Bringing new musicals to American audiences has always been problematic. Production costs and artistic issues in the development of new works are significant and risky. Founded by veteran actor Timothy Jerome, MainStreet Musicals is a 501c3 (nonprofit) corporation that provides a conduit through which producers, directors and actors – amateur, academic and professional alike – can discover unproduced new musicals. MainStreet’s goal is to help shepherd these new works on their path toward production. No other organization functions as MainStreet does. The heart of MainStreet is our virtual Library, which currently holds over 200 complete musicals. Mainstreet’s Evaluation Program provides creative teams with detailed constructive feedback from professional directors and dramaturgs who determine whether musicals are stage-worthy before their inclusion in the MainStreet Library. MainStreet’s multi-venue Promotion Program generates creative partnerships with universities and regional developers; they utilize the abundant resources of the American cultural heartland to bring theatrical opportunities to previously under-explored areas. MainStreet does not function as an agent or producer. We do not profit from the success of shows emerging from our Library. Our mission is limited to the development of new production opportunities for promising new musicals, and our core structure is maintained by professional working actors, directors, and managers dedicated to keeping the valuable institution of musical theater alive and healthy.
