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New Musical Laboratory

The search for the annual New Musical Lab production begins with a nationwide call for new musical submissions.  

A team of Michigan State University (MSU) Department of Theatre Faculty and Wharton Center employees selects one musical to be in residence at MSU. 

This new musical is workshopped under the guidance of a Broadway-caliber director, professional actors in leading roles, the creative team of the chosen musical, and the leadership of MSU’s College of Arts and Letters’ Department of Theatre and Wharton Center for Performing Arts. 

The program becomes a vivid learning experience for both college actors and backstage creatives. 


Previous musicals

  • 2023 Rocky Mountain High 
    Book & Lyrics by Kia Beth Kofron and Cooper Kofron
    Music by Mark Hollmann
    Additional Music by Drew Gasparini
    Guest Director Marc Acito
  • 2022 In Emily’s Words (ĭmáGen)
    Book, Music & Lyrics by Jessy Tomsko
    Guest Directed by Susanna Wolk
  • 2021 Particle (ĭmáGen)
    Book, Music, and Lyrics by Selda Sahin & Derek Gregor 
  • 2020 Medusa (ĭmáGen)
    Book, Music & Lyrics by Wes Braver & Rachel Dean
    Director & Choreographer Mayte Natalio
  • 2019 Dr. Fox and The Impossible Cure For Death (ĭmáGen)
    Book and Music by Benedict Braxton-Smith
    Book and Lyrics by Megan Peterse
  • 2018 One Good Day (ĭmáGen)
    Book and Lyrics by Liz Suggs, Music by Rona Siddiqui
  • 2017 We Foxes (ĭmáGen)
    Book, Music, and Lyrics by Ryan Scott Oliver 
  • 2016 Temple (ĭmáGen)
    Music by Norman Durkee, Additional Music by Constantine Kitsopoulos, Book and Lyrics by Sylvia Peto
  • 2015 For Tonight (ĭmáGen)
    Music and Lyrics by Shenelle Williams Book by Whitney Rhodes, Shenelle Williams and Spencer Williams

Imagen is made possible is part by MSU University Outreach and Engagement.

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