We are pleased to announce the 2026/27 National Centre for New Musicals (NCNM) selections. 

Created to champion the development of bold new Canadian musicals, NCNM supports writers and composers as they bring original works to life through mentorship, workshops, and artistic collaboration. 

We are excited to introduce this year's projects and the talented artists behind them.

HIT SISTERS

Deborah Vogt (book & lyrics)

Laura Reznek (music & lyrics)

Synopsis: Everybody has dreams. And some people are willing to do anything to achieve theirs. Rose and Tia are two sisters with big ambitions. Their father was a successful jazz artist, anad growing up, Rose and Tia always wanted to follow his footsteps in the music industry. However, neither of them has achieved the success they hoped for, so they fund their struggling music careers by taking contract killing jobs. Hit Sisters is about two sisters who, despite their contrasting music styles, have to work together as hit women in order to keep their dream alive.

IN DEVELOPMENT

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IMA MAMA

By Evelyn Hecht

Ima Mama is a song cycle that explores the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. Ima means “mom” in Hebrew, and mama means “mom” in, well, almost every language.

The cycle follows three mother-daughter pairings, each representing a different expression of this bond. Mother 1 and Daughter 1 represent a deeply connected relationship built on closeness and mutual understanding. Mother 2 and Daughter 2 represent a bond shaped by distance, miscommunication, and the struggle to truly see one another. Mother 3 and Daughter 3 form a chosen family. Mother 3 lost her daughter through miscarriage, while Daughter 3 lost her mother at a young age. Together, they find a maternal connection outside of its traditional form.

Ima Mama reveals mother-daughter relationships for what they truly are: layered, contradictory, and messy.

IN INCUBATION

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ROOTED: A MUSICAL POEM

Jewelle Blackman – Creator

Alexandra Kane – Music Director

Hollywood Jade – Choreographer

I was inspired to write this musical poem as a love letter to my son. The person who was affected the most when I moved to NYC to pursue a lifelong dream of not only starring on Broadway, but originating a role. We rarely see the journey of the parent who works away from their child in this business and how it affects everyone involved. While it allowed me to provide for my son financially, the realities of following one’s passions and dream comes at a cost, especially for the child and parent. This has been more than just a cathartic creation. I believe there are so many parents who can relate to the highs, lows, guilt and pressure that comes from a decision like this. But I think it is important to share. I believe that once you become a parent you do decide to provide and love that child to the ends of the earth. However, I believe that in order to be the best parent you must also follow your dreams and show your child that some decisions and dreams come with sacrifice, and that distance does not equate to distant.

IN DEVELOPMENT