Ball State to host Discovery New Musical Theatre Festival this weekend

Starting with the launch of “The Circus in Winter,” an original musical created by Ball State students in 2010, the university will now host a musical theatre festival.

The Discovery New Musical Theatre Festival runs from Friday through Sunday in Muncie at the Cornerstone Center for the Arts and the Muncie Civic Theatre.

Musical festival

Ticket prices

Three-day pass includes admission to shows, admission to workshop and a brunch

Adult: $50

Student: $40

Individual show tickets

Adults: $15

Students: $10

Beth Turcotte, associate professor of theatre, said the festival has been made possible through the support of the Discovery Women’s Organization and the Provost’s Immersive Learning Grant.

“We are keeping the arts alive, supporting new creative voices in musical theatre and giving young artists the chance for a real world experience,” she said. “[We’re also giving] audiences the opportunity to become a part of potential new works that could develop into professional productions in New York City and other arts venues.”

According to a press release, festival producers expected to receive 30 to 40 musical submissions when they issued a callout last fall, but have received more than 130 submissions.

Students in Turcotte’s musicals immersive learning seminar helped narrow down the choices to three that will be performed as staged readings during the festival, “The White City,” “Madworld” and “The Toymaker.”

Industry professional judges will select a final winner that will be staged as a full production by Ball State for its 2015-16 theatre season, according to a press release.

Turcotte said the festival gives Ball State’s theatre department faculty the opportunity to work with guest artists, composers and book writers of the new musicals as well as the chance to continue their work with students and community partners.

Tickets are available online and at the door, and range in price for three-day passes or passes for each show.

Adult three-day passes are $50 and include admission to all three shows, admission to the “Page to Stage” workshop with industry leaders and a brunch.

Student three-day passes include the same benefits for $40.

Tickets for individual shows can be purchased at $15 for adults and $10 for students.

Turcotte said ticket sales are going well and hopes to continue the festival every two years.

“I’m always hopeful for a strong turn out,” she said.

All proceeds from the event will help benefit Muncie Civic Theatre and the Cornerstone Center for the Arts.

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