Navigating the Business Side: Grant Writing Tips for Musical Theatre Composers

I've written on the subject of grant writing and funding many times already, and even geared it towards creative projects in my $7 e-book Grant Funding for Unconventional Creatives: The 7-Step Path to Artistic Freedom here. When you're something as a niche as a musical theatre composer though, the process can get a little bit more complicated. So, here's some specific things to keep in mind when you're writing a grant application as a musical theatre composer for a project (or even just for you to exist), so you can get that money to continue to make your art.

Grant Writing Spelled Out for Musical Theatre Composers

• As Read in Post #1: You Have to Know What You'll Do With the Money.

Just as you need to know what you're creating in the first place before you can even think about raising funds, you have to know what you'll do with the money. Have a budget in place of what's designated where for your production. Even if it's just to go towards things like professional memberships and subscriptions and the like that keep your artistic practice alive, you still have to report what you'll use the money for. And specificity definitely helps.

• Also from Post #1: Have Some Demos and Samples of Your Work Prepared.

Applications that are specifically for creative things usually ask for writing samples and, since you're a musical theatre composer, music demos as well. So go and record your best songs from your catalog with whatever instruments you use, and if you're not a singer, hopefully someone in your inner circle is. This will give the granters a picture of what your musical may eventually evolve to become.

• As Read in Post #2: You Have to Know Who's on Your Team.

Usually when it comes to creative projects, you may have to list any members of your team that have already agreed to collaborate on the project or any people/organizations that have agreed to produce it (as in the case with commissions). Also detail what other people you might need outside of a librettist or lyricist: a scenic designer, a lighting designer, a play director, a music director, musicians, or some other actors (if your project is still in its reading stages, I would advise focusing on the last four perhaps). If you need help determining whether someone you know or meet could make a great addition to your team, I suggest you read the second grant funding post in the heading above.

• As Read in Post #3 and this post about hidden income streams: Look for a variety of different ways to make up your budget.

There is a comprehensive list in the post about hidden income streams of other ways to raise money for your production, including the tried-and-true crowdfunding. This also goes even if you're not actively working on a musical but are looking for ways to make money as a musical theatre composer. These ideas can help you monetize the work you already have, or help you come up with ideas in the future.

• As Read in Post #4: Make Sure the Grant is Allowed to Be Used for Performing Arts Projects.

A lot of grants out there have restrictions as to what they'll fund or what the money can be used for. Make sure you read the guidelines and fine print lest you get your application thrown out like a cringy college admission essay.

• Also in Post #4: If People Are Commissioning You For a Project, Do Not Do Any Work Without a Contract in Place.

There are plenty of jobs out there who will ask for you to complete an assignment or the like in order to proceed to the next of several rounds of job interviews. I've read stories where applicants do this and still get rejected later on, while the company uses their work. Contracts protect your work and establish your compensation, and make sure it states in the contract that you hold the rights to all the work you create. Nowadays I don't even get hired for technical work without a contract. If you need to negotiate any terms, do that before you've signed. This sign-your-soul-to-the-devil gif below comes to mind, but seriously. Make sure you're being protected as a musical theatre composer. And read the fricking fine print.

• As Read in Post #5: Make a Summary With All the Themes of Your Musical and How They Fit in With the Theme(s) of the Grant.

When I was in college, the big question that we asked in my technical production class was, "What is the play about?" I'm not talking about the plotline here. What does your play commentate on? What perspectives does it include? I could say that Next to Normal is about how we perceive mental illness. Or Jagged Little Pill is about family relationships fragmented by secrets. Or Hamilton is about wanting to make something of yourself. There are plenty of other themes in these musicals. What's your play about? When you assemble the themes of your play, this can help you see how your musical can fit in with the theme(s) of the grant.

• Also from Post #5: Avidly Share Why This Musical Needs to Exist Today and How It Would Impact Your Audience.

No one can answer this question better than you and your team. And you have to believe in it before anyone else can. It goes back to the themes - how are the themes explored relevant to today? Who would be the best audience to see the musical? Why does your audience need to care? My playwriting debut This is Not a Bill was born out of a lack of audience education on the aboltionism in 19th-century Salem, Massachusetts other than a self-guided walking tour very few people knew about. And now people are paying more attention to such history in the North Shore. And Forten Park exists. What new perspective does your musical bring to the world?

• As Read in Post #6: Tighten Things Up As Needed.

I mention in the sixth grant funding post above that there are five reasons your grant proposal might be rejected, and thus you get five chances to rectify that with the same organization essentially. Make sure you ask for an appropriate amount, your musical fits in with what they're looking for, your timing works out, your goals are clear and there are no spelling errors and contradictions when you craft your proposal. And then work on the most convincing appeal ever.

• As Read in Post #7: Keep a Record of All Your Expenses.

Always do this, even when you're operating as a self-employed tax designee. Not only can some of your expenses (like memberships, subscriptions or business/advertising things like your website) be eligible for tax write-off when you file, but you will need to file a report of expenses AND your income to the granter shortly after your musical closes.

• Just generally, because this involves 1099s: Make Sure You Get One for Each Person Rendering Your Services!

If you hired someone, you'll need to do this. And if someone hired you for a commission, they should give you one come tax season that includes their Tax ID and how much you were paid. I doubt musical theatre composers are given W2s where the taxes are already taken out, but anyone who gets 1099s is designated as self-employed and thus entitled to self-employment tax. As of 2024 (according to SmartAsset), the self-employment tax is 15.3% of the first $168,600 in net profits, plus 2.9% of anything earned over that amount. If you're reading this post I doubt you make that amount, but perhaps you do, so there you go.

• Because You're Reading This Post: If You Need Extra Help Making Your Musical Theatre Production Come to Life, I Can Help!

Speaking as someone who defied the norm of having to wait for a big break in order to get a play produced by funding it myself when I was still in school, I'm offering my support in helping you elevate your creative project. Whether you're working on a small musical theatre production, a concept album, or a unique performance, I offer grant writing, songwriting, and scriptwriting services to help you achieve your goals. You can learn more about that here. Contact me today!

Anyway, thank you so much for reading this post! Get started on that grant application and make the money for your creative calling that you deserve just for being you! Also, subscribe at the bottom of this page to get more posts like this in your inbox, among other goodies. And share this post with your inner circle.

Stay educated,

Alexia