Eighteen selections from the Next Link Project will be featured in the fifth annual NYMF, which runs Sept. 15-Oct. 5. The jury, who will select those 18 selections, includes Lynn Ahrens, Hinton Battle, Norbert Leo Butz, Michael Korie, Audra McDonald, Michael Mayer, Susan Stroman and Elizabeth Williams. In a statement NYMF executive producer Isaac Robert Hurwitz said, "I'm completely honored – and grateful – that such respected pros are contributing their time to help us select this year's shows. Not only is this an astonishingly accomplished jury, but they also represent a broad spectrum of sensibilities and styles that is truly reflective of contemporary musical theatre's vibrancy and diversity, something that we at NYMF are perpetually striving to highlight and to celebrate."

Submissions for the Next Link Project will be accepted through March 1. Those who apply prior to Feb. 1 can take advantage of the reduced application fee ($50 rather than $65).

NYMF, according to press notes, exists to "provide a launching pad for emerging musical theatre writers, composers, lyricists and performers, and to bring a new generation of work to new and diverse audiences. Each year, more than half of the festival’s selections come from the open-submission Next Link Project, whose 18 selections are overseen by a Grand Jury of theatre luminaries."

For applications or more information visit www.nymf.org.