BROADWAY SHARK TANK
Tuesday May 6th, 8pm
FREE to attend
Register for tickets HERE
Open Jar Studios and Stage Door Network - The Theatrical Search Engine are proud to present the 3rd round of “Broadway Shark Tank” event, a unique opportunity for Broadway musical writing teams to put their original show to a panel of industry experts. This evening aims to provide an opportunity for exciting new works to be discovered and eventually make an important impact in a future Broadway season.
Writing teams from over 130 new works were submitted for consideration. After careful consideration, 6 shows were selected. They include: The Chef with Book by Sam Nasar and Alex Robertson, Music & Lyrics by Sam Nasser, The (Disaster) Marathon of 1904 with Book by Tyler Joseph Ellis, Music and Lyrics by Daniel Mertzlufft and Jacob Ryan Smith, E.M. Forster's "A Room with a View" with Book, Music & Lyrics by Cody Gerszewski, Here Be Dragons with Book by Michael Nicosia, Music and Lyrics by Madison Dennis, Magia with Book, Music, Lyrics by Letitia Bullard & Nathan Leitão and The TUNEabomber with Book, Music & Lyrics by John Lampe and Michael Wysong.
The Broadway Shark Tank panel will consist of prominent figures in the Broadway industry including Tony Award winning producers and theatre operators. The panel of sharks will include Tom Smedes (Bandstand, A Christmas Carol, Natasha Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812), Michael Coco (The Shubert Organization) and Bruce Robert Harris (The Roommate, Drag the Musical, Good Night and Good Luck, John Proctor is the Villain).
Each writing team will be allowed to present a pitch no longer than 8 minutes which must include a live performance of 1 or 2 songs from their shows. At the end of the pitches, the audience will vote on their favorite pitch and that show will win a one year ICON membership to Open Jar Studios, providing free rehearsal space to develop their new musical. The prize is sponsored by Stage Door Foundation (the fundraising arm of Stage Door Network and the soon to be released Stage Door Pass).
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STAGE DOOR NETWORK- The Theatrical Search Engine. Stage Door Network is a dynamic platform connecting performers with verified professionals, resources, and opportunities in the entertainment industry. By fostering an inclusive and accessible creative community, Stage Door Network empowers artists at every stage of their careers. Stage Door Network introduces Quick Match Technology enabling users to post alerts for specific needs and find instant solutions easily. Whether seeking a reader for a self-tape audition or a last-minute replacement for a performance, Stage Door Network streamlines the process, eliminating negotiation hurdles and fostering efficient collaboration. At the heart of Stage Door Network lies its mission to facilitate seamless connections between theatre professionals and creative projects. Leveraging state-of-the-art technology, Stage Door Network introduces revolutionary job-matching capabilities, ensuring every talent finds their perfect fit. From performers to creatives, backstage crew to administrators, casting, talent agents, and producers, Stage Door Network welcomes every individual and every organization to create comprehensive profiles showcasing their expertise, aspirations, and availability. It links them to matching opportunities posted in the Job Board. https://www.stagedoornetwork.com
OPEN JAR STUDIOS - Located in the heart of the Theater District OPEN JAR STUDIOS features some of the largest studios in New York City for rehearsals, auditions, and support offices for productions of all sizes. Two 4,000 square-foot studios with 22-foot high ceilings make the space ideal for Broadway rehearsals. The large studios accompany a number of different-sized studios also suited perfectly for dance rehearsals, music rehearsals, production offices, and even costume fittings. Under the direction of Jeff Whiting, Open Jar Studios is dedicated to the creation of art and the cultivation of the artist. https://www.openjarstudios.com/
TOM SMEDES is a Tony Award-winning producer and general manager with more than 25 years of experience in all aspects of theatre. He was most recently the lead producer of the Tony Award winning Bandstand and A Christmas Carol. Tom has also produced Farinelli and The King, The Prom, Kander and Ebb’s The Visit starring Chita Rivera, Terrence McNally’s box-office hit It’s Only A Play, Mothers and Sons, the Tony Award-winning Peter and the Starcatcher, the Tony Award-winning Pippin, as well as the Tony nominated play Next Fall, and [title of show]. Tom is a US Board Member of Shakespeare’s Globe London and served as General Manager for the Off-Broadway premiere of Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812.
MICHAEL COCO is currently General Manager of Theatre Operations for the Shubert Organization, America's oldest professional theatre company, overseeing operations for the organization’s 17 Broadway theatres and programming for Shubert’s 6 Off-Broadway theatres. Prior to joining Shubert, Michael was Managing Director of New World Stages after serving as Director of Programming there for 5 years. With over 20 years in the commercial theatre industry, Michael is proud to support the voices of new artists in this exciting business we call show.
BRUCE ROBERT HARRIS is a two-time Tony Award-winning Broadway Producer. Since 2005, he has produced (along with producing partner Jack W Batman) over sixty plays and musicals for Broadway, London’s West End, Off-Broadway, regional theatres, and national and international tours and festivals plus many private and corporate events. Shows produced this season include The Roommate starring Patti LuPone and Mia Farrow, Drag the Musical, Good Night and Good Luck with George Clooney and John Proctor is the Villain with Sadie Sink.