BMI is officially opening the door to one of the most respected programs in the business. Applications are now being accepted for the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop—an intensive, free weekly program that runs from September through May at BMI’s Lower Manhattan office.
A statement from the company discloses that “the deadline to apply for the Songwriting Workshop is August 1,” giving aspiring composer-lyricists just enough time to prepare their materials. Formerly known as the Composer/Lyricist Workshop, this long-running course has helped launch some of Broadway’s brightest talent, including EGOT winner Robert Lopez (Frozen, The Book of Mormon, Avenue Q), Academy Award-winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez (Frozen, In Transit), and Tony Award-winning legends like Alan Menken, Jeanine Tesori, and Maury Yeston.
A statement from BMI describes the program as “a free weekly workshop where participants collaborate with peers to develop and cultivate their skills under the guidance of experienced instructors and veteran guest lecturers.” The First Year Songwriting Workshop is moderated by BMI’s Senior Director of Musical Theatre Patrick Cook and Workshop Administrator Frederick Freyer—both former participants themselves. Writers are challenged to complete collaborative assignments, study landmark musicals, and eventually present an original 10-minute musical by spring.
In the second year, Sara Wordsworth joins as co-moderator, shifting the focus to full-length musicals, song placement, and character-driven writing. For those who complete both years, the Advanced Songwriting Workshop offers continued development with a close-knit group of dedicated alumni.
For anyone serious about musical theatre writing, this workshop remains a rare and valuable opportunity. Applications and more details can be found at bmi.com/theatre_workshop.
