TRU will produce a New Musicals Reading Series in December 2007 that will consist of 2-3 new works presented on consecutive Monday evenings at the Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal Street in Greenwich Village. The purpose is to (a) help develop new musicals, and (b) help producers develop the skills needed to produce new works. Each reading will be followed by a “Dollars and Sense” panel discussion with prominent New York producers, general managers and artistic directors focusing on potential venues, marketing and budgeting of the work.

WHO CAN SUBMIT
• Theater companies and independent producers are invited to submit new work. TRU will provide the financial and physical resources for a developmental reading.
• Writers are invited to submit, but are strongly encouraged to find a sponsoring producer for their work. Writers without substantial producing experience are discouraged from submitting as their own producers. If requested, TRU will assist writers in finding an appropriate producer.

GUIDELINES / WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
• We seek a diversity of works, commercial as well as experimental or “non-traditional” (e.g. exhibiting non-linear structure, experimental format, unusual musical form, unconventional themes, etc.)
• Shows with multi-racial significance, subject matter and/or cast (minority playwrights will be given special consideration).
• The Howard Blau Award is given for a commercially promising new work; and the Daniel Marshall Award is given for a non-traditional work of musical theater. (Awards not given every year, and solely at the discretion of the Selection Committee.)
• Musicals with international themes or settings may be recommended for the 2008 Midtown International Theatre Festival. Please specify on your application if you would like to be submitted for the Midtown International Theatre Festival.
• Children’s shows are discouraged, although family shows are welcome.
• Works may be as short as 75 minutes with no maximum length. However, you must be able to present in under 90 minutes, with no more than 12 actors (doubling is acceptable). The time limit must be strictly adhered to in order to allow time for the TRU panel afterwards; readings will be timed and stopped after 90 minutes.
• Work in its present form must not have had a previous professional production before a paying audience in the New York area, although substantially rewritten works will be considered. Works previously submitted to TRU Voices may be resubmitted if substantial revisions have been made, and you must explain in a cover letter exactly what is different about this version of the show. If the show has a production history of any sort, you must tell us why a reading in our series will help the development of your show in a meaningful way.
• If considered for selection, the producer/writer team will be interviewed so we can evaluate your ability to work within the monetary endowment TRU provides, and to produce a successful reading. Works are accepted for performance in the series based on the ability of the producer.
• Writers must let us know if you have special requirements for your show; i.e. you expect to be in it or direct it, or you are committed to a cast or a director. Since this is a producer-driven series, we like the producer to be involved in these decisions.

HOW TO SUBMIT
• In order to ensure a “blind” selection process, remove your name/production company from all materials
• Fill out the attached application, and submit with (a) two copies of script, (b) two copies of a brief synopsis (maximum one page), (c) two copies of a cast breakdown/production requirements, (d) 2 copies of a recording of at least 6 songs in the order in which they appear in the script, (e) $25 application fee (non-members only) and (f) a self-addressed stamped envelope if you wish your submission to be returned. (See check list on application form.)

SUBMISSION FEE
• TRU members may submit free of charge.
• Non-members must submit a $25 application fee, which is applicable towards our $50 annual membership. If selected for the series, at least one member of the producing/writing team must be a paid member of TRU. For more information on the benefits of TRU membership, go to our website at www.truonline.org You may join on-line at www.truonline.org/store.html (Forgive us but the $25 fee barely covers our administrative costs; plus we also send you a personalized feeback letter.)

DEADLINE
• Without a producer: postmarked AUGUST 16, 2007 (NOTE: exceptions will be made if you email us and ask) / With a producer attached: postmarked SEPTEMBER 1, 2007
• If considered as a finalist for selection, the producer/writer team will be interviewed
• If selected, your rehearsal and preparation will take place in November with the reading taking place in early December.

WHAT WE PROVIDE
• Performance space with piano • Access to our database of actors, technicians, etc. • A panel discussion with top industry professionals • Postcards promoting the entire series • Box office and reservation service • A limited monetary endowment for approved production expenses • one day of auditions, if needed

IMPORTANT: Although TRU will promote the reading series to our membership, the participating producers and writers must be actively involved in promoting this event and are ultimately responsible for audience attendance at their reading.