Sydney Conservatorium Musical Students Shine

Students at Australia’s newest music theatre program are preparing to take to the stage. *Narelle Yeo reports.

The Sydney Conservatorium’s Music Theatre cohort are trained in singing, acting, dance and ensemble, with classes taught by Australia’s best music theatre professionals.

Established just three years ago - our first group of students, who are based on the beautiful Conservatorium of Music campus in the heart of Sydney, will stage their first production, Into the Woods, this year.

Australia’s newest music theatre course is already thriving, and students are finding their individual paths to a career in music theatre.

With access to the best theatres in the city, partnerships with Sydney Dance Company and the Hayes Theatre, Music Theatre at the University of Sydney is filled with opportunities to perform, grow and find your individual path into the industry.

In May students in the Music Theatre program were treated to a visit by icon Audra MacDonald and Musical Director of Hello, Dolly! on Broadway, Andy Einhorn.

Students take regular masterclasses with industry greats, have multiple touring opportunities, perform in a range of professional venues, and learn from the best in the industry.

All of these opportunities at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music make Music Theatre an incredibly competitive program, with students competing from all around Australia to be part of this exciting new force in Music Theatre training:

“The Con has provided us with the industry connections we need to garner professional experience, to build our portfolio and prepare us for a life in music theatre beyond the Con,” said student Ruby Baird.

Music theatre students who want to be changemakers in our industry can also gain admission at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music before ATAR results are released, based on their performance talents.

Music theatre student Charlotte Bertwistle joined the Creative Arts Special Admissions Scheme (CASAS), and secured an early spot at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, making Year 12 life easier.

The Creative Arts Special Admissions Scheme is a pathway available to students applying for the Bachelor of Music (Performance) majoring in Music Theatre, with entry based on an online audition, live callbacks and interviews. It can make a world of difference, providing an early unconditional offer to study at the university. 

After seeing her friends apply for similar programs, Charlotte applied for the CASAS program at the Con. “I knew that if I was guaranteed a place before the HSC, I could focus solely on my studies while not facing the stress of meeting strict ATAR requirements and further university applications,” she said. 

For Charlotte, receiving an early offer to study performance was “truly a weight lifted” off her shoulders, and the relief of having an early offer had a positive impact on her time during the HSC exam period. The best thing about studying at the Con though? “Beyond being a haven of all things creative, The Con provides its students with so many incredible opportunities and avenues,” says Charlotte.

*Associate Professor Narelle Yeo, is the Program Leader of Music Theatre at the Sydney Conservatorium

https://www.sydney.edu.au/music/