Ephraim Sykes, Samantha Pauly, Christiani Pitts to Headline NAMT Festival of New Musicals

Breaking news to your phone. US mobile only. No password required.

Broadway + NYC

Broadway

Off-Broadway

Off-Off Broadway

Cabaret

Dance

Opera

Classical Music

West End / UK

International

Canada

Australia / New Zealand

Europe

Asia

Latin America

Africa / Middle East

Entertainment

Ctrl + K to open · Esc to close

Initial casting has been revealed for the 38th annual Festival of New Musicals, taking place October 22-23 at New World Stages.

Most Popular

Get all the top news & discounts for Off-Broadway & beyond. No password required.

In this article

The National Alliance for Musical Theatre has revealed initial casting for the 38th Annual Festival of New Musicals, taking place Thursday, October 22 and Friday, October 23 at New World Stages in New York City.

Get all the top news & discounts for Off-Broadway & beyond.

The preliminary company includes Joan Almedilla , Leanne J. Antonio, Brandon Mel Borkowsky , Alaman Diadhiou , Jared Howelton , MaryAnn Hu , Keziah John-Paul , Rajané Katurah, Marina Kondo , Rohan Kymal , JD Mollison, Andrew Mueller , Mia Pak, Samantha Pauly , Christiani Pitts , Heath Saunders , Saum Seyed, Kay Sibal , Ephraim Sykes , Kuhoo Verma , Alex Weisman , Alex Wyse and Kendyl Sayuri Yokoyama .

Final casting will be announced at a later date. Michael Cassara , CSA , serves as casting director for the Festival.

Now in its 38th year, the industry-focused Festival presents eight new musicals in 45-minute concert presentations over two days. The event brings together producers, presenters, artistic and executive directors, investors, donors, developers and other members of the theater industry.

This year's eight musicals were selected by a committee of 21 theater professionals from 518 submissions.

Book and lyrics by AriDy Nox, with music by Jacinth Greywoode .

Book, music and lyrics by Fermin Suero, Jr. and Pete White.

Book by Tyler Joseph Ellis , with music and lyrics by Jacob Ryan Smith and Daniel Mertzlufft.

Book, music and lyrics by Fouad Dakwar.

Book, music and lyrics by Benjamin Emory Larson.

Book, music and lyrics by Lara Filip .

Book, music and lyrics by Manik Choksi .

Book and lyrics by Isabella Dawis, music by Tidtaya Sinutoke and additional music by Isabella Dawis.

Since its creation, the Festival of New Musicals has introduced the theater industry to more than 300 musicals and 600 writers. According to NAMT, more than 90% of Festival shows have subsequently received readings, workshops, productions or tours, been licensed and/or received cast recordings.

Past Festival titles include Come From Away , Lempicka , The Drowsy Chaperone , Lizard Boy , Teeth , WANTED , King of Pangea , Benny & Joon , Darling Grenadine , Ordinary Days , It Shoulda Been You and Thoroughly Modern Millie .

The 2026 Festival is overseen by NAMT New Works Director Frankie Dailey, with Festival Producers Skye Cone Ivey , Joey Monda and Greg Kamp . Kathleen Wrinn of Syracuse University and Adam Immerwahr of Village Theatre co-chair the Festival Committee, with Matt Morrow of Center Repertory Company serving as Chair Emerite.

Registration is now open for industry members through NAMT's Festival website . Free passes are also available to industry members and the general public, with seating for Festival presentations offered on a first come, first served basis after other passholders have entered.

Nominate your favorite local productions and performers before the deadline on October 31, 2026.

Tyler Jordan Wesley, Ashlyn Maddox and More to Lead SPRING AWAKENING Off-Broadway Revival; Full Principal Casting Announced

HEATED RIVALRY: THE UNAUTHORIZED MUSICAL PARODY Recoups Investment and Extends a Third Time

Lillias White and Reeve Carney Will Reunite to Lead TEXAS IN PARIS Off-Broadway

Video: Ethan Slater, Betsy Wolfe and More Perform 'Skid Row (Downtown)'

When are you seeing ?

Get an Alert Each Time A.A. Cristi Writes

BroadwayWorld TV

Breaking Broadway news & show discounts. No password required.

Breaking alerts by text. US mobile only.

POPULAR

Sign up for announcements and exclusive discounts on tickets to your favorite shows!

© 2026 — Copyright Wisdom Digital Media , all rights reserved. Privacy Policy

Episode

_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/off-broadway/article/Ephraim-Sykes-Samantha-Pauly-Christiani-Pitts-and-More-Set-for-NAMT-Festival-of-New-Musicals-20260917)._