Introducing The New Musicals Lab @ Ferguson Center

A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BRUCE BRONSTEIN
JUNE 3, 2021

As Executive Director of the Ferguson Center it has been my job to bring world-class, Broadway musicals to the Peninsula for the last five years. Now, it is my pleasure to announce the creation of The New Musicals Lab at Ferguson Center. We’re incubating NEW musicals right here in Newport News, and you’ll be some of the first audiences to experience these fresh, new stories by up-and-coming artists.

What is The New Musicals Lab?

The New Musicals Lab at Ferguson Center is making space for new musicals by providing access to world-class facilities, creative funding and student talent. The New Musicals Lab will bring together emerging musical theatre artists, directors, composers, writers, designers and actors –working alongside Christopher Newport University talent. The 2021 Lab runs June 7 to July 24, with eight (8) NEW musicals being crafted right here in Newport News, Virginia. Each show is in a different stage of development, with some still working out their structure and others almost ready for a full production.

Why does our mission matter?

The New Musicals Lab at Ferguson Center will be the most welcoming, supportive and collaborative space for new musical theatre in America. Musical theatre is America’s most famous contribution to the performing arts. It’s a format born here, developed here and beloved here. Today, American audiences are seeing musical theatre development in new ways (We love you, Tik Tok!). But new shows can’t get stage-ready online or in bedrooms across the U.S. They need a home where they can be made ready with all the fittings and functions of a live show and dedicated crew. New musicals need a safe place and resources to develop before the regionals, New York or London. That place is The New Musicals Lab at Ferguson Center.

BECOME A LAB DONOR

Why should you give?

It’s been a tough year for performing artists around the world, and your gift helps bring light to the darkness. Unlike other new musicals programs, every member of The New Musicals Lab at Ferguson Center gets paid. From writers to actors, stage managers and designers. We’re also providing housing for the entire company in addition to use of production and performance spaces throughout the amazing Ferguson Center for the Performing Arts facility.

How can you give?

Click the “donate” button above. Please consider supporting this unique program. All donations are tax-deductible and will offset the cost of The New Musicals Lab. In appreciation of your support, every donor will be invited to this summer’s exclusive New Musicals Lab events.

I hope you and yours remain safe and well. It will be incredible to welcome you back into The Ferguson Center.

Cheers!