Nathan Tysen

Nathan Tysen (born January 15, 1977) is an American songwriter and lyricist for the musical theatre. He has collaborated with composer Chris Miller for many years. Their musicals include Tuck Everlasting, The Burnt Part Boys, Fugitive Songs, and The Mysteries of Harris Burdick. Television work includes songs for Sesame Street and the Electric Company.

Tysen was born in Kingston, New York and spent his infancy in Woodstock, NY. He moved to Salina, KS when he was three. He graduated from Salina High School South, to study at Missouri State University with a BFA in musical theatre. While attending MSU, he wrote his first musical, Noah’s Art with composer Ryan McCall. In 1999, Tysen moved to New York City and received his MFA at New York University’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program. It was at NYU that Tysen started collaborating with Miller. Their thesis musical, The Burnt Part Boys, was given a world premiere at Barrington Stage Company, and a subsequent Off-Broadway run at Playwrights Horizons (produced in conjunction with Vineyard Theatre). Tysen has written three other musicals with Miller.

He is also an accomplished writer and performer of children’s music, penning tunes for Sesame Street, The Electric Company, Storytime By Design, and Little Maestros. He has worked for over a decade writing and directing for the Lovewell Institute for the Creative Arts, helping to create over a dozen new musicals with young adults. He plays in the band Joe’s Pet Project.

Tuck Everlasting (June 2013) Pre-Broadway world premiere at Boston’s Colonial Theatre, produced by Broadway Across America and Barry Brown. Book by Claudia Shear. Direction by Casey Nicholaw (1)

The Burnt Part Boys (2010) Off-Broadway co-production by Playwrights Horizons and Vineyard Theatre. Book by Mariana Elder. Direction by Joe Calarco

Fugitive Songs (2009) Off-Broadway production by Dreamlight Theatre Company

The Mysteries of Harris Burdick (2008) World premiere at Barrington Stage Company. Book and Direction by Joe Calarco

Noah’s Art (2003) Various collegiate and high school productions. Music by Ryan McCall. Book and Lyrics by Nathan Tysen

Amélie (TBA). Music by Dan Messe. Lyrics by Nathan Tysen. Book by Craig Lucas

Lucille Lortel Nomination for Best Musical (2010) The Burnt Part Boys

Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award (2009) The Burnt Part Boys

Berkshire Eagle “Best of the Decade” (2009) The Mysteries of Harris Burdick

Drama Desk Nomination for Best New Revue (2008) Fugitive Songs

Boston Globe “Top Ten Pick of 2008” The Mysteries of Harris Burdick

NEA Grant (2008) The Burnt Part Boys

Kitty Carlisle Hart Musical Theatre Award (2007)

Richard Rodgers Award (2006) True Fans

American Theatre Critics New Play Award Finalist (2006) The Burnt Part Boys

Darryl Roth Creative Spirit Award (2004) True Fans

Frederick Loewe Foundation Grant (2004) The Mysteries of Harris Burdick

Jonathan Larson Performing Arts Foundation Grant (2003)

2002 Max Dreyfus ASCAP Award for outstanding voice in musical theatre

• FUGITIVE SONGS, Studio Cast Recording, Yellow Sound Label, Projected Release September 2012 (Lyrics)
• THE BURNT PART BOYS, Off-Broadway Cast Recording, Yellow Sound Label, Released 2011 (Lyrics)
• BLUE BOTTLE COLLECTION: SUMMER OF THE SODA FOUNTAIN GIRLS, Yellow Sound Label, 2011 (Guitar, Vocals, Harmonica)
• HALLE & THE JILT: LUCKY YOU, Independent Release 2011 (Harmonica)
• IT’S A STORYTIME JAM, Vol. 1, Storytime By Design, SBD Music, 2010
• NIGEL RICHARDS: A SHINING TRUTH, Symble Records, 2009
• LITTLE MAESTROS: POSTCARDS FROM MY MIND, Kid Rhino Records/Warner Music, 2008 (Music & Lyrics, Vocals)
• LITTLE MAESTROS: WORD IS ON THE PLAYGROUND, Kid Rhino Records/Warner Music, 2007 (Music & Lyrics, Vocals)
• LITTLE MAESTROS: WELCOME HOME TO MAESTROVILLE, Kid Rhino Records/Warner Music, 2006 (Vocals)
• NEO: A Celebration of Emerging Talent in Musical Theatre, Benefiting the York Theatre Company, Jay Records, 2005 (Lyrics)