"I couldn't be more impressed with the folks at ANMT. They are dramaturgs, coaches, and teachers of the greatest, highest caliber. The feedback they'll offer you on your work is astonishingly insightful and detailed. I was amazed to find this level of professionalism and intelligence about musical theater outside of NYC. You can take or leave, of course, anything they say, but when they critiqued a project I wrote there, I found 90% of their feedback right on the money and incredibly helpful, and the project I was working on there grew by leaps and bounds because of their input. I highly, highly recommend getting their input on your new musical projects. Their teeth are sharp as sharks', but they don't bite."

Jeff Marx, Tony award-winning co-creator of Avenue Q

"I recently had the pleasure of working with The Academy for New Musical Theatre on a reading of THE GROUCH'S DAUGHTER, my new musical co-written with Jack Helbig. ANMT staff member Elise Dewsberry served as both dramaturg and director, and in our years of working on this show, no one person has been as helpful to us as she was. Prior to the reading, we received a set of notes that were as thoughtful as they were thorough. ANMT’s suggestions led to a rewrite that greatly helped me shape the show and refine its style. I'm deeply impressed with the care and intelligence of their creative input, and would not hesitate to work with ANMT again."

Mark Hollmann, Tony award-winning composer, Urinetown

"It's incredible what ANMT can do to help a new musical. These guys are nurturing and supportive, and they help writers and producers conceive, develop, write, and produce dynamic, stage-worthy new musicals. I can't recommend them highly enough."

Steve Cuden
Co-Creator/Lyricist, 'Jekyll & Hyde, The Musical'

"Thanks again for all of your help in the on going journey which is Clyde 'N Bonnie : A Folktale. You and Elise's critiques are very detailed and you've presented us with lots of possibilities for rewrites that reflect a more, intellectual approach. ANMT provides a wonderful service to those up and coming writers of musical theater. There are very few places to go to learn how to write in this art form. And as you know....it ain't easy. So on behalf of Hunter, Mark, Derrick, Ian, and myself thank you for all of your work and advice. And here's to a bright future for everyone! Take Care,"

Hunter Foster and Rick Crom
Clyde 'n Bonnie: a Folktale

"ANMT stands for excellence, in songwriting and in scriptwriting. In this musically challenged time we live in, they are one of the few organizations, whose goal is to maintain the high standards, we have always expected of the theatre. My association with ANMT has been incredibly rewarding, as they have not only been generous and supportive of my work, but also nurturing and inspiring, to students I have taught, who have gone on to learn more about musical theatre.
There are unfortunately few arenas where quality and dedication, are still appreciated. I have been told by every student of the Academy that they have found this dedication and commitment, at ANMT, more than anywhere else.
As you live, and learn to value what music and theatre have added to your life, you begin to appreciate more and more, those people and organizations who will bring that level of adventure, romance, mystery, and excitement to future generations. I could not be more enthusiastic about the Academy For New Musical Theatre. Had I been involved with such a group, earlier in my career, I might have written a Broadway musical myself. I hope everyone who treasures the great works of the past, and believes in their responsibility to the future, will continue to support the efforts of this wonderful organization. By the way, they also put on wonderful benefits…"

Marty Panzer, Grammy-Award winning lyricist for Barry Manilow

"Mercury Musical Developments has used ANMT's excellent writer training as a model and inspiration for many years. ANMT is ensuring, vitally, that new talent is nurtured, focused and honed. The organisation deserves huge plaudits for its commitment and service to new musical writing."

Georgina Bexon, London

"For the person interested in musical theatre, there are few places greater at bringing together support, critique, and artistic collaboration than The Academy of New Musical Theatre."

Sachi Oyama, Librettist
Imelda

"In a world of diminishing standards, it's inspirational to be part of a group constantly striving to raise the bar."

Jeffery Lyle Segal

"Creating a musical in a vacuum is easy, it's only when you learn the art of collaboration that you realize what you've been missing and what your strengths and weaknesses are. The Academy for New Musical Theatre is on time, on target and long over due. If you're a serious writer, lyricist or composer and love musicals, stop playing around. Get to the Academy and get it done."

James Goins
Composer

"John Sparks is a wonderful teacher and was a real help to me. I still think about things he said in that Workshop. He's a real boon to people writing musicals."

Mark Hollmann
composer, Urinetown

"I always thought I had it in me to write for musical theatre, but it took ANMT to lead me through the steps to learn the craft, develop the skills, and ultimately find my own voice as a writer."

Robin Share

"ANMT is a group of very talented writers and actors who are keeping the art of musical theater alive and well through collaborations and commissions from theaters, producers and directors. Since joining the workshop, my knowledge and skills have grown immensely through the support and guidance of the fabulous staff, which includes the best dramaturges anywhere!"

Bonnie Janofsky

"This year's line-up of instructors for seminars is really excellent.  Scott Guy has in-depth knowledge of forms, rhyme and scan in poetry and the knowledge of how to adapt this to create excellent prosody in writing lyrics for musicals.  He's also written the lyrics  to many musicals and has a depth of practical experience in collaborating with musicians, having worked with several.  I've benefitted personally from his critiques.  I've also personally experienced Ross Kalling's expertise in teaching  song-writing for musicals.   From knowledge of musical styles as used in existing musicals to details of piano-vocal scoring, from macro to micro, he is 'it.'   "

Marilyn Moore

"I’ve spent many years looking for an organization dedicated to supporting, encouraging and training entertainment industry professionals and amateurs in the art and craft of musical theatre. When I discovered Elise and Scott at ANMT I knew I had finally found that organization. With so much expertise – Elise in performance and story craft and Scott in music and production – it’s a miracle that the musical theatre community has not lost them to higher paying industry jobs. The studios could certainly use the talents of these extraordinary professionals. We’re fortunate that they’ve dedicated themselves to our community. Their dedication alone should encourage any group with the resources to support ANMT. In addition, Elise and Scott’s expertise increasingly contributes to the community’s success, which means that increasing support for ANMT is in the best interest of the community itself."

John Piraino

"If you are serious about creating for the musical theatre, the program at ANMT is nonpareil. Experienced, professional, talented, and enthusiastic teachers guide a hard-working student body. This is the real deal, a bargain, great fun, and where careers are born."

Neville Johnson

"ANMT (formerly Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop) has taught me everything I know about composing for musical theatre.  I am very grateful to the organization for inspiring me, equipping me, and broadening my opportunities."

Sandy Shanin, composer

"I've had hundreds of classes not only in getting my doctorate but all the many of the post-doctoral classes I've had. Your class taught me more in those three hours about working out a story than ever I've known before. Thank you for it!"

Mel McKee, Writer

"The Academy for New Musical Theatre is a wonderful place to learn new skills, make friends, see your work come to life and grow as a person. As a recent Core Curriculum grad, I can't say enough about the patience, skill and support one receives during the sometimes scary process of writing a musical that will actually be produced on a stage in L.A. The work they are doing at ANMT will serve American Musical Theatre very well in the coming decades, helping it to stay alive and prosper. Bravo to ANMT!"

Joanna Perry-Folino

"Thank you so much for all the great notes, Elise. You've truly got a gift. I used to be a script analyst for Oliver Stone, James Cameron and Sydney Pollack - also Miramax, CAA etc. And I know a truly insightful eye when I see one. "

Robert Rosen

"Your video lectures and lab assignments are all very informative. A lot of great learning here!"

Ron Ovadio

"I expect to be connected to ANMT for many, many moons to come. It's like heaven to me there. A rare and rarified atmosphere, to be sure."

Joan Enguita

"I am impressed with the detail to the stages and in depth study requirements at every step of [the Music Lab]. I've been immersed in it and realise that this is what it takes for it to really become part of one's tool box of skills to be able to write musical theatre."

Vicki Hare

"It was a pleasure to spend the weekend with you and John [at the first session of the Core Curriculum]. Your keen eye, clear-minded and supportive vibe goes a long way to helping people feel that ANMT is a good space to grow in. John's insights and encyclopedic knowledge of musical theatre are inspirational. I spent more than a few years with various master teachers (Lee Strasberg, Stella Adler, Elia Kazan, Arthur Penn, Sydney Pollack, and the delightful Harold Clurman). Many had a quality similar to John's-- the view of craft honed over a span of many years. "

Joel Bailey

"You are a miracle wrapped in a dream. "

Mara Hetner

"How much I've learned from you! It's just been invaluable. I have yet to be able to find anything local in NYC that's as good as what I get from your program."

JR Martine

"You guys are a well-oiled machine - the auditions on Sunday were run so nicely - very organized and pleasant! Thank YOU! "

Suzanne Barber

"There is nothing greater than the power of the right idea.  We are blessed to have a visionary staff who are  determined to nudge us out of inertia, down the bumpy road to musical theater success.   We are also very fortunate to have the support of our performer members, who continue to prove themselves indespensible to the process."

J.L. Segal

"It is always amazing how you always manage, with seriousness, humor, and respect, to pinpoint what works and what can be improved in the works presented to you, and offer helpful suggestions. I just love the process of writing this way. Having you guys on our team is stimulating, helps us keep on track, and on our toes!"

Edward Auslender