Applications for the 2011 NYMF Next Link Projects will be accepted through March 1. Slots are open to writers whose work has not been professionally produced in New York City. The festival will run Sept. 26-Oct. 16 in Manhattan.

Submissions will be judged by a professional panel including Tony Award-winning lyricist and bookwriter Joe DiPietro (Memphis), Tony-winning director John Rando (Urinetown), actress and producer Tamara Tunie (Spring Awakening, Radio Golf) and Rent star Anthony Rapp.

The 12 works accepted for the Next Link Project benefit from the Next Link dramaturg team, as well as writer support resources, including industry networking and producer "matchmaking" events, and financial assistance through discounted technical support and production subsidies.

Writers must provide a demo recording of their songs, a detailed synopsis of their show, a 15-page script sample (in addition to a complete script), lyrics to one song and, if applicable, proof of rights to adapt underlying material.

Next Link works are selected through an open-submission, blind-evaluation process. An early bird deadline has been set for Feb. 1 (applications submitted at this time will receive a discount on the application fee). NYMF success stories include Next to Normal, [title of show], Altar Boyz, Yank!, The Great American Trailer Park Musical, The Big Voice: God or Merman, Captain Louie, Gutenberg! The Musical, Meet John Doe, Nerds:// A Musical Software Satire and Shout! The Mod Musical.

For complete Next Link guidelines visit NYMF.