Underscore Theatre Company is the Chicago region's only company dedicated to developing, showcasing, and producing new musicals. Our productions have gone on to be produced regionally, receive licencing and publication deals, and win awards nationwide. Underscore Theatre Company is Chicagoland's only organization dedicated exclusively to the development of new musicals.
We help composers, lyricists, authors, and other artists take their work "from page to stage" with services from readings and workshops to full productions. Ticket sales cover just 10% of Underscore's operations, so we count on musical theatre lovers like you to support our goals with tax-deductible gifts of any size.
We help composers, lyricists, authors, and other artists take their work "from page to stage" with services from readings and workshops to full productions. Ticket sales cover just 10% of Underscore's operations, so we count on musical theatre lovers like you to support our goals with tax-deductible gifts of any size.
Services
Every year, Underscore produces a series of workshops and readings of new musicals written by librettists and composers from all over the country. Some we are considering for our mainstage productions, others are destined for productions at other theatres, and for some, the future is a mystery.
Our mission is to develop new musicals, not just to present them, so no matter where a show is headed, we bring professional actors, directors, and dramaturgs to the table to help make sure the performances match an author's vision, so they can best develop their work.Our workshops are two weeks long, and are set up similarly to the "previews" portion of a broadway show's run.
Our mission is to develop new musicals, not just to present them, so no matter where a show is headed, we bring professional actors, directors, and dramaturgs to the table to help make sure the performances match an author's vision, so they can best develop their work.Our workshops are two weeks long, and are set up similarly to the "previews" portion of a broadway show's run.
The Chicago Musical Theatre Festival is Underscore's cornerstone event. Founded in 2013, CMTF is a showcase of new musicals from across the country, performing daily for three weeks in February during Chicago's Theatre Week. The Chicago Musical Theatre Festival, now in its fifth year, is a new works festival produced by Underscore.
Musicals don't spring into the world fully-formed. In fact, most musicals you see on Broadway or at regional theatres have undergone years of development, including readings, workshops, developmental performances, and out-of-town tryouts. At Underscore, new musicals don't make it to the mainstage until we've worked to help develop them.
Thank you for your interest in Underscore Theatre Company. At this time we are pausing our submissions process while we prepare our programming calendar and honor our previous commitments that have been on pause during this time. Please keep an eye here on our website and our social channels for more information about the Chicago Musical Theatre Festival 2023 submission process and additional opportunities coming up in 2022.
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