Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge
An initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in partnership with the National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT), the Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge is opportunity for high school students to develop and showcase musical compositions that could be a part of a musical theater production.
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.
Learn more about how to participate at namt.org/challenge.
Watch Challenge Accepted: A Concert Presenting the Winners of the Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge for High School Students
Monday, June 15 at 7:30 p.m. ET
See the winning songs from the 2025-2026 Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge performed by Broadway artists at a special one-night-only concert at New World Stages in New York City. Leading up to the concert, the winning songs have been professionally orchestrated and the students are working with mentors and musicians to hone their orchestrations while learning about process, technique, and production. Learn more about the concert.
The 2025-2026 winners are:
- “Where Do You Get Off?” by Izzy Burris – 11th grade from Carlsbad, CA
- “Welcome to Winter’s Edge” by Rett Bush – 12th grade from Johns Creek, GA
- “Another Dreamer Down The Hall” by Isaac Goodman – 10th grade from Cambridge, MA
- “Oh No Gaby” by Liam Liang – 11th grade from Harvard, MA
- “Find Me” by Merissa Moore – 12th grade from Tobyhanna, PA
- “Am I Doing Enough?” by James Pumphrey – 12th grade from Minneapolis, MN
- “Just Gold” by Cameron Steele – 10th grade from Leesburg, VA
- “Remote” by Elaina Stuppler – 12th grade from Lake Grove, OR
The 2025-2026 Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge kicked off last fall. Throughout the winter, students had access to online masterclasses and coaching sessions, among other educational resources. Students submitted a draft of their songs and received personalized feedback from successful musical theater artists, musicians, administrators, and educators. Students then revised their songs before entering their compositions for final judging. Overall, 109 submissions were received by students from 28 states.
The 2025-2026 Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge is held in collaboration with Concord Theatricals, Disney Theatrical Group, NMPA S.O.N.G.S. Foundation, and The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation.
About the Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge
The Musical Theater Songwriting Challenge began as a pilot program in 2016 before going national in 2017/2018. We invite you to check out the final songs from our previous years' winners from the 2025, 2024, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2016 competitions.
