[1] At the end of the second year, a small number of selected participants are invited to join the advanced workshop program for further study and collaboration on works in development.
[7] In March 1961, BMI vice president Robert Sour approached Lehman Engel about starting a workshop where he would teach principles of musical theatre writing to promising composers and lyricists.
The classes would be open to any writer, whether their music was licensed by ASCAP or BMI, and no tuition would be charged.
"[8][9] Engel supervised the workshop and led weekly sessions from then until the end of his life, continuing to teach while undergoing radiation treatment for his cancer and producing his final student showcase in 1982, the year he died.
At the end of the year, each team presents its four best songs, and the steering committee decides whether the writers are cut or may continue into the advanced workshop.
[14][17] Admission to the advanced workshop is by invitation only, to a small number of "writers of professional caliber who are expected to contribute to the vitality of the musical theatre scene".
[15][23] To apply to the librettist workshop, applicants must submit a resume and two 10-page writing samples, at least one of which must be comedic.
[27] Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez, co-creators Avenue Q, were recipients in 2000, the first year the awards were granted.
Barry Brown and Fritz Holt saw these presented at one of the workshop's showcases in 1974 and decided to produce the show.