American Lyric Theater is now accepting applications for the 2010-2011 Composer Librettist Development Program. The CLDP is a tuition free initiative for artists interested in writing opera, open to artists selected through a competitive application process. The program includes a core curriculum of classroom training and hands-on workshops with some of the country's leading working artists, including composer/librettist Mark Adamo, composer Daniel Catán, composer Anthony Davis, dramaturg Cori Ellison, librettist William Hoffman, librettistMichael Korie, and stage director Rhoda Levine.

Applications are welcome from any emerging composer or librettist who is a U.S. Citizen or legal resident. Artists may apply individually to the program or as a member of a writing team. The CLDP is designed to provide customized mentorship to artists from a wide variety of backgrounds. We encourage applications from artists with classical training, as well as those with non-traditional / non-classical backgrounds who have a passionate interest in writing for the opera stage. We are dedicated to providing opportunities for artists to write works in both English and Spanish.

ALT defines an emerging opera Composer or Librettist as someone who has acquired significant skills as a composer and/or librettist (or playwright) through academic study, practice, and professional experience; who demonstrates a unique and important musical and/or theatrical perspective that could benefit from intense mentorship as part of the CLDP; and who has not yet had a work commissioned or performed by a professional opera company in the United States. Their work in other genres may have been performed professionally, as ALT's definition of emerging applies specifically to an artist's development as a writer for the opera stage. Students of degree granting institutions are not eligible for consideration. There are no age restrictions for participation.

PLEASE NOTE: The CLDP runs from September to May annually in New York City. Residence in the New York metropolitan area is required for participation.

For more information, and to download and application, please visit: www.altnyc.org/The_CLDP.html