Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge for High School Students

about the program

The Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge, presented by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with the National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT), in collaboration with Concord Theatricals, Disney Theatrical Group, NMPA S.O.N.G.S. Foundation and the Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation, is a unique educational and professional development opportunity for high school students all across the country to write and showcase musical compositions that could be part of a musical theater production. A submission is one song.

The Songwriting Challenge has an interactive submission process. All Draft 1 submissions will receive feedback from industry professionals — including NAMT members and Festival of New Musicals Alumni Writers, among others. Students may revise their submission for the Draft 2 competitive round, where a group of Winning Songs will be selected, and the Winning Songwriters will be invited to attend Winners Weekend in June 2026 in NYC!

Throughout the Fall Semester leading up to the Draft 1 submission deadline, students are invited to participate in free, online educational events and workshops led by professional musical theatre writers, with a focus on the foundations of songwriting. In the Spring Semester before the Draft 2 deadline, educational programs will focus on the art of rewriting, and offer students the opportunity to workshop and revise their songs with the help of the pros and their peers. All programs are free and open to all high school students in the U.S. to participate.

Previous Guest Artists for the Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge have included Joey Contreras (In Pieces), Anna K. Jacobs (Teeth), Rob Rokicki (Broadway’s The Lightning Thief) and many more.

Honoring the semiquincentennial of the United States of America, the 2025-26 Songwriting Challenge celebrates the nation’s rich artistic heritage and creativity by shining a spotlight on Musical Theater. Young songwriters from every state across the country are invited to submit songs celebrating the rich tapestry of American stories showcasing their unique voices, imaginations, and musical sensibilities to help shape the future of this uniquely American art form.

about the nea

Established by Congress in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. By advancing opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States.

UPCOMING Events

Check out recordings of past Challenge events at the NAMT Songwriting Resource Center.

Save the Date: Challenge Accepted! 2026

Monday, June 15, 7:30-9pm ET

Save the date for Challenge Accepted! A Concert Celebrating the Winners of the 2026 Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge for High School Students. Join us in-person in NYC for free, or watch the livestream here on 6/15!

songwriting Challenge 2025-2026

The Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge is open to High School Students from all 50 states, Washington D.C. and U.S. Territories. Learn more about Eligibility & Guidelines.

Submissions for the Songwriting Challenge are closed for the 2025-2026 year. Submissions will re-open in Fall 2026.

Want to spread the word at your own school or organization? Check out the Challenge Media Kit. 

Winners weekend

Winners of the Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge will be invited to attend Winners Weekend in NYC from June 12-16, 2026. All lodging and travel expenses covered for Winners and one Chaperone. Learn more about Winners Weekend.

submit your song

Submissions are open for the 2025-2026 Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge and will close on Monday, February 16, 2026 at 11:59pm PT. Learn more about Submitting to the Songwriting Challenge for High School Students!

Challenge accepted! 2025

A Concert Presenting the Winners of the 2025 Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge for High School Students

can’t get enough

Learn all about 2024 & 2025 Student Winners of the Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge, and how they wrote their Winning Songs! You can also listen to the Draft 2 demos of their Winning Songs, and hear how those songs transformed when they were performed live in concert for Challenge: Accepted!

LEarn More

Visit the NEA’s website to learn more about the program and hear submissions from previous finalists!

Stay Informed:

Sign up here to receive email updates about the Songwriting Challenge (and other NAMT news, too!). Check out all Challenge Events here.

Are you a participant in the Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge for High School Students? Even if not, are you a songwriter working on something new? Unlock the secret to elevating your songwriting skills! Click now to access exclusive tools and guidance at the Writing is Rewriting Resource Center, and transform your musical theater dreams into reality.