New work in the arts is fundamental to advancing our industry. New voices bring to light unaddressed issues faced by our society, and provide needed representation in an industry dominated by one perspective. Many performing arts organizations have new works programs, but how can we develop and market those productions better and how can we find the audience for them as full productions?

Meghan Randolph presented the popular "Selling The Unknown" at the 2017 NAMP Conference. Since then, she has developed the Wisconsin New Musicals Cycle, which takes productions from reading to full musical and earned a grant from the National Alliance for Musical Theatre. Over the years, Randolph's company, Music Theatre of Madison, has focused on lesser-known musicals; now, the organization is creating new work with marked community support. When we think of new works, we think of New York, Chicago, LA, and other major cities, but any organization in any city can find their artistic voice and bring their voice to the forefront through the performing arts. It just takes some creative strategy!

Meghan will share stories of what has worked and what hasn't, how she evaluates audience interest in new works, and what she hopes she can continue to learn in this informative session infused with a sense of humor. 

During this Session, Attendees will:
1. Learn how to articulate the need for new works in any location.
2. Learn about marketing strategies that have been successful (and those that have failed) in attracting audiences in a smaller city (260,000).