The ASCAP Foundation Musical Theatre Fest – Julio 2023

WEEK 1: EDUCATIONAL PANELS (JULY 11-13)

With support from the Gary Geld Musical Theatre Foundation

 

 

TUESDAY JULY 11, 11:00AM

Is Hollywood’s Obsession with Musical Theatre Talent Here to Stay?

In July 2020, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton became the most streamed show in the United States. The viewership on Disney+ was so large that it easily surpassed the number of people who had seen the show live on Broadway. So, it’s no secret that streaming audiences love musical theatre. With shows like Ridley Jones, John Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunch and Schmigadoon! the streets of streaming are teeming with musical theatre talent. Is the obsession here to stay? How do studio executives view musical theatre talent? What are they excited about bringing to audiences next?

 

Panelists

• Anton Monsted (Head of Music, Amazon Original Movies)
• Jay Stutler (SVP, Music, Disney Television Animation)
• David Taylor (Head of Music, Apple TV+)

 

TUESDAY JULY 11, 2:00PM

Using Social Media to Create a New Space for Musical Theatre

In 2023, it’s clear that social media is breaking down the barriers to entry for young musical theatre writers. Now you can hear the stories of how those writers are utilizing the latest technology to create viral moments and pave the way for global collaboration.

 

Panelists

• Abigail Barlow (Singer-songwriter – The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical, Mexican Pizza: The Musical)
• Kate Leonard (Lyricist-librettist – Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical, Dot and the Kangaroo Jr., For You, Paige)
• Daniel Mertzlufft (Composer-arranger – The Thanksgiving Musical, For You, Paige; Music Supervisor – Day 365 of Girlhood)

 

WEDNESDAY JULY 12, 10:00AM

Music Creators Roundtable

Join a group of pro music creators for a wide-ranging discussion about their experiences working with the top Hollywood studios on musical projects. They’ll talk career motivations, creative approaches and tips for how you, too, can build a bridge from Broadway to Hollywood and back again.

 

Panelists

• Eli Bolin (Songwriter – John Mulaney and the Sack Lunch Bunch, Documentary Now, Sesame Street)
• Pippa Cleary (Composer-lyricist – The Great British Bake Off Musical, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾, My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?)
• Joriah Kwamé (Artist-songwriter – «Little Miss Perfect,» «Top of the World» from Lyle, Lyle Crocodile)
• Gabe Sokoloff (American Idol, Waffles & Mochi’s Restaurant, StoryBots)
• Liz Suggs (Writer, producer, director & lyricist – Disenchantment, The Newsroom, Seize Her)

 

WEDNESDAY JULY 12, 1:00PM

Business As Usual: Best Practices for Getting Your Act Together

“Music business” has two words – and “business” is longer than “music!” Today’s top industry executives will provide practical advice on how you should build your team, protect your musical works and set yourself up for success.

 

Panelists

• Sue Drew (Head of Musical Theater, Kobalt)
• Richard Kraft (Agent, Kraft-Engel Management)

 

WEDNESDAY JULY 12, 3:30PM

From Despicable Me to Schmicago!: In Conversation with Cinco Paul

Take a trip to the magical musical world of Cinco Paul. He’ll discuss his journey from celebrated screenwriter (Despicable Me, The Lorax, The Secret Life of Pets) to Emmy-winning songwriter (2022’s Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for “Corn Puddin’” from Schmigadoon!). We’ll dive deep into the world of Schmigadoon! and discuss his latest move to Schmicago!

 

Panelist

• Cinco Paul (Songwriter – Despicable Me 1, 2 & 3, Horton Hears a Who, The Secret Life of Pets; Creator & Songwriter – Schmigadoon!, Bubble Boy)

 

THURSDAY JULY 13, 11:00AM

Kooman & Dimond: The Life Cycle of a Song Demo

Michael Kooman & Chris Dimond, the songwriting team behind Vampirina and Ridley Jones, present a workshop breaking down the life cycle of a song written for an animated streaming series. From concept to demo to show delivery, Kooman & Dimond will provide an in-depth look into a day in the life of an Emmy-nominated composer/lyricist.

 

Panelists

• Michael Kooman (Composer – Romantics Anonymous, Vampirina, Dead End: Paranormal Park, Ridley Jones, Spirit Rangers)
• Chris Dimond (Book & lyrics – Romantics Anonymous, Vampirina, Dead End: Paranormal Park, Ridley Jones, Spirit Rangers)

 

THURSDAY JULY 13, 2:00PM

Song Feedback Panel: Words of Wisdom from Major Studio Execs

What does it take to get your song in a streaming series?  Emerging ASCAP members will put their talents on display and get real-time feedback on songs submitted for review by the creative team at Netflix. The executives will illustrate the process of pitching yourself for consideration and give practical takeaways on what the studios are looking for when hiring and working with composers and lyricists.

 

Panelists

• Stephen Chesley (Music Creative, Netflix Animated Series)
• Samantha Hilscher (Music Creative, Netflix Series)
• John McGrew (Music Creative, Netflix Animation)
• Sarah McMullen (Music Creative, Netflix Original Films)
• Elisa Rice (Music Production, Netflix Animated Series)

 

THURSDAY JULY 13, 7:30PM

Waving Through Their Window: An Evening with Benj Pasek & Justin Paul

Pasek & Paul hit the Wallis stage to discuss what it’s like to produce some of the most beloved music for the contemporary stage and screen. From their work on television (musical episodes of Smash and The Flash), film (The Greatest Showman, La La Land) and their massive Broadway hits (Dear Evan Hansen, A Christmas Story), they’ll cover it all. They will also break down their process on streaming hits like AppleTV+’s new holiday classic Spirited. Who knows what special guests might show up or who might hit the piano to illustrate just what makes these two the golden boys of streaming musicals?

 

Panelists

• Benj Pasek & Justin Paul (Songwriters-producers – La La Land, Dear Evan Hansen, The Greatest Showman, Spirited, Lyle, Lyle Crocodile, Aladdin)

 

WEEK 2: THE ASCAP FOUNDATION MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP

 

The ASCAP Foundation Musical Theatre Workshop gives participating composers and lyricists a rare chance to present selections from original musicals-in-progress for professional critique. The highly regarded program is led by artistic director Stephen Schwartz – the Tony, Oscar and Grammy award-winning composer/lyricist of Wicked, Godspell, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Prince of Egypt and Enchanted, to name a few.

 

The Workshop will feature a different musical each night. Each night will include a 50-minute segment of the musical, followed by in-depth critique from the Workshop panelists.

 

Sessions are free to attend with RSVP: TheWallis.org/ASCAP. Sessions will begin promptly at 7:30 PM.

 

Day 1: Monday, July 17 at 7:30 PM

MAYA

Writers: Cheeyang Ng and Eric Sorrels

 

Day 2: Tuesday, July 18 at 7:30 PM

THE FITZGERALDS OF ST. PAUL

Writer: Christie Baugher

 

Day 3: Wednesday, July 19 at 7:30 PM

MISS HYSTERIA

Writers: Ben Zeadman and Laura Schein

 

Day 4: Thursday, July 20 at 7:30 PM

CALL ME FROM THE GRAVE

Writers: Charles Romano and Harold Hodge Jr.