This year, two 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 invaluable insights and build clear pathways into the profession.
The Sydney workshop will be held on Monday August 17 and Tuesday August 18
Melbourne workshop will be held on Sunday August 30 and Monday August 31
In addition to the two workshop days, participants will take part in two online singing sessions ahead of the in-person workshop, allowing for early feedback and preparation.
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 represents the diverse and wonderful people of Australia.
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.
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.