Cameron Mackintosh composer scheme: new placements announced
Monday, May 13, 2024
The second and third placements have been announced for the Cameron Mackintosh Resident Composer Scheme 2023-25
Following applications earlier this year, a two-person writing team – Rebecca Brewer and Daisy Chute, whose musical COVEN is currently in development – will be placed at MAST Mayflower Studios in Southampton, starting this summer; among the projects they’ll be working on is a new Jane Austen-inspired piece for a young company.
‘We can’t wait to begin our collaboration with MAST Mayflower Studios,’ they said in a statement. ‘Time to write and create is so precious to us writers and this opportunity will enable us to work on our next projects in an inspiring and informative environment and with the invaluable support from the lovely folks at MAST, MMD, MTN and the Mackintosh Foundation. Thank you for the belief, confidence and support for our work and ideas.’
Gus Gowland, meanwhile, will be the Resident Composer at the National Theatre of Scotland (NTS), Glasgow, from September; Gowland, whose show Mayflies was reviewed in our June/July issue last year, will be developing a new show of his own, while also contributing to a range of projects at NTS. ‘Having trained in Glasgow, I’ve always felt Scotland was where I discovered my Musical Theatre voice,’ he said, ‘and so it’s a pleasure and privilege to be able to immerse myself in this world again.’
The placements were announced by Mercury Musical Developments (MMD) and Musical Theatre Network (MTN), organisers of regular new-work showcase BEAM, who run the Cameron Mackintosh Resident Composer Scheme with funding from The Mackintosh Foundation. The scheme began in 2011 and has to date awarded 19 paid placements. Natalie Scorer on behalf of MMD and MTN said: ‘It is very rewarding to match talented artists with inspiring organisations and we hope that both of these placements will be equally valuable to the recipients and their hosts. Gus, Rebecca and Daisy are all worthy recipients and we look forward to seeing the new work and career benefits that emerge from these placements.’
Visit mercurymusicals.com and musicaltheatrenetwork.com for more information
