Musical Theater Creativity Flows Where the Ocean Meets the Stage
The Newport NewWorks Musical Theater Festival is dedicated to providing a nurturing and creative space for both emerging and established artists to develop and refine their work-in-progress musicals. We foster a dynamic, collaborative environment where creativity thrives and artistic exploration is celebrated. At every stage, we prioritize inclusivity, safety, and fun, encouraging experimentation and innovation as artists bring their visions to life.
The Mission
The Work
Each summer, the Newport NewWorks Musical Theater Festival selects up to three unproduced musicals from a competitive pool of submissions nationwide. These chosen works enter a two-week, artist-driven residency in the inspiring coastal setting of Newport, Rhode Island. During this time, creative teams collaborate with industry-leading directors, dramaturgs, musicians, and actors in an intensive and dynamic rehearsal process.
The residency culminates in two public, script-in-hand staged readings, offering a unique opportunity to obtain audience feedback as an integral part of the development process. To maintain the festival’s focus on development, all submissions must remain unproduced professionally through the time of their participation in the festival.
The Experience
At the heart of the Newport NewWorks Festival is a collaborative, artist-driven environment, guided by industry-leading professionals. From directors to dramaturgs, musical directors & musicians to actors, works are given whatever each creative team needs to help them revise, rework, or reshape their musicals as they see fit—whether it’s the book, the music, the score, or all three. Risk-taking and bold choices are strongly encouraged throughout the process.
During the festival, artists enjoy a two-week residency in the inspiring oceanside setting of Newport, Rhode Island. Housing and a weekly stipend are provided for the entire duration, allowing you the freedom to focus fully on your work. Artists are welcome to attend rehearsals and presentations of their peers, building a supportive community of fellow creators—writers, composers, and theatermakers—whose relationships will last long after the festival concludes.