January 25–27, 2026 | Theatre Aquarius | Hamilton, Ontario
This isn’t your average summit.
It’s three jam-packed days of bold ideas, electric showcases, and big-picture conversations that will shape the future of musical theatre in Canada.
We’re bringing together composers, lyricists, book writers, producers, directors, dramaturgs, presenters, and theatre leaders to spark collaboration and ignite innovation.
Arresting showcases of new musicals in development
Panels & provocations with leading voices in the sector
High-impact project pitches, curated artist encounters, and industry matchmaking opportunities
Launched by Theatre Aquarius in Spring 2023, the National Centre for New Musicals supports the creative process in new musical development from concept to presentation. NCNM aims to be a transformative force in both Canadian and international theatre, amplifying voices and elevating Canada’s global presence in musical theatre.
Photos of the 2026 NCNM Summit by Kasey Bridges
Synopsis
In 1857, during a chaotic five-week visit to Charles Dickens, Hans Christian Andersen unsettles Dickens’s home life and exposes the cracks in his marriage, yet this unexpected encounter reignites Dickens’s creativity, as Andersen’s unique charm and childlike perspective inspire a literary rebirth that will profoundly impact both men for the rest of their lives.
For more information, contact
Colin Rivers
Managing Literary Agent
Marquis Literary
Colin@MQlit.ca
www.MQlit.ca
CAST & CREATIVE ROLE
Steven Gallagher, Book Anton Lipovetsky, Music/Lyrics Mary Francis Moore, Director Lily Ling, Music SupervisorPatrick Bowman, Music Director Logan McNutt, Stage ManagerJamie Drake, Percussionist Neil Barclay, CastRhoslynne Bugay, CastAmanda De Freitas, CastElodie Gillett, CastArinea Hermans, CastPatty Jamieson, CastAlyssa LeClair, CastKale Penny, CastLee Siegel, CastAdam Stevenson, CastMichael Therriault, CastTahirih Vejdani, CastBrendan Wall, Cast
Inspired by the Anishinaabe 7 Fire prophecy, 7 strangers meet in the woods where they receive dreams from their Ancestors, a story of reconnecting, prophecy and resurgence.
Dillan Chiblow: dchiblow@gmail.com
Landon Doak: landondoak@hotmail.com
CAST & CREATIVE
Landon Doak, WriterDillan Chiblow, Writer Kendra Pierroz, Director Jude Levy, CastThompson Wilson, CastMeredith Macdonald, Stage Manager
At an elite prep school in present day North America, a progressive new curriculum asks students to start a business that is both ethical and profitable.
Mazin Elsadig: mazinelsadig@gmail.com
Philip McKee: pdmckee@gmail.com
Mazin Elsadig, Writer / DirectorPhilip McKee, Writer / DirectorWayne Gwillim, Music Director Grace Batten, Stage ManagerMalinda Carroll, CastKevin McLachlan, CastSavion Roach, CastChelsea Russell, CastAaron Reid Ryder, CastTravae Williams, Cast
The inspiring true story of one man’s grand adventures and never-ending dance with death. Through stories and songs performed by the merry band of Ross Fordham’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Nathalie Toriel: natoriel@gmail.com
Brandon McGibbon: brandonmcgibbon@hotmail.com
Brandon McGibbon, Writer / PerformerJason McGibbon, Writer / PerformerLiam McGibbon, Writer / PerformerT.J. McGibbon, Writer / PerformerNathalie Toriel, DirectorMeredith Macdonald, Stage Manager
Based on Lucy Maud Montgomery’s timeless romance and set in early 1900s Muskoka, The Blue Castle is the story of a woman reclaiming her power and gaining the courage to live life on her own terms – and finding purpose, friendship, and love alongthe way.
Saleema Nawaz: saleema.nawaz@gmail.com
Scott Christian: scottwchrismusic@gmail.com
Saleema Nawaz, Book and Lyrics Scott Christian, Music Julie Tomaino, Director Rachel O’Brien, Music Director Brianna Unger, Stage Manager Neil Barclay, Cast Rhoslynne Bugay, Cast Amanda De Freitas, Cast Elodie Gillett, Cast Arinea Hermans, Cast Patty Jamieson, CastAlyssa LeClair, CastKale Penny, Cast Lee Siegel, CastAdam Stevenson, Cast Michael Therriault, Cast Tahirih Vejdani, Cast Brendan Wall, Cast
Clown Riot tells the spectacular true story of clowns and firemen, brawls and brothels, death-defying escape acts and a mob of angry protestants… all set against the backdrop of 1850s Toronto: a city on the brink of industrial and political revolution.
Christo Graham: christo.graham@hotmail.comTyrone Savage: savagetyrone85@gmail.com
clownriot.ca
Tyrone Savage, Writer Christo Graham, Writer / PerformerMeredith Macdonald, Stage Manager
OUT is a coming-of-age drama-comedy musical that weaves together stories of three queer Asian kids in their mid-20s.
Ian Chan: imianchan@gmail.com
Ian Chan, Composer / Music DirectorKalos Chu, Book WriterJu Hye Mun, LyracistJasmyne Leisemer, Stage Manager Harriet Chung, CastJustin Eddy, CastAlyssa LeClair, CastKimberly-Ann Truong, CastRose Tuong, Cast
Note: Options to purchase individual day passes are below, on their respective dates
5:00–6:30 PMRegistration & Appetizers
Drinks and light fare in the Theatre Aquarius Patterson Lobby.
7:00–9:00 PMNew Musical Cabaret
Start the summit with an engaging and entertaining cabaret celebrating the best of new musical theatre.
10:30 AM Registration Table Opens
11:00 AM- 12:00 PMMorning Meet & Mingle
Grab a coffee, sip some tea, enjoy a pastry (or two), and connect with fellow creators in the Theatre Aquarius Patterson Lobby.
12:00–1:15 PMOpening RemarksPresentation 1: The Danish Guest
Book By: Steven GallagherMusic and Lyrics By: Anton Lipovetsky
1:15–1:45 PM — Lunch Break
Take a well-deserved break and enjoy a curated lunch from a few of Hamilton’s favourite local spots. In a city obsessed with food culture, this midday feast serves up a true taste of the Hammer’s culinary scene.
1:45–2:05 PMPresentation 2: The 7 Fires
Book By: Dillan ChiblowMusic By: Landon DoakLyrics By: Landon Doak with Dillan Chiblow
2:20–3:35 PMPanel: New Musicals- From Idea to Production
What does it really take to bring a new musical to life? Hear from leading producers as they share real-world insights, creative pathways, and practical advice on taking your show from first spark to full-scale production with Hannah Mirvish, Victor Pokinko, and David Daniels.
3:55–4:50 PMPresentation 3: The Pryce Academy
Book, Music and Lyrics By: Mazin Elsadig & Philip McKee. Additional Music By: Juan Ayala & Jennifer Ayala Moore.At an elite prep school in present day North America, a progressive new curriculum asks students to start a business that is both ethical and profitable.
5:10–5:50 PMPresentation 4: The Nine Lives of Ross Fordham
Late Evening:
Join us for a fun night out – Music Theatre Trivia Night – taking place at Electric Diner (one of our Theatre’s Dining Partners) and a short walk from Theatre Aquarius.
10:00–10:30 AMMorning Meet & Mingle
10:30–11:30 AMPresentation 1: The Blue Castle
Book and Lyrics By: Saleema NawazMusic By: Scott Christian
Based on Lucy Maud Montgomery’s timeless romance and set in early 1900s Muskoka, The Blue Castle is the story of a woman reclaiming her power and gaining the courage to live life on her own terms – and finding purpose, friendship, and love along the way.
11:45–12:00 PMPresentation 2: Clown Riot
Story By: Christo Graham & Tyrone SavageMusic and Lyrics By : Christo GrahamClown Riot tells the spectacular true story of clowns and firemen, brawls and brothels, death-defying escape acts and a mob of angry protestants… all set against the backdrop of 1850s Toronto: a city on the brink of industrial and political revolution.
12:00–1:00 PM — Lunch Break
1:10–1:45 PMPresentation 3: OUTUTU
Book By: Kalos Chu. Music By: Ian Chan. Lyrics By: JuHye MunOUT is a coming-of-age drama-comedy musical that weaves together stories of three queer Asian kids in their mid-20s.
1:50–2:30 PM Choreography: Movement Direction Panel
A discussion on how movement can support writers and new musical development with Robin Calvert, Sarah Butler O’Brecht & Stephanie Graham.
2:45 PM Theatre Aquarius New Musicals
Selections from It’s a Good Life If You Don’t Weaken, Beautiful Scars, and more.
Sunday: $20Monday: $50Tuesday: $50
All 3 Days: $75
Passes include all conference activities, morning coffee & pastries, and evening drinks & appetizers.
Optional – Lunch: $20 for both days or $10/day
905-527-1001. Use booking code 787181919. Queen Studio Suite: $159/night 1 Bed Suite – King or 2 doubles, LR, Kitchen: $169/night 2-Bed/2-Bath Suite (LR/Kitchen, 1 King & 2 doubles): $249/night
20 Caroline Street South Hamilton, ON
$169/night Our Hamilton, Ontario hotel offers guests intimate access to the city’s premier attractions.
116 King Street West Hamilton, ON
NCNM SUMMIT FUNDED BY
NCNM FUNDERS
Presenting Partner
Mentorship Program Partner
Private Funding Support provided by:
Rob Braley Judith King-SiganskiPhilip Lowry & Mel Athulathmudali Anonymous (1)