The Rob Guest Endowment has announced a new initiative aimed at supporting emerging Australian musical theatre performers, with a particular focus on inclusivity and diversity. Beginning in 2025, the Endowment will introduce the Industry Audition Insights Workshops in Sydney and Melbourne, designed to provide practical training and insight into the professional audition process.
The workshops will be delivered in two parts. The first is a free, virtual self-tape audition workshop conducted via Zoom, offering participants guidance on self-tape techniques. Led by Australian casting agents and theatre creatives, this session will also provide information on how to apply for the second stage of the program.
The second part is a one-day Audition Skills Workshop, providing selected participants with training in vocal performance, dance, and acting. Held in both Sydney and Melbourne, 24 participants in each city will work alongside leading industry professionals while gaining insight into the audition process and expanding their networks.
The Rob Guest Endowment is seeking applicants aged 18-30 who demonstrate potential and a strong interest in a musical theatre career but who have not yet had significant professional experience. Performers who have appeared in commercial musicals at major venues are not eligible to apply.
Workshop Coordinator Vicky Jacobs said the program aims to demystify the audition process for those starting out in the industry:
I’m really enjoying developing these workshops which will open the door to the inner workings of our industry for aspiring performers,” Jacobs said. “So often, young people feel like the process of auditioning is mysterious. This is an opportunity to learn useful skills but also to meet many of the people who will be on the other side of the audition table and take away some of the mystery around the process of auditioning.
This is an exciting new part of the Rob Guest Endowment story and I’m so thrilled that this incredible program will go toward helping aspiring performers pursue a career in the musical theatre industry.
The Rob Guest Endowment is collaborating with Stage A Change to deliver the Industry Audition Insights Workshops. Stage A Change has worked for more than seven years to create and sustain opportunities for artists of colour in Australia, and this partnership aims to support a musical theatre industry that reflects the diversity of the wider community.
More information on this initiative can be found on the Rob Guest Endowment website.
