Year Two Residency at Goodspeed Opera House
Under the direction of Michael P. Price since 1968, Goodspeed has achieved international acclaim as the home of musical theatre. Dedicated to the preservation and advancement of musical theatre and the development of new works to add to the repertoire, Goodspeed pioneered the practice of rethinking, restoring and revitalizing America’s musical theatre heritage.
Each April through December season, Goodspeed produces three musicals at the Opera House in East Haddam, and three new musicals at The Norma Terris Theatre in nearby Chester. Seventeen Goodspeed productions have transferred to Broadway, receiving more than a dozen Tony Awards. At The Norma Terris Theatre, Goodspeed develops new musicals and nurtures emerging artists. Now in its 21st season, The Norma Terris Theatre has launched musicals into the theatre world, including 25 world premieres, giving writers the opportunity to develop their material through actual production.
One of the most significant experiences of second year students at the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program is an annual week long residency for students and faculty at The Goodspeed Opera House at East Haddam, Conn. This annual February residency offers writing teams who are creating their thesis projects a rare opportunity to have seven uninterrupted days of time to work together in a stimulating and beautiful setting. Students and faculty travel as a group on a bus that Goodspeed provides and stay in wonderful Victorian homes in the town of East Haddam. The entire staff of the theatre extends a warm welcome and students have access to the world-renowned Goodspeed Library and the theatre's extensive facilities. The retreat offers faculty and students the opportunity to meet informally and focus on writing issues.
This residency is always a turning point in the life of a group of exciting new projects.