Applications for Open Submissions 2023 will open soon. Please keep an eye on our social media and e-news for the annoucement.
OPEN SUBMISSIONS is open to musical theatre writers and composers who have a new musical or cabaret that they would like our assessment committee to consider.
Applications for OPEN SUBMISSIONS could include an excerpt or full draft or a new musical, a collection of songs you are hoping to develop into a musical or cabaret, details of a collaboration with other creatives or a musical that is already had a development showing or full production. While early concept submissions are welcome, we’d also like to see evidence of your commitment to the project and any work you’ve done to date.
Please note that if your musical involves or references cultures other than your own, you must engage, or have plans to engage, in an appropriate level of cultural consultation and/or collaboration.
FAQs
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When will applications open for OPEN SUBMISSION?
Applications will be opening in the next few weeks. Please keep an eye on our social meda for the announcement.
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How long should I have worked on the project before submitting it?
While early concept submissions are welcome, we would like to see evidence of your commitment to the project and any work you’ve done to date.
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What happens after I submit my application?
All submissions will be assessed following the closing date. We will respond to every submission and offer specific feedback, regardless of whether we’re able to provide further support or assistance in the development or your musical.
Our advisory panel will also select some projects for targeted assistance. This may include:
- Mentorship
- Advice on potential creative pairings
- The offer of seed finance to pay for further development
- Inclusion in a biannual development week with a professional director, cast and musicians
- The offer of inclusion in a future Hayes Theatre Co season
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Who is on the Advisory Panel?
The advisory panel is made up of industry professionals.
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When will I receive Feedback?
Reviewing material for new musicals and providing specific feedback does take time. After the applications have closed, the advisory panel will begin the process of reviewing all of the submissions and you should receive feedback on your submission in late September. If you have not heard from us after this time, feel free to get in contact.
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Does my musical have to be developed for production at Hayes?
No, while we are looking for projects to potential develop for presentation at Hayes, we recognise that our 111-seat theatre may not be the right fit for your vision. We can offer you what help we can and then suggest potential next steps. In some instances, musicals might benefit from an initial season at Hayes followed by further development for presentation at other venues.
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What sort of musicals are you looking for?
That’s up to you. We encourage you to submit proposals that have the potential to develop the form of musical theatre as well as creative approaches to more conventional storytelling.
We are interested in projects that celebrate the diversity of Australian cultural expression.
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How many projects are supported?
We receive over 60 submissions annually and generally support between 5 and 10.
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Does the proposal need to be a new work?
While Hayes Creative Development is primarily interested in supporting new musicals and cabarets, if you’d like to propose a co-production or collaboration with Hayes on an existing show that you have the rights to, then we’d love to hear from you.
If you want to propose an independent (self-produced and funded) musical next year, please see our 2024 Independent Production Applications guidelines.