Shifting Ground Collective is bringing back our New Musical Nights in 2026, and we’re looking to connect with musical theatre writers who want to showcase their pieces for Shifting Ground’s audience of theatregoers, fellow artists, decision makers, and more!

ABOUT NEW MUSICAL NIGHTS

Our New Musical Nights are an extension of our community programming, akin to our popular recurring series of Pub Nights. We dedicate a casual evening out to songs from new musicals in development, with a chance to meet and chat with the writers working on the next great Canadian musical. From emerging artists to established composers, we’re proud to showcase new works at all ends of the spectrum.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

If you’re part of our New Musical Night, you’ll be asked to attend the event in downtown Toronto to share a little bit about your show before performing an original song. You’ll be responsible for coordinating your own singers for this event. We can provide a piano accompanist for you, but you are also welcome to bring your own accompaniment. After the performance, there will be a brief discussion where you’ll have more opportunities to discuss your progress with the show, offer some insight into your process, and plug any upcoming milestones for your musical!

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

– New, original musicals (no jukeboxes!) written by Canadians

– A brief synopsis (you don’t need to include a draft – you don’t even need to have finished writing the show!)

– 2-3 completed songs

Submissions are open NOW until December 20th at 11:59pm EST!