Anna Jacobs Named Director Of NYYS Musical Theater Composition Program

Now entering its 56th season, the New York Youth Symphony (NYYS) is launching a Musical Theater Composition (MTC) program, to be led by newly-appointed director Anna K. Jacobs. In a partnership with the Harlem School of the Arts, this new program aims to diversify the world of musical theater by creating opportunities for young composers to have their compositions workshopped and performed by both peers and professionals. Additionally, students will explore various avenues of the genre with guest speakers who will share insights and experience from throughout their careers. The program will culminate in student-led performances at cabaret venues throughout New York City. Ms. Jacobs has been a teaching artist for the Lincoln Center Theater Song Writing In The Schools workshop, the Metropolitan Opera Guild, as well as the NYMF/ASCAP Musical Songwriting Workshop. Her works have received recognition with multiple awards and nominations. “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the NYYS team! I look forward to working with the students, and bringing their musical theater visions to life.”

The MTC program adds to five existing NYYS programs – Orchestra, Chamber Music, Jazz, Composition, and Apprentice Conducting. The MTC program will be the sixth, and will further a strategic initiative to expand the impact of the NYYS within the music community. NYYS Board President Melissa Eisenstat is “extremely excited to add this program to the New York Youth Symphony. It is a very necessary next step to expanding the opportunities and access provided by the NYYS to music students aged 12 to 22.”

"In launching this new program we seek to open opportunities for students who might otherwise be unable to explore and develop their talents. Anna brings exceptional industry and educational experience in the genre to the program, and we are thrilled to have her leading this effort", says NYYS Executive Director Shauna Quill. Auditions for the Musical Theater Composition program will be held in September. Applications are being accepted now. For more information on how to apply visit nyys.org/audition.

Anna K. Jacobs is a Brooklyn-based composer/lyricist and sometimes-librettist. Her musicals include POP! (Yale Rep, Pittsburgh City Theatre, Studio Theatre, etc.; book & lyrics by Maggie-Kate Coleman), HARMONY, KANSAS (Diversionary Theatre; book & lyrics by Bill Nelson), ANYTOWN (George Street Playhouse; book by Jim Jack), TEETH (O'Neill Musical Theater Conference; co-book & lyrics by Michael R. Jackson), ECHO (The Gallery Players), STELLA AND THE MOON MAN (Sydney Theatre Company/Theatre of Image; written by Richard Tulloch & co-composed with Adrian Kelly), and the short musicals CAGE MATCH and MAGIC 8 BALL (Prospect Theatre Company; w/ Sam Salmond & Michael R. Jackson). She also wrote music and lyrics for the soon-to-be-released KAYA: TASTE OF PARADISE, a movie musical commissioned by the New York Film Academy and featuring Okieriete Onaodowan (screenplay by Jerome Parker, directed by Paul Warner). Currently, she and playwright Anna Ziegler are collaborating on a new musical for Barbara Whitman Productions and Grove Entertainment that's about catfishing. Anna was recognized for her work as a composer/lyricist with the prestigious Billie Burke Ziegfeld Award. She's a former Sundance Fellow and Dramatists Guild Fellow, and has been an Artist in Residence at Ars Nova, New Dramatists, Musical Theatre Factory, Goodspeed, and Barrington Stage Company. Anna holds an M.F.A. in Musical Theatre Writing from NYU-Tisch and is on faculty at The New School. For more information visit www.annakjacobs.com

About the NYYS:

The New York Youth Symphony is internationally recognized for its award-winning and innovative educational programs for talented young musicians. Founded in 1963 as an orchestra to showcase the metropolitan area's most gifted musicians, ages 12-22, its programs have since grown to include Chamber Music, Jazz, Composition, Musical Theater Composition, Apprentice Conducting, and the First Music commissioning program.