New Works Initiative

The College Light Opera Company is seeking submissions for its 2018 New Works Initiative as part of its 50th jubilee celebrations. The winning one-act piece will be selected by a committee of judges. The winner of this competition will be awarded a prize of $2,000 and production of the new work as part of the 2018 festival season. The prize and production are contingent on the composer and librettist agreeing to the terms of the agreement. The CLOC New Works Initiative is intended to support emerging composer-lyricist teams.

Competition Rules

There is no entry fee. Please follow these guidelines in preparing your manuscript:
 

1. This contest is restricted to music-theatre works written in the English language.
2. Each composer and lyricist team may submit only one piece.
3. Submissions must be original, unpublished one-act operettas or music-theatre works written in English. Translations, and children’s operas are not accepted.
4. Works that have been professionally produced, published or had a workshop, concert or non-professional production are not eligible.
5. Works may not be under option, commissioned, or scheduled for professional production or publication at the time of submission.
6. Works must be submitted digitally in PDF format as well as using MIDI or equivalent format.
7. Works must utilize the full CLOC orchestra: 1 flute (doubles piccolo), 1 oboe (doubles english horn), 2 clarinets (doubles E-flat and/or bass clarinet), 1 bassoon, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, 1 trombone, 1percussion (drum set, timpani, etc.), 4 violins, 1 viola, 1 cello, 1 double bass, possible piano (note: we are an acoustic house and do not normally use synthesizers)
8. Works must utilize the full CLOC ensemble of 16 women and 16 men, include a solid balance of male and female roles and provide a strong and active role for the chorus. All principals must be drawn from this group of performers.
9. Works must not exceed 60 minutes in length and should be an appropriate piece to be used as a curtain-raiser for a Gilbert and Sullivan or other English light operetta.
10. The CLOC New Works Initiative reserves the right to reject any manuscript for any reason.
    

Deadlines and how to apply

• Round 1: August 31, 2017
  • Plot Summary and character list with voice types (250 words)
  • Resume or CV of composer and librettist
  • 5 to 10 minutes of music
    • 2-3 contrasting excerpts with accompanying lyrics
      
    • MP3 or equivalent file
      
    • A short example of orchestrations (optional)

 

• Round 2: Successful applicants from Round 1 will be invited to submit by December 1, 2017
  • 15 minutes of piano vocal score
    • MP3 or equivalent file and corresponding libretto
      
  • Examples of orchestrations

 

• Winner: The winning piece will then be chosen for development and performance as part of the 2018 50th Jubilee season.
  • The successful piece will be developed and completed with feedback from the judges and possible opportunities for workshopping before the 2018 season.
  • The composer will be expected to fully orchestrate the work.

Please send all material along with any questions to: NewWorks@collegelightoperacompany.com