Advanced Writers Lab

The Advanced Writers Lab is a peer-feedback group open to a limited number of lyricists, librettists, and composers whose work displays a high level of craft, creativity, and originality. Members meet every two weeks to:

• present new work in various stages of development,
• refine their craft,
• provide mutual support for career goals, and
• meet new collaborators.

Successful applicants will:

• have had at least one public staged reading of a full-length piece to which they have contributed book, music, or lyrics,
• propose work that is new or still open to substantial revision, and
• be familiar with musical theater history, repertoire, and songwriting technique.

The Advanced Writers Lab offers:

• meetings via Zoom every two weeks, beginning September 14, 2026. Meetings are held from 7:30–10 PM Eastern Time every other Monday
• time for two teams per session to present work and receive supportive, constructive feedback from the other writers
• a budget for paying professional singing actors to learn and record your work. You will provide backing tracks to the singer, who will record the vocal parts
• a set schedule of deadlines to encourage productivity
• a holistic orientation that integrates feedback on song, scene, and overall story arc
• additional meetings to practice pitching and synopsis development, culminating in virtual pitches to a panel of producers  

To achieve the greatest benefit for the presenters, regular attendance is expected of all Advanced Writers Lab members. Continued participation in the AWL is at the discretion of the Facilitators, who are charged with preserving the tone and standards of the group.
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Yearly dues are $350 per team. If this creates a hardship for your team, financial assistance is available.

Apply to the AWL

Paul Giragos and Katherine Fuller in a reading of Roswitha. Music and lyrics by Kevin Bleau, book and lyrics by David Schrag. Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA, 2017.