From Australian stages to Broadway, Eddie Perfect has built a career creating bold and unmistakably individual theatre. Now, the acclaimed composer, writer and performer is turning his attention to the next generation, joining the inaugural Next Up Music Awards (NUMAs) as Patron of the Music Theatre category.
In a major opportunity for an emerging young theatre-maker, Perfect will personally provide the winner of the category with six months of mentorship, offering guidance and industry insight drawn from his own experience writing, composing and performing in Australia and internationally.
Known for his sharp wit and willingness to push creative boundaries, Perfect has become one of Australia’s most distinctive voices in music theatre. His career has taken him from acclaimed Australian productions to Broadway, with credits spanning theatre, television, comedy and music.
The six-month mentorship will give the winner ongoing one-on-one access to Perfect, with the opportunity to seek feedback on their work and gain a better understanding of both the creative and professional sides of music theatre.
“Australian music theatre is an emerging and exciting industry that requires writers who are collaborative and inventive. Through the NUMAS, I’m ready to mentor the next generation of composers, lyricists and book writers to help establish their skills and unique voice,” said Perfect.
“Australia needs musicals that are relevant and engaging. To achieve that, we need to be supporting young writers. I’m so impressed with the work that the NUMAS are doing to provide access to the creative industries for young people and I’m proud to partner with them to cultivate the talent that will be writing for Australian stages (and beyond) well into the future.”
The NUMAs Music Theatre category celebrates Best Music & Lyrics, recognising young composers and lyricists creating original work for the stage. The category is sponsored by Perfect’s own record label, Excited Animal Records, as part of his support for emerging Australian artists and original work.
For an aspiring composer or lyricist dreaming of seeing their own work on stage, it is a rare opportunity to be mentored by one of Australia’s leading theatre creatives
The mentorship forms part of the wider NUMAs Alumni Pathways program, which gives nominees, winners and Youth Interns access to industry workshops and professional development opportunities beyond the awards, visit: www.nextupmusicawards.com for more opportunities.
With nominations closing Tuesday 15 September, the NUMAs are calling on young composers, lyricists and music theatre creators across Australia to submit their work. Nominations are free and open to students aged 6–18, as well as music teachers across Australia.
Finalists will receive national recognition, access to industry development opportunities and the chance to have their work seen and heard by some of Australia’s leading music and entertainment figures.
Hundreds of nominations have been received from across Australia, including regional and remote areas, from Alice Springs to Adelaide, Byron Bay to Bronte and Casula to Cairns, with entries from students, teachers, schools and communities.
For Australia’s next generation of music theatre writers, the message from Perfect is simple – if you’ve got something original to say, now is the time to put it on the page and, perhaps eventually, the stage.
The inaugural Next Up Music Awards will take place at Carriageworks in Sydney on Thursday 28 January 2027. Nominations close Tuesday 15 September 2026. For more information, visit: www.nextupmusicawards.com for details.
Image: Eddie Perfect – photo by Michelle Grace Hunder