NEW@NAMT: The Next Wave of Musical Theatre Writers – Featuring the Team Behind FINN
Created by Chris Nee, Michael Kooman & Chris Dimond
Book and Lyrics by Chris Dimond & Chris Nee
Music by Michael Kooman
In this special Festival edition of NEW@NAMT, hosts Jean-Paul Yovanoff and guest co-host Braley Degenhardt (Atlantic Theater Company) dive deep—literally and figuratively—into the making of FINN, a bold and heartwarming musical about a young shark navigating identity, community, and belonging.
Writers Chris Nee, Christopher Dimond, and Michael Kooman share the origin story of FINN, which began with a NAMT connection and led to a Kennedy Center commission, national acclaim, and viral success after its planned tour was canceled during the Trump-era political shift. FINN became a symbol of artistic resistance, culminating in a star-studded Town Hall concert and a groundswell of industry support.
The trio opens up about writing theatre for young audiences, finding universality through specificity, and crafting a musical they wish they’d seen as kids—one that centers joy, identity, and inclusivity. You’ll also hear about their Emmy-nominated work across animation, their dynamic musical style (including cinematic orchestration options), and what they’re hoping comes next.
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https://namt.org/musicals/finn
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https://www.instagram.com/finnmusical