Set to review the submitted musical works are lyricist Susan Birkenhead (Triumph of Love, Jelly's Last Jam), composer and lyricist Jason Robert Brown (13, Parade), producer Robyn Goodman (In the Heights, Avenue Q) and director Francesca Zambello (The Little Mermaid). 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 waiving of production deposits.

Writers interested in submitting their projects for the NYMF 2009 Next Link Project 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), and, if applicable, proof of rights to adapt underlying material. The deadline for Next Link submissions is March 2.

NYMF will also host a Jan. 28 meet and greet for prospective writers who have questions about the program. Staff members from the festival will be on hand to answer questions about the Next Link Project from 6-8 PM at the Irish Rogue (356 West 44th Street) in Manhattan.

The sixth annual New York Musical Theatre Festival will run Sept. 28-Oct. 18. NYMF success stories include [title of show], Altar Boyz, Yank!, Next to Normal, 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.