International Theatre Festival Arrives in Melbourne
The city of Melbourne is set to host its very first Junior Theatre Celebration Melbourne (JTC Melbourne) on July 27, 2024 at the Bunjil Place Theatre in Narre Warren. This event offers an opportunity for students and teachers passionate about musical theatre to come together, share their talents, and learn from industry professionals.
Presented by OzTheatrics, JTC Melbourne is modelled after the Junior Theatre Festival Australia, held annually at the Civic Theatre Newcastle in NSW. Sponsored by theatrical licensor, Music Theatre International Australasia (MTI Australasia), JTC Melbourne focuses on musical theatre education and provides an unforgettable experience for all participants.
Daniel Stoddart, Event Producer of JTC Melbourne, said, “Bringing the Junior Theatre Celebration to Melbourne is a dream come true. We’re thrilled to expand the Junior Theatre universe into Australia’s musical theatre capital. JTC Melbourne will help us make our events accessible to more students across the country, allowing young performers to showcase their creativity and celebrate their hard work.”
Stuart Hendricks, Managing Director of Music Theatre International Australasia said, “MTI Australasia is proud to sponsor JTC Melbourne and support the development of musical theatre education in Australia. This event provides an invaluable platform for students and teachers to showcase their hard work and passion.”
Throughout the celebration day, school groups will perform short selections from their Broadway Junior musical productions, which are 60-minute adaptations of musicals including Disney's The Lion King JR., Disney's Aladdin JR., Annie JR., Seussical JR. and Shrek The Musical JR. These performances will be evaluated by a panel of esteemed guest artists, who will offer constructive feedback on various theatre skills, including diction, projection, acting through song, blocking, and physicality. Additionally, students will participate in immersive workshops, while teachers can opt for professional development training alongside OzTheatrics teaching artists.
John Prignano, COO & Director of Education and Development at Music Theatre International said, “We are thrilled to welcome Melbourne into our global family of Junior Theatre Celebrations. The enthusiasm and talent of young performers in Australia are truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing the amazing performances at JTC Melbourne.”
Special guests for this year’s JTC Melbourne include: Lucy Durack: best known for her roles as Glinda in the original Australian cast of Wicked and Elle Woods in Legally Blonde; Alinta Chidzey: leading lady of Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Velma Kelly in Chicago; John Prignano: Internationally renowned advocate for theatre and Director of Education and Development at Music Theatre International; Daniel Stoddart: Producer (OzTheatrics) and author of the new Australian musical Dot and the Kangaroo JR.; Olivia Charalambous: the 10th Anniversary Production of Les Misérables and the Australian premieres of Spring Awakening and Puffs; and others.
JTC Melbourne marks Melbourne's debut into the family of international Junior Theatre Festivals, joining the ranks of similar celebrations worldwide. OzTheatrics has successfully produced the Junior Theatre Festival Australia at the Civic Theatre Newcastle for nine years and Melbourne will now host the second annual event in Australia.
Event Details:
Location: Bunjil Place Theatre, Narre Warren, VIC
Date: July 27, 2024
About Music Theatre International Australasia:
Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting schools, amateur and professional theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. MTI Australasia supports theatre education and development throughout Australia, ensuring that the magic of musical theatre continues to thrive.