Posted by The Musical Stage Company
Submissions are now open for the Aubrey & Marla Dan Fund for New Musicals!
Working on a piece in its early phase of conception or development? This call is for you!
Click here to review submission guidelines, important dates, and additional information on our website.
Deadline to apply: Friday, July 25th, 2025 at 11:59PM
Questions about your application? Email outreach@musicalstagecompany.com.
ABOUT THE DAN FUND
The Aubrey & Marla Dan Fund for New Musicals is Canada’s first-ever fund dedicated exclusively to the commissioning of new Canadian musical works. This opportunity is managed by The Musical Stage Company, thanks to funding from the Aubrey & Marla Dan Foundation. The fund offers financial and dramaturgical support to creators in creating and developing a first draft of a new musical. Ideas that exemplify the most potential will be awarded an $8,000 commission and a reading of the first draft.
Submission Guidelines
Submissions shall be comprised of:
1. A ONE-PAGE PROJECT PROPOSAL (PDF)
This should include: what the project is about, what support you require developmentally/creatively, why it is a fit for TMSC, and a list of any existing developmental partners.
2. TWO AUDIO SAMPLES (MP3)
Two audio samples from the proposed project, or from a previous work by the applicant(s).
If you are re-applying with a piece that was submitted and not selected in a previous year, we ask that you outline any new developments with the piece in the submission form.
Projects invited to submit via Invitations will prepare the same submission package as noted above.
SUBMISSION FORM
Click here to apply through our submission form
For any questions / accessibility needs, please email outreach@musicalstagecompany.com.
PRESENTATIONS IN THE OPEN CALL
Creators who have submitted projects through the Open Call that have been selected for presentation will be notified of their selection via e-mail by August 5th, 2025.
Presentations shall be made to a jury of The Musical Stage Company staff and industry colleagues, taking place August 12-13, 2025. Some presentations may be audited by select invited guests including members from the Aubrey & Marla Dan Foundation. Presentations may be held virtually on Zoom or in person, depending on artists’ point of origin.
Presentations will be allocated a 45-minute time slot (30 minutes for presentation & 15 minutes for questions). While the presentation may be in whatever manner the applicants deem most helpful, it is recommended that each presentation includes the following:
- A synopsis;
- Excerpts of scenes; and
- At least 2 songs (one of which must be from the project being presented).
Creators are responsible for assembling any additional resources they require for their presentation. The presentation is intended to be casual and conversational. While the creators may curate their presentation as they wish, it is not the intention to make creators feel obligated to integrate additional artists or incur any costs.
Projects invited to submit via Invitations will prepare the same presentation content as noted above.
All applicants will be notified of all decisions regarding their submission.
IMPORTANT DATES FOR THE OPEN CALL
June 25, 2025 – Submissions Open
July 25, 2025 – Submissions Close
Week of July 28, 2025 – Dan Fund Shortlist Meeting
August 5, 2025 – Notification of selection for presentation
August 12-13, 2025 – Presentations