The ASCAP (the American Society of Composers and Producers) is seeking new musicals in development to be showcased in its 18th annual Musical Theatre Workshop.

The workshop will be hosted by Stephen Schwartz, composer of Godspell and Pippin, and the Oscar-winning lyricist for Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Sessions are scheduled for April and May at ASCAP's headquarters across the Broadway from Lincoln Center in New York.

According to ASCAP, workshop participants will have the opportunity to present selections from their original works in progress for professional critique. Each session will feature prominent guests from all aspects of musical theatre including producers, directors, critics, performers and composers. Past panelists have included Stephen Sondheim, Sheldon Harnick, Betty Comden and Adolph Green as well as representatives of major producing companies including the Shubert Organization, Manhattan Theater Club and Paper Mill Playhouse.

To apply, submit a cassette tape containing four original theatre songs (including typed-out copies of the lyrics), a brief description of each song as to its plot placement and a brief synopsis of the musical to Michael A. Kerker, Director of Musical Theatre, ASCAP, 1 Lincoln Plaza, New York, New York 10023. Deadline for entries is March 7, 1997. Due to space restrictions, only a limited number of applicants will be selected as participants.

ASCAP workshops are free of charge and application is open to songwriters regardless of whether they belong to ASCAP or not. For further information, please call (212) 621-6234.

-- By Robert Viagas