The Pipeline Arts Foundation has awarded over $100,000 to six new musicals for further development. 

More than 250 shows completed the blind submission process and were read and listened to by 20 dedicated readers.

"These teams captivated us with their remarkable talent and originality," said Carin Wagner, a spokesperson for Pipeline, in a statement. "Selecting winners from such a wealth of exceptional submissions was quite the challenge, which is indicative of the creativity within our community."

The winners follow.

$20,000 Winners:
The Female Pope: book and lyrics by Shannon Burkett, music by Heather Christian
Hag: book and lyrics by Kate Douglas, music and lyrics by Grace McLean
The Oscar Micheaux Project: music by Alphonso Horne, lyrics by Jesse L. Kearney Jr. and Peter Mills, book by Kearney Jr. and Cara Reichel (additional music by Mills)

$17,000 Winners:
Call Me From the Grave: music and lyrics by Charlie Romano, book by Harold Hodge Jr.
FORA: book, lyrics, and music by Jae Broderick, and music by Matthew AC Cohen
Tomorrow by the Sea: book and lyrics by Yunhye Park, book, lyrics, and music by Alexander Ronneburg, and music by Erika Ito

Composer Ronneburg states, "We are incredibly honored to receive this award. The award and the funds will go a long way in the development of our show."

Romano added, “With this funding, we will be able to create a studio album to debut some of the show's soulful score on a larger platform, as well as partially fund a theatrical workshop that will allow elements of staging and choreography to be introduced to the show for the first time."

Burkett said she is "so honored and humbled to be receiving this Pipeline Award. Creating musicals is a very long and winding road.”

Pipeline is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to moving musical theatre forward. The company aims to expand its support in 2025 to amplify the diverse array of voices shaping the future of musical theatre. 

Applications for the 2025 awards will open in late 2024. Click here for more information.