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Larson Grants

Who should apply?
Composers, lyricists and bookwriters who work in musical theatre are eligible to apply for the grants. We are aware that artists work in multiple disciplines; and while it is not necessary that you only work in musical theatre, selections of representative work submitted must be for musical theatre.

The Jonathan Larson Grants do not currently fund organizations for musical theatre productions. If you are an organization producing work, consider applying for the ATW Theatre Company Grant Program.

I've applied for the grant in the past, what’s different for 2011?
For 2011, all applications must include book, music, and lyrics from one or more works of musical theatre. Individuals may apply for support of their work in all three disciplines. Regular collaborators are encouraged to apply as a team and submit one application.

Additionally, due to this change, all past applicants are invited to apply again, regardless of whether you applied in 2009 and 2010. However, applicants may only apply once per grant cycle.

Can I apply if I am still in school?
No. The Larson Grants are not scholarships. Artists applying for grants should have begun working professionally.

Are there any age restrictions?
No, although the focus is on artists in early to mid-career who have not yet received a significant level of acclaim (and attendant income) in their field. Artists who have had a work successfully produced on Broadway, for example, will most likely not be considered.

What are the criteria for selection?
The selection committees will judge applicants based on talent, artistic merit, and a commitment to a career in musical theatre.

Why is it important to send three copies of the application and attachments?
Each application is read by two to three readers with expertise in the field. Our resources limit the time we can take to make copies. Plus, by submitting your own copies, you control the quality of your work as seen by the adjudicators.

How can I use the grant award?
These grants recognize your talent as an artist, and are meant to provide general support to help you in your career. There are no restrictions.

If I work with a collaborator, should we apply separately or as a team?
Teams that work together on a regular basis should send in one application as a collaborative team. Artists who work in all disciplines (alone or with collaborators on key projects) should apply as an individual, but only with work that they did on their own. For 2011, the grants will not honor composers, lyricists, or librettists individually.

How should representative work be chosen?
Simply submit your best work; this is one of the most important parts of your application.

Make song selections that showcase a variety of styles. Prepare one disc of 3-6 songs that show both music and lyrics to their best advantage.

Remember, first impressions are important: be sure to put the strongest song selections first, not necessarily the order they appear in the show. If you can, submit work from more than one piece (although if your best work is from one piece, this is not a requirement).

Can my letters of recommendation come under separate cover?
Yes, but they should arrive no later than one week after the application deadline (September 7th, 2010).

What is the selection process?
Each application is read and scored by at least two readers with expertise in musical theatre. The highest scoring applicants (approximately 15 to 20) go to an Expert Panel for the final decision.

If I have not been selected to receive a grant, can I reapply?
Yes, however, applicants should not resubmit the same material unless it has been substantially rewritten. If the pieces you chose were not successful the first time it is usually best to select at least some different work samples.

Due to the changes in the guidelines for 2011, all are encouraged to apply, regardless of their application history from 2009 or 2010.

Artists who have applied as a collaborative team in the past may choose to apply again as individuals and vice versa. If you are uncertain what to do, call the office for guidance at 212-765-0606.

- Jonathan Larson® is a registered trademark of Skeeziks, LLC