About Arlene Schulman Expertise As a professional stage director and dramaturg, I have worked extensively with playwrights, lyricists and composeres in new play development. My areas of expertise are in character development, relationships, plot structure and stageability. I`d be happy to answer any questions in these areas, as well as in the process of getting a play from the page to the stage - including the stages along the way, director/playwright collaboration, the playwright`s place in rehearsals and so on.
Experience I am a professional stage director and dramaturg who has worked extensively in collaboration with playwrights, lyricists and composers on new plays and musicals. I have worked closely with them in the developmental process, helping to shape and edit their work - particularly in the areas of character development, relationships, plot structure and stageability - and acted as dramaturg and sounding board. I have brough these new plays to the stage in staged readings, workshops, showcases and full productions.
Organizations Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers - associate member Literary Managers & Dramaturgs of America - associate member Shakespeare Association of America The Shakespeare Institute -MA Candidate, "Shakespeare & Theatre"
Question I've written the lyrics for a completetly all singing rock musiclal. I need to find someone to write the music for the songs. Not looking to hire a music writer who I must pay, but for a partner/collaborator who won't get paid until we sell or produce the musical. Where do I look? And, is this the next step or should I be looking for a producer and let them hire the music writer of their choice?
Answer Hi Stuart,
I can't answer for all producers, of course, but generally producers don't get interested in a play until it is a "finished" product - that is a complete play (or musical). There is no way most of them would consider investing in a musical that has no music yet - especially a totally sung through musical where the main focus IS the music; it would be far too much of a risk. Of course any new play is continuously in development until it has its professional opening night (and sometimes beyond), but how would one judge a play that is less than half written. Besides, from experience working with playwrights, lyricists and composers, I know that even the libretto and lyrics, and even the play structure, will likely change considerably once the music is added. It's not something that can just be put into the blank spots provided for it - especially not in a sung-through. For a musical to be effective the book/lyrics and music must blend seamlessly, complementing and enhancing each other, achieving a balance that creates a whole, not just two separate parts pasted together. To do that you really do need a creative collaboration, not a composer imposed on you by an producer. Nor would you want (nor would it be legal) for a producer to do those kinds of changes without your participation and permission. This is a work of art, not an assembly line, and you don't give up your rights (unlike in film) when a producer comes into the picture.
So, the question is where to find a composer to collaborate with. Of course ideally the best place is if you know a composer whose work you admire and is in the appropriate style for the show you have in mind. If you do not know one, you might check with other playwrights, directors or theatres that you know and trust in your area. If you strike out there, I suggest a notice in Playbill online - www.playbill.com/jobs/post - where theatrical opportunities of all kinds are posted. You don't say where you are, so I can't say for sure if it would focus on your area, but it is common for lyricists and composers to work at a distance these days where communication is so easy. Backstage is another possible place to post a notice looking for a collaborator. There are also a number of email discussion lists and online sites where composers and playwrights gather to discuss - and often to network and find working partners.
Remember too that not just anyone will do. When you get responses to your searches be sure to have a good discussion with each potential collaborator. Have them read your lyrics/book. Listen to what they say about it and what they would bring to the partnership. What kind of music would they suggest? Do they have any suggestions about the structure of the play? Listen to samples of their music. See if they are the kind of person you will be comfortable working with, since a collaboration is a very intimate relationship.
