Apply for Festival

Newport NewWorks is dedicated exclusively to the development of new original musicals. Each summer’s featured shows are selected from a worldwide pool of hundreds of submissions for a two-week, artist-driven workshop residency in Newport, RI — including full room and board as well as a stipend. Selected pieces are matched with a team of industry-leading directors, dramaturgs, musicians, and actors for an intensive rehearsal period, culminating in public, script-in-hand readings. Artists are welcome to revise, rework, and rewrite as much as they like while in residence with us. We welcome revisions to the book, music, and score. At every step in the process, we strive to foster an inclusive, collaborative environment where taking risks and artistic exploration is encouraged. 

We are proudly committed to an open submission process, welcoming all musical theater creators, regardless of location or agent representation, to share their work with us. Every submission is considered with care and appreciation, and is meticulously reviewed and discussed. At Newport NewWorks, we believe in radical hospitality. Our goal is to provide a festival experience where all artist needs are taken care of so they can focus exclusively on the work.

Once a show is selected for Newport NewWorks, its journey with us begins long before the time of the summer residency in Newport. Selected shows are notified in January. Collaboration and feedback starts in February. And the journey includes NYC table reads along the way in support of rewriting, and in hopes of giving creators the opportunity to make the material as strong as possible before your residency in August. The mission of Newport NewWorks also includes helping our shows find opportunities beyond the festival.

Here are some guidelines:
• FESTIVAL DATES: August 1 - 15, 2027
• LOCATION: Newport, Rhode Island
• ELIGIBILITY: Musicals must not have received a professional production prior to the 2027 festival dates.
• CAST SIZE: Maximum of 10 performers
• APPLICATION FEE: $15

DEADLINE: Sunday, November 15, 2026 @ 11:59 PM

We look forward to learning more about you and your work!