More local musicals will be taken from the page to the stage, with a $1 million fund to boost the development and production of new theatre shows in Victoria.
The Musical Theatre Development Fund, jointly funded by the City of Melbourne and Victorian Government, is designed to help talented creatives turn their ideas into reality on home soil.
“Melbourne is blessed with one of the biggest and most vibrant musical theatre sectors in the world – this new fund will help us take things to the next level, backing home grown creativity,” said Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece
While international productions remain a major drawcard in Melbourne’s theatre scene, this investment will strengthen the pipeline of homegrown musicals – helping original works find their rhythm in Melbourne before reaching audiences around the world.
Half of the fund is reserved for projects that tell Australian stories – giving Melburnians more opportunities to see local experiences in the spotlight.
The fund will support creatives at every stage of the journey, helping new ideas build momentum and giving original works the backing they need to reach larger audiences. Established creative teams will be able to apply for significant grant funding to develop and advance original musical works.
The fund will also deliver professional development opportunities, including workshops, masterclasses and access to industry expertise – helping creatives refine their work and attract national and international investment.
Emerging creative teams will be supported to stage new productions in the City of Melbourne, and musical theatre students will have opportunities to attend workshops and performances.
An industry delivery partner soon be appointed to engage with the sector and deliver the program.
“Musical theatre is big business for Victoria – employing thousands of Victorians and drawing tourists from around the world,” said Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward. “This Fund gives Victorian stories the chance to shine on stages here and around the world.”
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