The three-week festival, which offers full Actors' Equity-approved showcase productions of a few dozen new works in rotating rep in various 99-seat midtown Manhattan venues, is accepting submissions through March 17. Each member of the jury will read every submission.

Writers are invited to submit production-ready musicals to the Festival’s Next Link Project, for which 18 shows will be chosen by the jury.

Applicants can visit www.nymf.org for details and paperwork.

According to press materials, audience turnout at the 2005 fest increased by more than 25 percent from the previous year, with attendance at NYMF 2005 at 90 percent of capacity. Festival shows that have graduated to full productions include Altar Boyz, The Great American Trailer Park Musical, Captain Louie and [Title of Show]. The latter began previews at the Vineyard Theatre Off-Broadway Feb. 15 and opened Feb. 26 to largely positive reviews.