Once again, ASCAP (The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) will hold its musical theatre writers workshop, but this time, it will be held on the West Coast.

By combining forces with Walt Disney Feature Animation, ASCAP President/Chairman and also Academy Award winning songwriter, Marilyn Bergman hopes to spread the word of the importance of nurturing the special crafts of young composers. Composer/Lyricist Stephen Schwartz ("Godspell" and Disney's "Pocahontas") who has hosted the East Coast ASCAP workshops for the past three years will once again host ASCAP/Disney West Coast Musical Theatre Workshop.

Selected participants of the workshop will have the opportunity to present selections of their original works and receive valuable critique and advice from professionals who have been in the industry for years. The workshop will feature guests of musical theatre, including directors, performers and composers.

Disney Executive Vice President of Feature Animation, Thomas Schumacher said, "Walt Disney Feature Animation is delighted to be co-sponsoring the West Coast Musical Theatre Workshop with ASCAP. The workshop provides a wonderful opportunity for talented young composers and lyricists to develop their craft. The New York Workshop has clearly been a great success, and we're excited West Coast composers and lyricists will now have the same opportunity to learn from experts in their field, like Stephen Schwartz and Alan & Marilyn Bergman."

Schumacher continued, "It is no secret that in order to grow, an artist needs feedback in a nurturing and supportive environment. Unfortunately, the economic realities of theatre today often preclude newcomers from seeing their work staged or even workshopped in a meaningful way. Disney would like to do its part to encourage the next generation of composers and lyricists" Individuals who are interested in taking part in the workshop should submit a cassette tape containing four original songs (including a copy of the lyrics), a brief outline of the musical and a resume to: Michael A. Kerker c/o ASCAP, One Lincoln Plaza, New York, NY 10023. The deadline for entries is February 15, 1996. Only a limited number of applicants will be accepted to the free workshop, so send in your entries early.