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An exciting evolution
The 2026 festival marks an exciting evolution of our school program, where learning takes place in a rehearsal room and culminates in a public performance of a complete musical, with students applying those skills onstage, alongside our most celebrated stars.
Festival Artistic Director, Tyran Parke and some of the nation's best teachers will lead rehearsals patterned on professional practice. This experiential learning model involves a cycle of experiencing, reflecting, and applying knowledge, making learning more engaging and improving retention.
Students will also have the opportunity to observe and learn from industry-leading performers while working alongside them. Festival stars will also offer additional masterclasses. And of course, students will have discounted access to shows across the festival.
The school program is designed to be accessible, relevant and, of course, loads of fun!
Teachers are welcome to enter inside the rehearsal room and audit a professional team in the creation of a musical for performance, linking real-world application of Acting through Song and Dance, with opportunities to debrief. This exciting engagement, linking learning through to performance, is unique to the Festival and will support both studio teaching as well as managing productions.
About
Our schools program is an experience tailored to emerging high school and college musical theatre practitioners. It is accessible, relevant, and, of course, loads of fun!
As part of the school program, students can:
- Participate in workshops with some of Australia’s leading musical theatre artists
- Watch amazing, unique shows
- Perform alongside the industry’s best.
- Meet new musical theatre-loving friends.
Our School Program runs from 20-24 May 2026 in Launceston, Tasmania.
What are you getting?
The program, which features some of Australia's best teachers, was designed by Tyran Parke, our artistic director and the head of music theatre at the Victorian College of the Arts. It features:
- Curriculum-relevant, experiential learning from classroom to performance, led by some of Australia’s best musical theatre artists and teachers.
- Access to a safe, welcoming art form that is sure to have a positive impact on students.
- Connections with other staff, students and schools from around Australia.
- Inspiring experiences that build capacity and creativity.
- A program that makes it as simple as possible for students of any ability to join in.
- Incredible value for money – we’ve kept costs down so you can be there.
- An unmatchable way to help students flourish through creativity and socialising.
- An experience of Live performance, held and supported through professional staff
Who is it for & how much does it cost?
We welcome groups from schools, private performing arts academies and even individuals (conditions apply). We also welcome teachers seeking professional development.
The package prices are based on how many days you attend and your group size. The price per student ranges from $25 for the masterclass only package to $150 for performance program. If you bring ten or more students, we’ll give you a 10% discount, and one teacher will come for free.
How do I get there?
We encourage you to experience as much of the Festival as possible, so we encourage early booking of flights and accommodation to serve your engagement best and maximise the magic.
We are based in Launceston, Tasmania. The town has an airport with regular links from cities across Australia. We can also suggest many accommodation options. Our venues are all within walking distance of each other.
Information About Travel & Accomodation
"In 2O23 I had the privilege of taking fifteen musical theatre students from Adelaide to the Australian Musical Theatre Festival in Launceston.What a time was had! Every workshop, performance, program and masterclass on offer was soaked up and adored by all.The calibre of faculty and headline acts was unequivocally world class. Networking opportunities and inclusivity was second to none. I would absolutely encourage any educator to have their students attend in 2O24. We will definitely be back!"
- Lia Cox (Adelaide)
