Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Toronto, ON – The Toronto Fringe is pleased to announce the inaugural Paul O’Sullivan Prize for Musical Theatre brought to you by the Pat and Tony Adams Freedom Fund for the Arts. The award is named in honour of Canadian actor Paul O’Sullivan (1964-2012) who was known for his involvement with The Second City, and roles in The Red Green Show, Murdoch Mysteries, Dan for Mayor, and Little Mosque on the Prairie.
As an improviser, a song and dance man, and a consummate comedian, he brought an unbridled passion, dedication, and sense of play to everything he did, whether it was "Skippy's Rangers" at the Fringe or "The Producers" for Mirvish.
"When we were thinking about initiating a new musical award with the Fringe, it seemed obvious to name it after Paul - - an artist who embodied the Fringe spirit of risk, energy and irreverence. The prize not only encourages new artists, but also honours a great Fringe artist who left us far too soon." – Shari Hollett
Pat and Tony Adams Freedom Fund is named after the late parents of Shari Hollett who were devoted fans of jazz music, theatre, improv and comedy, and had great respect and affection for those who dedicated their lives to pursuing these arts professionally.
"We are honoured to continue the legacy of both Paul O'Sullivan and Pat and Tony Adams with this prize. Musicals are such an expensive endeavor, and I hope this prize will encourage composers, writers and lyricists to be brave and bold in their creations." – Kelly Straughan, Executive Director Toronto Fringe
The First place winner will receive a place in the 2016 Toronto Fringe Festival (June 29th‐ July 10th.) and a cash prize of $3,500.00, courtesy of Pat and Tony Adams Freedom Fund for the Arts.
Rules and Regulations
1. Open to all playwrights/composers who are permanent residents of Canada.
2. All entries must be original, unproduced musicals. Musicals that have been workshopped are eligible.
3. All Musicals must have a performance time of 90 minutes or less.
4. Playwrights/Composers who enter the contest may enter the Fringe lottery. If the winning
musical has been entered into the lottery, the application fee will be refunded to the primary contact.
5. The winner must produce the musical that was submitted to the contest in the 2016 Toronto Fringe Festival.
It is understood that the musical will be subject to revisions/dramaturgical changes throughout the development stage.
To Apply
Please submit the following by clicking here by October 13, 2015
Note: Submissions must remain anonymous
1.Complete script with tracks. Contestants will be asked to send links to the songs.
2.Proof of Rights.
3. Estimated Running Time
4. Production History (150 word limit) & Writer Bios
5. $30 reading fee
Photo: Paul O’Sullivan.
2015-09-10
Toronto: Toronto Fringe Festival announces the Paul O'Sullivan Prize for Musical Theatre