Applications for Entry
September 2026
open now
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How it Works
You can apply to either the Composer & Lyricist group or Librettist (Book Writer) group. If applying to the Composer & Lyricist group, we encourage you to focus on one area of practice: either as lyricist OR composer to benefit from working in partnership, which is a foundation of musical theatre collaboration.
Our workshops run for 34 sessions per year, from September to July.
The Composer & Lyricist group
Our first-year composers and lyricists meet on Thursday evenings from 6pm to 8pm. If you join this group, you’ll become familiar with the many facets of musical theatre song through practical exercises and professional support. Working in regularly-changing pairs, you’ll create and present a variety of song types, such as the 11 o’clock number, the ballad, the choral, the duet and the charm song. This is a great opportunity to focus on your chosen discipline (lyrics or music), and maybe find that long-term writing partner you’ve been looking for. You’ll also have the opportunity to collaborate with members of the Librettist Group on a mini musical to present at the end of the year.
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The Librettist group (Book Writers)
Our librettists meet on Wednesday evenings from 6pm to 8pm. If you join this group, you’ll become familiar with the many facets of a musical theatre book through practical exercises and professional support. Together you’ll create work that focuses on characterisation, the story engine, structure, tone and exposition. You’ll also have the opportunity to collaborate with members of the Composer & Lyricist Group on a mini musical to present at the end of the year.
How much does it cost?
For First Year Composer/Lyricists and First Year Librettists, the full annual fee is £990.
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You can either pay the full fee upfront, or pay by instalments as follows:
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a non-refundable £90 deposit payable on acceptance of your place, plus
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10 monthly payments of £105.
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The total cost when paying by instalments is £1,140.
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Please contact admin@bookmusicandlyrics.com for further information about fees.
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If cost is a barrier
Discretionary bursaries are available. Please contact admin@bookmusicandlyrics.com for more information.
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