries to Anne G. Morgan, Literary Manager, (860) 443-5378 ext. 227, litoffice@theoneill.org.