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.
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?
2. Creative Team Bios
Brief bios (150 words max per person).
3. 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.
4. Script or Scene Excerpts
- 10–20 pages recommended.
- Must include at least one musical moment.
- Full script optional but encouraged.
5. 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
6. 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.