Because of some of my posts about race and musical theater, every now and then I get asked to recommend BIPOC Musical Theater Writers or shows written by BIPOC writers. Usually these are from white educators looking to expand their curriculum, or white writers looking for collaboration opportunities.
I thought I’d post some names I’ve recommended as well as links to their sites (if they have one). If you’re looking for Composers, Lyricist, and Bookwriters of color — this is a good place to start.
But this is not a comprehensive list by any means. I encourage anyone who is looking to work with or write about writers of color to do their research, engage with their network, and don’t stop looking if at first you’re unsuccessful.
- Michael R. Jackson — composer, lyricist, bookwriter (2020 pulitzer prize winner for A Strange Loop)
- Kirsten Childs — composer, lyricist, bookwriter (The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, Bella: An American Tale.)
- Douglas Lyons — composer, lyricist, bookwriter (Polkadots, Five Points)
- Karole Foreman — bookwriter, lyricist (Rule My World)
- Troy Anthony — composer (The River is Me)
- Jacinth Greywoode — composer (Iron John: An American Ghost Story)
- Eric Ulloa — bookwriter (Passing Through, Molly Sweeney)
- David Henry Hwang — bookwriter, lyricist (Soft Power)
- Stew — composer, lyricist (Passing Strange)
- Lin Manuel Miranda – composer, lyricist (In The Heights; Hamilton)
- Sukari Jones – bookwriter, lyricist (The River Is Me; Ain’t Far From Home)
- Ari Asfar – composer, lyricist, bookwriter (Jeannette)
- Jason Ma — composer, lyricist, bookwriter (Gold Mountain)
- Phyllis Curtwright and Kamesha Khan — musical theater writing team (Stand Up)