The Johnny Mercer Foundation and the American Music Theatre Project present the annual event that offers master classes, workshops and performances in Evanston, IL, Aug. 1-7. The event is open to "young songwriters and writing teams working in any popular music genre." Leading the songwriting program intensive as master teachers will be Tony nominee Craig Carnelia (The Sweet Smell of Success, Is There Life After High School?), Andrew Lippa (The Addams Family, The Wild Party) and Grammy-winning songwriter Lari White.

The experience culminates Aug. 7 with The Johnny Mercer Songwriters Project: A Celebration of Stephen Schwartz, featuring Bean, who appeared on Broadway as Elphaba in Schwartz's hit musical Wicked. The program's master teachers and songwriters will also perform.

The workshop, open to writers or writing teams ages 18-30, is offered at no cost to participants, who also receive a stipend to cover board and travel expenses.

Applications are currently being accepted for the Johnny Mercer Songwriters Project through May 14. For information visit SongwritersProject.