Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre

Nurturing tomorrow’s performers

The Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre will build on our powerhouse partnership with the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) to become one of the world’s leading musical theatre programs. We are creating something new to give students unrivalled access to the world of professional performance, combining education, training and a production season. Our ambition is to make Queensland’s performing arts scene one of the best in the world.

Our mission

We strive to deliver outstanding musical theatre education that transforms and inspires. We empower students to take the lead role in their story with the knowledge and skills to adapt and perform at the peak of their artistry.

We will build up and celebrate our diverse cohort by developing the unique capacity of each student to give back to their communities. The Academy recognises the special space that First Peoples hold in our history and we celebrate and respect the presence of Indigenous knowledge, culture and talent in the performing arts.

Residencies with international performers, directors and producers

Masterclasses and mock auditions with industry professionals

Exclusive events to learn from national and international experts

Industry-led teaching and expert mentoring, including from our outstanding alumni

Study with the best in show

The Academy offers a unique learning environment, with students studying in purpose-built South Bank studios at QPAC .

Our hybrid model blends education and industry training, offering students practical professional experience, including on-stage and backstage employment opportunities, collaboration with top-tier performers and creatives, and an exclusive stage door pass, placing them at the heart of Queensland's cultural scene.

Our Bachelor of Musical Theatre has nurtured several acclaimed artists, many of whom are working in high-profile and popular stage musicals in Australia and overseas. For many, it all began at Griffith University.

Study the Bachelor of Musical Theatre

Undergraduate Auditions

Audition Workshops

Help build a brighter future for Queensland’s performers

In just over a decade, Griffith has become one of Australia’s premier musical theatre programs, with hundreds of applicants auditioning for just 20 places each year.

With the help of philanthropic partners who understand the value of the arts, the Academy will become the home of musical theatre training in Australia.

If you share our passion to create enhanced educational and professional experiences, we’d love to hear from you.

Connect with us to discuss becoming a donor, and we can organise a tour and share the vision with you in person.

Contact

Ms Nicole Zanyat, Advancement Manager

Phone: 0403 067 934

n.zanyat@griffith.edu.au

This is an unprecedent opportunity for the industry to partner with Griffith University. We look forward to working with the Academy staff and students, particularly during our seasons at QPAC. Our connections with the industry will provide students unparalleled access to professional world-class choreographers, musicians, technicians, artists and directors from across Australia and around the world.

Michael Cassel AM (Producer and CEO of Michael Cassel Group)

Many graduates have taken roles in professional productions, including to leading roles in the forthcoming Australian production of Wicked. I was particularly pleased to hear of Griffith University’s relationship with QPAC and the placement of students within, for their training. This creative initiative will assist students in preparing for live in the work of professional theatre.

Stephen Schwartz (Academy Award winner and composer of Wicked)

It is immensely exciting for me to hear that Griffith University has committed to a relationship with QPAC, as this will give students the very best start to their professional lives. I look forward to following the graduates over the coming years, and hearing about the Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre.

Dame Judi Dench (Academy Award and Tony Award winner)

Professor Paul Sabey

Director, Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre

Paul brings a lifetime of international leadership to the Academy. He joined Griffith after 23 years at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London, where he led one of the most accomplished musical theatre programs in the world. An award-winning teacher, Paul motivates students to excel and share their accomplishments with others. He has an established history of creating industry-ready graduates who do more than just perform; they contribute to social change by engaging with contemporary issues in their art. Paul’s graduates have enjoyed considerable success across the world with leading roles in productions in the West End and, more recently, in Australia.

Shubshri Kandiah

Bachelor of Musical Theatre

Paul helped me find myself as a performer and, when I was a student, gave me many opportunities and tools to take with me. To be propelled into the industry with the confidence I had was the best training I could possibly have.

Shubshri Kandiah

_{Shubshri Kandiah as Princess Jasmine in Aladdin. She has also played Ella in Cinderella and Belle in Beauty and the Beast.}