When We Present the Award

The Right Musical. The Right Moment.

The National Foundation for Musical Theatre strives to present one Peter J. Hengel Award each year: a $25,000 investment in the continued development of an exceptional new musical.

Our focus is on finding a musical whose artistic promise and next developmental step make it a meaningful opportunity for support.

Consideration Throughout the Year

We learn about promising musicals through our relationships across the theatre community throughout the year. Each work follows its own developmental timeline, and we consider where our investment could help it move forward.

Selection is by invitation only. There is no open application period or submission deadline, and the Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Approval Before Announcement

Following our review, a finalist is presented to the Foundation’s Board of Directors. The recipient is announced after the Board approves the award.

We then work with the recipient to confirm the arrangements for the award and the development activity it will support.

Following the Musical’s Journey

The award announcement marks a step in the musical’s continued development. Through our website and From the Wings newsletter, we can share news about the recipient and the work our support helps make possible.

The Foundation’s goal is to present the award annually, subject to the availability of funds and Board approval.