Celebrating Kindness, Craft and Community
Music Theatre International Australasia’s team recently had the privilege of visiting the graduating Music Theatre cohorts at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), Elder Conservatorium in Adelaide, Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre Griffith University, and Ara Institute of Canterbury (NASDA) in Christchurch, New Zealand. These annual visits allow MTI to connect directly with emerging performers, celebrate their achievements, and recognise the values that strengthen our industry beyond the spotlight.
A highlight of each visit was the presentation of the Music Theatre International Student Award. This award is gifted to one student chosen by their institution who embodies exceptional kindness and spirit. This honour recognises a performer who not only demonstrates talent and dedication to their craft, but also uplifts and supports their peers, contributes positively to the rehearsal room, and approaches challenges with creativity and determination.
This year’s recipients (pictured l to r above) were:
- Sophie James – NASDA
- Croft Phillips – Queensland Conservatorium
- Callan Barclay – Victorian College of the Arts
- Bree Hall – Elder Conservatorium
Each award winner received a cash prize along with a La Duca Dance shoe voucher, supporting their transition into the professional world. To celebrate the entire graduating cohorts, all students received MTI goodie bags with a Singers Anthologies to assist them in the audition room.
Managing Director, Stuart Hendricks said, “We extend our warmest congratulations to all four award recipients and to every graduating student. Their artistry, resilience and generosity of spirit make us excited for the future of musical theatre in Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.”
Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the leading musical and play licensing agencies representing Classic titles such as Guys and Dolls, West Side Story and Annie to contemporary shows like Mamma Mia, Come From Away and Midnight- The Cinderella Musical. MTI proudly sponsors the Junior Theatre Festivals in Australia and New Zealand. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form.
MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theatre and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior® shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by primary and middle school-aged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students.
