Music Theatre International
Music Theatre International (MTI) is a theatrical licensing agency based in New York City and founded in 1952 by American composer and lyricist Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker.[1] Along with licensing the rights to Loesser's works, the firm licenses production rights of over 500 Broadway, Off-Broadway, and West End musicals.[2] Cameron Mackintosh became a partner in 1990 and majority owner in 2015.[3]
Company type
Entertainment
1952
Frank Loesser, Don Walker
- 423 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019
- 12-14 Mortimer Street, London, England
- 20-22 Albert Road, South Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Worldwide
Drew Cohen, John Prignano, Freddie Gershon
100
History[edit]
Founded in 1952, the organization started by representing the rights to approximately 40 shows in the US and in a handful of countries around the world.[4]
CBS acquired MTI in 1976.[5] After SBK acquired CBS' music publishing in 1986, MTI was spun off as a separate company to a group led by Nicholas Firth. A different group led by Freddie Gershon acquired MTI in 1989.[6]
In 1996, MTI launched the Broadway Junior collection of musicals which are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle school-aged students. Broadway Junior musicals are author-approved versions, with the music written in keys that are appropriate for developing voices. Each license for a Broadway Junior musical comes with a ShowKit of materials with rehearsal and performance tracks and a director's guide. [7]
In 2003, MTI's School Editions (shows annotated for performance by high school students) were brought to the market. These educational versions come with materials and resources designed to increase access to the arts for young people.[8]
In 2012, the American Theatre Wing recognized MTI Chairman Freddie Gershon with a Tony Honor for Excellence for creating Broadway Junior and audience-building programs for the industry. [9]
On May 29th, 2012 New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg declared "Music Theatre International Day", writing in a proclamation, “For the past 60 years, Music Theatre International has brought great American musicals to young artists and audiences around the country. Founders Frank Loesser and Don Walker shared a commitment to arts classics like Guys and Dolls to a catalog of contemporary Disney favorites to life in schools and acting programs in more than 60 countries around the world. By providing scripts and materials to theaters throughout the five boroughs and around the globe, MTI, under the leadership of Freddie Gershon, has expanded the horizons of so many young New Yorkers, and helped engage the next generations of leaders in the performing arts."[10]
The company celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2022.[11]
MTI holds various types of musicals that can be licensed.