The Yale Institute for Music Theater was founded in 2009 specifically to give a leg up to young composers, lyricists and book writers who were fresh out of graduate programs and needed a supportive place to develop their work while they still were gaining footholds in their chosen professions.
One of the key elements for the YIMT program is finding appreciative audiences for the public readings that are the culmination of the two-week workshop process afforded each musical. Attendees at the International Festival of Arts & Ideas are known to supply such up-for-anything crowds, so for years now the YIMT performances have been a regular part of the A&I schedule.
Some YIMT shows have gone on to be professionally produced around the country, and one, “Stuck Elevator,” even returned to the festival as a full production at Long Wharf Stage II. The two shows chosen to be workshopped this year are “Gilgamesh and the Mosquito” by Bob Kelly and Sam Chanse (performed Friday, June 26, at 1 p.m. and Saturday, June 27, at 5 p.m.) and “Horizons” by Ben Wexler and Mark Sonnenblick (June 26 at 5 and June 27 at 1). $25. Information: artidea.org or drama.yale.edu.
