Following the outstanding success of last year’s Industry Insights Workshops, the Rob Guest Endowment is thrilled to announce its return in 2026 with expanded programming designed to support the next generation of music theatre artists.
This year, workshops will be held in Melbourne and Sydney, offering 48 emerging music theatre performers the opportunity to take part in an immersive, industry-led experience. Designed for performers on the cusp of their professional careers, the program connects participants with some of the industry’s leading creatives to refine audition technique, gain valuable insights and build clear pathways into the profession.
The Industry Insights Workshops are completely free of charge for all selected participants, ensuring that financial barriers do not limit access to this opportunity. A limited pool of funding is also available to support travel for participants from regional areas.
In 2026 the Rob Guest Endowment is again thrilled to be working with Stage a Change to help deliver these experiences with a renewed understanding of inclusivity and support. We are committed to supporting a national musical theatre industry that is representative of the people of Australia.
A deeper, more comprehensive experience
In 2026, the Audition Insights Workshops evolve into a more substantial and supportive program – the Industry Insights Workshops. Participants will now take part in two online singing sessions ahead of the in-person workshop, allowing for early feedback and preparation.
The in-person component has been extended to a day and a half, creating more time for early feedback,industry Q&As and practical audition work. This expanded format ensures participants leave with greater confidence, stronger material and a clearer understanding of the professional landscape.
Introducing the Artist Development Initiative
A major new addition to the program in 2026 is the Artist Development Initiative.
At the conclusion of the Industry Insights Workshops, participants will have the opportunity to apply for targeted financial support to further develop specific skills identified during the program. These grants are designed to directly support career progression and may be used for opportunities such as additional dance training, acting classes or repertoire development.
This initiative reflects the Endowment’s ongoing commitment not only to identifying emerging talent, but to actively investing in their continued growth.
Honouring Kellie Dickerson: Supporting the next generation of Musical Directors
In 2026, the Rob Guest Endowment is proud to introduce the Kellie Dickerson Emerging Musical Director Program, honouring Kellie’s extraordinary contribution to the Australian music theatre industry.
This program is designed to identify and nurture emerging pianists and aspiring musical directors, offering a clear pathway into professional music theatre work. Participants will gain direct exposure to industry practices and opportunities within the music departments of commercial productions.
The program will run alongside the Industry Insights Workshops, creating a dynamic and collaborative environment that reflects the real-world intersection between performers and music teams.
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking participants aged 18–30 who can demonstrate potential excellence and a genuine passion for a career in music theatre performance, but who may not yet have had the opportunity to fully pursue it.
These workshops are designed for performers on the cusp of their professional careers. As such, performers who have already been engaged in a commercial musical at a major venue are not eligible.
We are looking for artists who are curious, committed and ready to take the next step, those who are open to feedback, eager to refine their audition skills and excited to engage with industry professionals in a supportive and collaborative environment.
For the Kellie Dickerson Emerging Musical Director Program, we are seeking collaborative musicians and pianists with a strong interest in music theatre and a desire to develop their knowledge and skills as musical directors. Participants in this program will play an active role in the workshops, including accompanying singers throughout the day, while gaining valuable insight into the workings of professional music departments.