Description
To learn more about the National Centre for New Musicals (NCNM), a Theatre Aquarius program, read about the application process, criteria and more.
Applications are now open from November 18th 2024-January 6th 2025.
PRESENTED BY
NCNM Program Experience
The National Centre for New Musicals (NCNM) at Theatre Aquarius offers an eight-month, part-time development program for musical theatre creators at any stage of their musical’s journey. Whether you’re starting with early concepts or working on a new draft, NCNM provides a tailored experience to elevate your musical to the next level.
The program features two distinct streams, blending remote and in-person support to help you refine and advance your piece. Through mentorship, music supervision, dramaturgy, and an in-person Creators Summit, we nurture your creative process with a focus on exploration and growth. We look forward to receiving your submissions and supporting the diverse community of musical theatre creators in Canada.
HOW IT WORKS
Portal Opens
Application Portal opens November 18th 2024-January 6th 2025. Writers select either the Incubation Stream or Development Stream and apply online.
Round 1
Submissions are anonymously adjudicated by the NCNM Curatorial Team made up of music theatre artists from across Canada. 10 projects will be selected to move into Round 2 in March 2025.
Round 2
The Advisory Team selects a short list of projects that will be given a virtual interview. 2 – 4 projects are chosen by the Advisory Team and notified in April 2025.
Important Dates
- Application Portal Opens: November 18th, 2024
- Application Deadline: January 6th, 2025
- Selections Chosen: March – April 2025
- Program Phase 1– June 2025-December 2025
- Program Phase 2– January 2026 in-person (Development Stream only)
Phase 1- Remote Development Period
From June to December 2025, both the Incubation Steam and Development Stream will engage in a seven-month, part-time exploratory period where you’ll work remotely with a dramaturg and music supervisor from our Aquarius team. These experts, personally assigned to your project, will provide ongoing support and feedback as you write and advance your piece.
Phase 2- The NCNM Creators Summit
In January 2026, the Development Stream is invited to the NCNM Creators Summit for a two-week, in-person creative residency. During this time, writing teams will have the opportunity to work intensively with their creative team and mentors. Depending on your project’s needs, you’ll have access to dedicated writing time, actor workshops, mentorship, and rehearsal space. The residency culminates with presentation opportunities, offering the chance to share your work with industry professionals.
How to Apply
Select Your Stream
Development Stream: (Application portal opens November 18th, 2024-January 6th, 2025)
- For: projects with a developed or partially developed script and/or score, including those that have had previous presentations. Ideal for creators ready to break open, advance, and create a new draft of their work through exploration and collaboration. The Development Stream will attend a 2 week in-person Creators Summit in January 2026.
Application Requirements:
- Project Overview: Describe your project and its current status.
- Team Info: List current team members.
- Cast Size: Indicate the projected cast size.
- Goals: Share your goals for the piece.
- Writing Sample: Submit 1-2 scenes (up to 15 pages). Use minimum 12-point font, 1-inch margins, and remove all names and identifiers.
- Audio Sample: Include 1-2 audio samples or lyric sheets.
Incubation Stream: (Application portal opens November 18th, 2024-January 6th, 2025)
- For: Early-stage projects with an idea and little to no script or music. Ideal for those with a concept ready to begin writing and exploring.
Application Requirements:
- Project Overview: Provide an overview and current status of your project.
- Team Info: List any team members.
- Cast Size: Outline the projected cast size.
- Goals: State your goals for the piece.
- Writing Description: If you’ve started writing, submit an excerpt or, if not, expand on your concept, plot, and writing style (Maximum 3 pages). Use minimum 12-point font, 1-inch margins, and remove all names and identifiers.
- Music Description: Submit 1-2 audio samples or lyric sheets. If not available, describe your musical concept and style (Maximum 2 pages). Use minimum 12-point font, 1-inch margins, and remove all names and identifiers.
General Application Guidelines
- Please use 12-point font and 1-inch margins on all written material.
- Please remove all names and identifiers from your attached writing sample for anonymous review.
- Please submit only one piece per writing team.
- Please only submit original content, material in the public domain, or content with rights secured.
- Applicants must be Canadian citizens or legally eligible to work in Canada.
- Projects currently under development agreements or commission agreements with other Theatres or programs are unfortunately not eligible (government grants are excluded).
Please note: Attendance at the Creators Summit in January 2026 is required for the Development Stream, and all travel and accommodation costs for writers and their teams will be covered.
Please note that the NCNM team will work closely with each group to create a development plan tailored to the specific needs of the piece. Depending on those needs, some projects may focus on workshops with actors, while others may prioritize dedicated writing time and dramaturgical support. The approach will be determined based on the unique requirements of your musical and the available budget and resources.
