Call for Music Hall "Libretto/Book" 2027

Call for Music Hall “Book/Libretto” submissions, for the 46th Annual Drury Lane Music Hall! (Winter 2027)

Are you interested in being the visionary behind next year’s Music Hall?  Have you got amazing ideas for wonderful music, skits and dance numbers? Have you compiled and carefully curated your choices into a framework of a fabulous Music Hall show? Now is your time to share your concept with the Artistic Director and the Chair of the Reading Committee.

There are always some “givens” for our traditional winter show:  medleys that flow, some comedy skits, a showcase piece for the men and the women in the show,  and maintaining some “must have’s” such as a Pearlies Medley, and the audience favourite with your new twist on -If I Were Not Upon The Stage!! Other possible traditions include the opportunities for solos, duets, trios, or quartets/small groups - if it supports your theme. Tying the numbers together in a theme elevates the show above just being a variety show.  We will expect a Sub-Title that describes your theme (for example this year’s show was the 45th Annual Music Hall - Everything Old Is New Again).

If selected, your “Libretto” becomes an approved book show consisting of two Acts of about 45 minutes in length each. This allows time for our Chairman to deliver introductions, and tell their jokes yielding a show with a running time of 2 hours plus intermission. Your approved Libretto is presented to the Stage/Music Directors, and they will use your show in its entirety.

When Directors are hired to stage a show, they bring their own vision and ideas based on a “script” so there will need to be some consultation with you very early in the process to agree upon requests for modifications to the show. Indicate beside each number in the running order, that you are 1) open to all director ideas, 2) have a few suggestions, but still leave it open to Director interpretation, or 3) where you have specific “non-negotiable” instructions for music and staging.

In your submission please include audio/video files, so that we have a good understanding of the music you are including. If you have videos of your skits - please include links for us to watch (and be prepared to write out a transcription of the video for a script if your book is chosen).  For the “Upon the Stage” number, please describe the “characters”, and what they will be saying. 

We will be reviewing all submissions, and then short-listing all submissions to the 3 top choices for consideration and final selection by the Drury Lane Board of Executives. If short-listed, you will be invited to make a presentation for the selection committee. Further details on what should be in your final presentation (format, presentation styles, time limits, etc) will be provided. In person presentations will take place late March or early April. Dates TBD.

What is your “sizzle”?  How will you engage, surprise and delight your audience? How will you find the perfect blend of traditional with new content? How will you inspire our patrons to claim, “This is the best Music Hall ever!” Taking Music Hall to the next level. This is your chance to pitch your show!!!

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION BY E-MAIL IS MARCH 15TH BY MIDNIGHT.

If you have any questions or if you are ready to submit your document, please contact Carol MacKenzie (Artistic Director for DLTP) at carol.mackenzie@drurylane.ca