The award-winning collaborative duo Stiles and Drewe have recently announced a new Mentorship Award for musical theatre writers. What is tipped to become an inaugural award will help the next generation of musical theatre writing talent, following the success of the pair themselves.
The new award aims to help support and develop musical theatre writing in the UK, initiated by the Olivier Award-winning writing duo George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, who know a thing or two about writing for the stage, and successfully. Named as the MTI Stiles + Drewe Mentorship Award, the accolade will help to raise winners’ profiles in the industry and provide them with mentorship and support to help develop a new musical over a twelve-month period, culminating in an industry showcase.
There is no doubt that writing and developing a musical, be it for the West End, Broadway or Fringe theatre, is difficult work. Stiles and Drewe have acknowledged this too and have been championing new writers in the UK, now able to offer them support. The new Mentorship Award is hoped to make a significant difference to the quality of musical theatre writing in the UK: the pair will mentor the next generation of musical writers using their knowledge of the industry and the work required.
Stiles and Drewe found success as a partnership after winning the first Vivian Ellis Prize in 1985 for their musical Just So and their credits since then have includes Honk!, Betty Blue Eyes and Mary Poppins. Producer Cameron Mackintosh was an individual who provided Stiles and Drewe with advice and support during the early years of their careers, and even produced their first musical. Mackintosh has worked with the duo for over 30 years, so can vouch for their successful writing collaboration.
Submissions for the award are now being accepted, closing on 9 March. Winners of the award will be selected by Stiles and Drewe and a panel of judges.