EL MUSICAL 2026

open call

Full Application Guidelines

Seed Grant & Development Program.

EL MUSICAL, supports the development of new Latiné musicals through seed funding, mentorship, rehearsal space, and industry visibility.

We are selecting four (4) projects for our 2026 Development Cohort.

    I. PROGRAM OVERVIEW

    Selected projects receive:

    • $2,500 Seed Grant
    • Mentorship & dramaturgical feedback
    • Rehearsal space (NYC-based projects prioritized)
    • Workshop and showcase opportunities
    • Marketing & visibility support
    • Access to the El Musical Creative Network

    This is a development initiative — not a licensing agreement and not a production guarantee.

    All rights remain fully with the authors.

    "La canción", Repertorio Español. Photo: Michael Palma Mir

    II. ELIGIBILITY

    To apply, your project must meet the following criteria:

    Creator Eligibility

    • At least one lead creator identifies as Latino/Latiné.
    • Open to writers and writing teams.
    • U.S.-based projects preferred (NYC-based projects prioritized for space benefits).
    • International writers may apply but must be available to participate virtually or in person if selected.

    Project Eligibility

    • Original musical (Spanish, English, or bilingual).
    • TYA musicals welcome.
    • Early to mid-development stage.
    • Substantially developed (not just a concept or outline).
    • Not currently licensed by MTI, Concord, or other licensing houses.
    • Not previously produced on Broadway.
    • May not be submitted more than three times.

    Rights

    Applicants must own or control underlying rights to the material.
    If adapted from existing material, proof of rights must be provided upon request.

    III. WHAT YOU NEED TO SUBMIT

    Please submit the following materials:

    1. Project Overview (1–2 pages)

    Include:

    • Title
    • Logline (2–3 sentences)
    • Brief synopsis
    • Stage of development
    • Why this musical now?
    1. Creative Team Bios

    Brief bios (150 words max per person).

    1. Two Demo Songs (Required)
    • MP3, WAV, or streaming link.
    • Must reflect tone and style of the musical.
    • Piano/vocal demos are acceptable.
    • Clearly labeled files.
    1. Script or Scene Excerpts
    • 10–20 pages recommended.
    • Must include at least one musical moment.
    • Full script optional but encouraged.
    1. Development Plan

    In 1 paragraph:
    How would you use the $2,500 seed grant?

    Examples:

    • Orchestrations
    • Workshop musicians
    • Studio demo recording
    • Dramaturg
    • Travel for collaborators
    • Designer consultation
    1. Optional Support Materials
    • Pitch video (2–5 minutes)
    • Additional demo songs
    • Lookbook or design deck
    • Previous workshop footage

    Optional materials will not determine eligibility but may strengthen your application.

    IV. SELECTION PROCESS

    The review process is:

    Round 1 – Administrative Review

    Staff confirms eligibility and completeness.

    Round 2 – Artistic Review

    Selection Committee evaluates:
    • Story & structure
    • Musical voice
    • Cultural authenticity
    • Development potential
    • Artistic excellence

    Final Selection

    Four projects will be selected.

    Applicants not selected will be notified via email.

    Due to volume, individual feedback cannot be provided.

    V. TIMELINE

    Call Opens: February 2026
    Application Deadline: April 15, 2026 (11:59 PM EST)
    Public Announcement: May 30, 2026

    Development period runs September 2026 – June 2027.

    Dates subject to change.

    VI. PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS (IF SELECTED)

    Selected writers must:

    • Sign a participation agreement
    • Participate in mentorship meetings
    • Attend workshops and showcases
    • Remain actively engaged during the development period

    Writers retain all rights to their work.

    * Photos Used:

    Banner: “I Like It Like That”, Pregones/PRTT (2016)
    “La canción”, Repertorio Español (2017). Photo by Michael Palma Mir.
    “La Gloria”, Teatro SEA (2015)

    contact us

    Address

    Teatro SEA | 107 Suffolk St.
    New York, NY 10002

    Phone

    +1 (212) 529-1545

    Email

    mmoran@teatrosea.org

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