The home of Australia’s largest regional theatre, The Empire in Toowoomba, has begun the search for an exceptional creative team to lead its 2027 production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical, Jesus Christ Superstar.
Originally staged by The Empire in 1999, Jesus Christ Superstar established the annual tradition of staging large-scale productions in the 1,561-seat Empire Theatre that has become a staple of the South-East Queensland cultural calendar – a tradition that continues almost three decades later.
Recent successes include & JULIET in 2026, Come From Away in 2025 and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella in 2024, bringing together local performers with leading professional creatives such as Queensland-based Director Tim Hill, New York-based Australian Director/Choreographer David Wynen, Choreographer Tess Hill and Music Supervisor, well-known vocalist, Luke Kennedy.
The 2027 production will see Jesus Christ Superstar return to the stage, marking 30 years since the restored Empire Theatre reopened its doors in 1997.
Based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Jesus Christ Superstar, the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice rock opera, follows the last week of the life of Jesus and explores the personal relationships and struggles among Jesus, his disciples, his followers and the Roman authorities.
Told entirely through song, the iconic 1970s rock score was the first musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber produced for the professional stage. The award-winning work contains such well-known numbers as Superstar, I Don’t Know How to Love Him and Gethsemane.
A true global phenomenon, it continues to enthral audiences of all generations. The production calls for a large ensemble and a live band that showcase the local talent The Empire exists to develop.
Expressions of interest are now open for the roles of Director, Choreographer, Music Director and Scenic Designer, with auditions for the production to be held in early 2027. Jesus Christ Superstar will play eight performances across a two-week season from 24 June to 3 July 2027.
For more information on the creative roles available and to submit an expression of interest, visit: www.empiretheatre.com.au for details.
Image: & JULIET at The Empire in 2026 – photo by Cassidy Cloupet