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MTI ShowSpace

Theatrical licensing agency in New York

Music Theatre International (MTI) is a theatrical licensing agency based in New York City and founded in 1952 by American composer and lyricist Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker. Along with licensing the rights to Loesser's works, the firm licenses production rights of over 500 Broadway, Off-Broadway, and West End musicals. Cameron Mackintosh became a partner in 1990 and majority owner in 2015.2 Wikipedia text CC BY-SA 4.0

Last updated Oct 21, 2026.

Overview

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Music Theatre International (MTI) is a theatrical licensing agency based in New York City and founded in 1952 by American composer and lyricist Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker. Along with licensing the rights to Loesser's works, the firm licenses production rights of over 500 Broadway, Off-Broadway, and West End musicals. Cameron Mackintosh became a partner in 1990 and majority owner in 2015.2

How it started

History

Founded in 1952, the organization started by representing the rights to approximately 40 shows in the US and in a handful of countries around the world.

CBS acquired MTI in 1976. After SBK acquired CBS' music publishing in 1986, MTI was spun-off as a separate company to a group led by Nicholas Firth. A different group led by Freddie Gershon acquired MTI in 1989.

In 1996, MTI launched the Broadway Junior collection of musicals which are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle school-aged students. Broadway Junior musicals are author-approved versions, with the music written in keys that are appropriate for developing voices. Each license for a Broadway Junior musical comes with a ShowKit of materials with rehearsal and performance tracks and a director's guide.

In 2003, MTI's School Editions (shows annotated for performance by high school students) were brought to the market. These educational versions come with materials and resources designed to increase access to the arts for young people.

In 2012, the American Theatre Wing recognized MTI Chairman Freddie Gershon with a Tony Honor for Excellence for creating Broadway Junior and audience-building programs for the industry.

From Wikipedia’s article on MTI ShowSpace, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.2

Sources

The numbers on this page point here. Each one links to the record it came from.

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