I must confess I knew little about American Lyric Theatre until a few days ago when I learned that two of our playwrights were reporting in about that development program. Here first from Tony Asaro co-author of Our Country:
I couldn’t be happier about my most recent writing news: I HAVE A COMMISSION!
A commission is an original piece of artwork completed by an artist at the request of and paid for by a client.
As you know, last year, I participated as a librettist in American Lyric Theatre‘s Composer/Librettist Development Program. The program trains people to write contemporary opera. I spent the year learning how to write opera. Only 8 writers were accepted to the program. This was a big departure for me–opera is very different from musical theatre. But with the patience of the faculty and of my composer collaborators, it eventually started to click!
Both of my collaborations went well, but one in particular stood out: All Wounds Bleed written with composer Christopher Cerrone, a wunderkind who in his mid-20s has already had major commissions and works performed at Carnegie Hall.
Because of our success with All Wounds Bleed, Chris and I have been asked back to the CLDP as return resident artists. ALT wants us to write a full-length opera! Once the story we choose is approved, ALT will finance the development of the piece which includes further advising with the ALT faculty, underlying rights optioning, developmental readings, and even money for the writers!!!
And from David Johnston who penned The Eumenides – a retelling of the Oresteia:
I’ve been chosen as one of the eight new resident artists for the American Lyric Theater’s Composer Librettist Development Program. This will start in September and go until next June, with presentations at some cool places (like Symphony Space) and workshops with some amazing opera and theater people.
Congrats to both and I know we’ll be hearing more as the year progresses.
Posted by nyte small press 
