The Fred Ebb Award

The Fred Ebb Award

The Fred Ebb Award was established to support emerging composers and lyricists who aspire to create work for the musical theatre and who have not yet achieved significant commercial success.

Each year, one composer/lyricist or composer/lyricist team is selected to receive a $75,000 prize. The recipient is honored at a reception on Broadway, recognizing excellence in musical theatre songwriting and celebrating the future of American theatre.

This annual musical theatre award continues Fred Ebb’s commitment to nurturing new voices and sustaining the art form he helped shape.

Review Eligibility
Apply for the Fred Ebb Award

Award Eligibility

Are you an aspiring musical theatre songwriter? Have you yet to achieve significant commercial success with your work?

The Fred Ebb Award is open to:The Fred Ebb Award is open to:

  • A composer/lyricist or composer/lyricist team
  • Writers creating original work for musical theatre
  • Applicants who have not yet achieved significant commercial success

The award is intended to recognize and encourage serious, emerging artists dedicated to musical theatre songwriting.

Application Materials

Applicants must submit:

  • Electronic files of up to four songs from one or more musical theatre pieces
  • Typewritten lyrics for each song
  • A description of the dramatic context for each song
    • (Lyrics and context must be combined into one PDF document)

Application Guidelines

To ensure a fair and anonymous review process, please carefully follow these guidelines:

  • All applications are coded upon receipt and reviewed anonymously.
    • Do not include writer name(s) in electronic file names, lyric sheets, or dramatic descriptions.
    • Names should appear only on the application form.
  • Preferred file formats: MP3, ZIP, or M4A
  • Dropbox links are acceptable but must not have expiration dates
  • Only musical theatre work will be considered
  • Do not submit recordings with significant audience sound
  • Applicants must have written all songs included in the submission
    • A composer may not submit songs with different lyric collaborators
  • No individual may appear on more than one application
    • You may not apply individually and as part of a team
    • You may not apply as part of multiple teams

Failure to follow guidelines may result in disqualification.

Submission Timeline

Application Open

June 1, 2026

Submission Deadline

June 30, 2026

Winner Announced

November 2026

Any applications received outside of the June 1st to June 30th window will not be considered.Due to the volume of applications, only finalists will be contacted.

Apply for the Fred Ebb Award

Applications are open starting June 1.

To apply, complete the application form and upload all materials between June 1 and June 30, 2026.

Before submitting, please carefully review the eligibility requirements and application guidelines above.

Past Recipients of the Fred Ebb Award

Since 2005, the Fred Ebb Foundation has honored exceptional emerging musical theatre songwriters through the Fred Ebb Award.

Each recipient joins a growing community of artists who are shaping the future of musical theatre. The award is funded through royalties from Fred Ebb’s body of work, ensuring that his legacy continues to support new generations of writers.

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Meet the Family of Fred Ebb Award Winners