Why We Created the Award

New musicals rarely arrive fully formed. They develop over time—through readings, workshops, rewrites, rehearsals, developmental productions, and the collaboration of writers, performers, directors, musicians, and other artists.

For many years, the National Foundation for Musical Theatre supported that process through a number of smaller grants and sponsorships. We are proud of that history. But we began asking ourselves a different question:

What could happen if, instead of spreading our resources across many projects, we made one truly meaningful investment?

The Peter J. Hengel Award is our answer.

Each year, NFMT commits $25,000 to one exceptional new musical. It is an investment large enough to help create real momentum—to make possible a significant next step in the life of a new work.

We can’t support every worthy musical. But we can make a meaningful difference for one.

What We Look For

There is no formula for identifying an extraordinary new musical. Each work is considered on its own merits and in the context of where it is in its development.

As we consider potential recipients, we look at several factors:

Artistic Merit
The strength, originality, and artistic promise of the work as musical theatre.

Voice & Perspective
The Foundation may give particular consideration to works that broaden the range of voices, experiences, communities, and perspectives represented in musical theatre. This may include, but is not limited to, works created by or centered on individuals and communities that have historically been underrepresented in the field.

Developmental Readiness
The work has developed sufficiently for us to understand its potential, while remaining at a stage where additional resources can meaningfully advance it.

Impact
We consider whether a $25,000 investment can make a meaningful difference in what happens next.

Creative Team
We look for artists with the vision, commitment, and capacity to continue developing the work.

Path Forward
We consider what comes next and whether there is a credible opportunity for the award to help the musical move forward.

Artistic excellence and the potential impact of the award remain central to our selection.

How the Award Is Selected

The Peter J. Hengel Award is invitation only. There is no application process and no application deadline.

Throughout the year, NFMT identifies promising new musicals through relationships with writers, theatres, festivals, development organizations, producers, artistic leaders, and others working throughout the musical theatre field.

As a work moves through the selection process, we may review scripts, scores, recordings, development histories, plans for future development, and other materials relevant to the project. We may also speak directly with members of the creative team and the organizations involved in developing the work.

When appropriate, independent theatre professionals and artistic advisers may be invited to provide additional perspectives. Following appropriate due diligence, a finalist is presented to the NFMT Board of Directors for approval.

What the Award Can Support

Every musical is different. So is every path toward its next stage of development.

The $25,000 Peter J. Hengel Award is intentionally flexible, allowing the artists and organizations developing the selected musical to use the funds where they can have the greatest impact.

The award may support artist compensation; actors and musicians; directors, music directors, choreographers, dramaturgs, and other creative collaborators; readings and workshops; rehearsal space; developmental productions; script and score development; music preparation, arrangements, and orchestrations; design exploration; recordings and presentations; development-related travel and housing; and other expenses directly related to advancing the work.

We aren’t interested in prescribing what a musical should need.

We want to help make the next important thing possible.

A Legacy of Generosity

The Peter J. Hengel Award for New Musical Theatre is named in honor of the man whose generosity made the work of the National Foundation for Musical Theatre possible.

Peter’s gift gave the Foundation something extraordinary: the ability to invest in the future of an art form he cared about.

We believe the best way to honor that generosity is not simply to preserve it, but to put it to work thoughtfully—supporting artists, encouraging new work, and helping exceptional musicals continue their journey.

The Peter J. Hengel Award carries that legacy forward.

One musical. One meaningful investment. Every year.

When the Award Is Presented

The Peter J. Hengel Award for New Musical Theatre is presented once each year.

Because the award is invitation only, there is no application period or deadline. NFMT identifies and considers potential works throughout the year, allowing us to respond to musicals at different stages of development and to opportunities as they arise.

The selected musical and creative team will be announced publicly following approval by the NFMT Board of Directors.