Program
Announcing the 2024 Music Theatre Futures conference program! Follow our socials (@musictheatrefutures) to keep up to date with more speaker announcements, exciting updates and info on the sessions.
Each day will commence at 9am and conclude by 5.30pm.
MONDAY 15 JULY
Connecting to place
Exploring the importance of connecting to the places we make work, considering the histories of these places and lands and looking at our shared past in Australia as we start to imagine the future. Speaker to be announced.
Keynote speaker: Carmel Dean
Carmel is an Australian-born, award-winning composer and Broadway Music Director, Supervisor and Arranger.
What future are we training them for?
A panel discussion that explores the complexities of music theatre training in the 21st century, in a dynamic and competitive industry. Panellists include Tyran Parke (Head of Music Theatre at VCA, University of Melbourne), Dr. Narelle Yeo (Head of Music Theatre at Sydney Conservatorium, University of Sydney) and Nicole Stinton (Head of Music, NIDA), with more to be announced.
Connecting with craft: practice research presentations
Pedagogy workshop presentation by Ross Hannaford (VCA, University of Melbourne), pedagogy paper presentation by Lyndall Dawson (VCA, University of Melbourne), pedagogy paper presentation by Nicole Stinton (NIDA), with more to be announced.
The future of mental health care on shows
Music theatre performer and counsellor Sophie Carter shares her innovative independent research and work into better supporting performer mental health on musical theatre productions, followed by Q&A.
The creative potential of conscious casting
A panel discussion hosted by producer, casting consultant and acting teacher Benjamin Samuel, that unpacks conscious casting and highlights productions and creatives where conscious casting has enriched or elevated the interpretation of an existing musical. Panellists to be announced.
TUESDAY 16 JULY
Australia’s place in the international landscape
Carmel Dean hosts this conversation, beginning with an interview with Tony Award winning Broadway producer Eva Price, followed by a panel discussion with Australia-UK producer Maryann Wright, Creative Director of International Casting and Creative Management Michael Turkic and more to be announced.
Show them how to feel: marketing by Anthem
Panel discussion hosted by leading marketing and specialist advisory company, Anthem, exploring the art of evoking emotion and creating authentic connections with audiences through innovative marketing campaigns.
How will musicals sound in the future?
A panel discussion hosted by noted Music Director James Simpson, focusing on the ways musical orchestras/bands are changing in light of economic pressures and evolving music tastes. Panellists include Peter Rutherford, Carmel Dean, Sean Peter and more to be announced.
Connecting with creators: Dean Bryant and Jean Tong
Q&A with two acclaimed writers who both have new musicals premiering at the end of this year, Dean Bryant (My Brilliant Career at Melbourne Theatre Company) and Jean Tong (Flat Earthers at Griffin Theatre).
New Music Theatre: practice research presentations
Workshop presentation by Jan di Pietro (PhD candidate, Griffith University), paper presentation by Dr. Erin McKellar (University of Sydney) and paper with performance presentation by Dr. David Megarrity (Queensland University of Technology).
Music theatre in Australian performing arts companies
Panel discussion that explores what role music theatre plays in the context of Australian performing arts companies. Panellists include Stuart Maunder (Victorian Opera), Jennifer Medway (Melbourne Theatre Company) and more to be announced.
Creating culture and connections
Panel discussion that asks industry leaders how we can create inclusive cultures across the sector conducive to creativity and innovation, and to explore the impact our work has on the broader culture. Panellists include Michel Hryce (Michael Cassel Group), Karen Cummings (University of Sydney), Tyran Parke (University of Melbourne, Australian Music Theatre Festival) and more to be announced.