Are you a young, aspiring theatre professional who would like the opportunity to work alongside the producer of shows like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, MJ the Musical and Beetlejuice the Musical? With a little bit of envy from a much younger me, Michael Cassel Group has officially announced the structure of its work experience and placement program for 2026. Designed to support education pathways within the Australian performing arts sector, the initiative seeks to provide practical opportunities for a wide range of participants, from secondary school students to professionals seeking a career change.
The program is open to Australian students aged 15 years and over, with positions available across various departments within the company’s offices and its active productions. The Michael Cassel Group is currently responsible for several major local productions, including Beetlejuice The Musical, MJ the Musical and the recently announced Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical.
Three distinct streams have been established for the 2026 intake to accommodate different levels of experience and career stages:
- Work Experience: Directed at students currently enrolled in schools, tertiary institutions or vocational education courses.
- Professional Placement (Early Career): Designed for recent graduates and individuals in the early stages of their careers.
- Professional Placement (Transitioning): Aimed at individuals seeking to transition their career path within the industry.
The primary objective of the program is to strengthen entry pathways into the performing arts by showcasing the breadth of career opportunities available locally and globally. By offering access to the inner workings of a theatrical producer, the company aims to empower participants to view themselves as active contributors to the arts sector.
Michael Cassel, the producer and CEO of Michael Cassel Group discussed the importance of early industry exposure, sharing:
Having started my own producing career as a teenager, I know first-hand the impact that early industry experience can have. I was fortunate to benefit from work experience opportunities before commencing my professional career, and those experiences shaped the path I’ve taken ever since. Our education programs are incredibly important to me because I want to ensure the next generation of theatre professionals are prepared for significant, meaningful careers, both in Australia and on the world stage. Showing young people the variety of careers that exist, and continuing to provide opportunities for learning and development as they commence or change careers means that we will have a stronger, more connected industry for years to come.
Applications are now open via a dedicated page on the Michael Cassel Group website.
