Curtain Call is proud to announce the return of The American Harmony Prize, an annual award that introduces diverse new works of musical theater to Fairfield County, Connecticut, audiences.
The goal of the American Harmony Prize is to celebrate new musicals that explore our country's many ethnic, religious and gender identifications. The inaugural award was given to Jip: His Story, a family-friendly musical that focused on a moment in the history of Black Americans. Before a rapt crowd this past February, over half of whom came from outside the immediate Stamford area, a cast comprised of professionals from the New York stage and talented local actors breathed life into this wonderful adaptation of the acclaimed novel by Katherine Patterson. The musical was written by Californians Danny Duncan and Emily Klion, and Ms Klion was on hand for the event.
"My experience with Musical Mondays was incredible. Jip: His Story, received a fabulous reading by group of first-rate singers and actors. The artists worked with me to produce the best possible performance of my work. I was amazed at how much they accomplished in a short period of time. Everyone at the theater was so nice and accommodating and the level of artistry was very impressive. I really felt lucky to be the first recipient of the American Harmony Prize. As a playwright and composer, it was thrilling to hear my work performed so well. Thank you, Curtain Call!" – Emily Klion, music & lyrics, Jip: His Story
The second annual American Harmony Prize will showcase a new musical that dramatizes an aspect of the experience of Jewish Americans. In addition to a cash award of $250.00, a sixty-minute version of the winning musical will be performed as the centerpiece of Musical Mondays @ Curtain Call, a series of new musicals presented in concert, on a Monday evening (t.b.a) in February, 2009.
In order to qualify for consideration, a musical cannot have been professionally produced (Equity Dinner, LORT, Production, Special Production, SPT, Stock, etc…) or published. It may have been performed in readings, concerts, workshops and non-professional productions.
Submissions will be accepted via mail from Monday, August 4, 2008 until Saturday, September 20, 2008. Submissions postmarked after Saturday, September 20, 2007, will ineligible for consideration. We are not able to receive electronic submissions at this time. Your submission should include:
1. A plot synopsis of no more than 800 words (or roughly two pages).
2. The first 10 pages of the libretto (with all dialogue, lyrics and stage directions included).
3. A cd that demonstrates as much of the musical's score as has been recorded to date (it needn't be of studio quality).
4. One sample of the sheet music for a song from the show's piano / vocal score.
5. A self-addressed, stamped envelope if you wish have your materials returned. (If not, they will be recycled after the judging.)
6. There is no submission / reading fee.
Submissions should be mailed to:
Curtain Call, Inc.
1349 Newfield Avenue
Stamford, CT 06905
Attn. American Harmony Prize
Short-listed applicants will be asked to submit additional materials after Monday, October 6, 2008. Additional materials postmarked after Saturday, October 18, 2008, will ineligible for final consideration. The winner of the American Harmony Prize 2008 will be announced Friday, December 12, 2008, at www.CurtainCallinc.com.
