For many of us, the cost of going to a Broadway musical has soared out of reach. They are either too expensive to attend or only infrequently pass through town on tour. And its slowly vanishing cousin, the local high-school musical, is often low-risk, and above all harmless.

 

In contrast, Micro-Musicals are bite-sized productions. Kinda like a radio play. They may not be staged in large theatres, but are performed with a full cast and accompaniment on intimate stages. They are typically audacious, witty and topical - even edgy. Often they are works-in-progress on their way to Broadway.

 

There doesn’t seem to be much of an outlet for the aspiring composer, actors, singers, and storytellers of these fledgling musicals between the limited audiences of cabarets and speakeasies and the big stages off, near, or on Broadway.

So we thought we’d create one. A site/ venue/ stage/platform for these fantastically talented folks and the fans that appreciate them.

 

…also… 

I’m a fan of short stories, short films, and now short musicals, aka, Micro-Musicals. 

Musicals tend to be big and brash and over the top and that’s fine. I like that, sometimes. They are also very expensive to stage, and the access to stages is very, very limited. However, there are more musicals – just as good – out there which may not necessarily fit on a big stage, so… here we are.

 

 

I was in a musical once. In grade school, I played the role of the fiddler in Fiddler on the Roof.  In middle school choir, I sang from the Great American Songbook until my voice changed and I could no longer sing on key - a bit of a relief, actually. I realized my place was not on stage. I documented musicals as a Media Department student at the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston.

I studied piano and organ as a kid. Dad toured with  Concordia College Choir, and among many other things, he was obsessed with the way a choir sounded in a church. 

Here’s more about me on LinkedIn.

All of these experiences lead to the here and now!

 

 

I started this project to create and to support the micro-musical creators.  This is an expensive endeavor and we are fair to those who participate by paying them a decent wage for their time. 

 

I sincerely believe in the opportunity being created here and hope you believe in it as well. I aim to build a community of the most dedicated supporters, who will grow with us and help shape the future of The Micro-Musical Theatre Show.

 

~ Alton Christensen
EP, TMMTS