New tertiary Music Theatre Degree announced for Sydney

After years of preparation, it has been confirmed that Sydney will gain a Bachelor of Arts (Music Theatre) degree, rivalling that of VCA and WAAPA.

The dynamic game changer will be led by David Wynen and Federation University (Ballarat Arts Academy – previously known as BAPA) in partnership with Sydney Tafe. The course has been announced to be positioned in Ultimo and Chippendale with in close proximity to the ABC studios, where many major productions rehearse in Sydney and theatres like the Capitol and Lyric.

According to David Wynen, this university degree will be the first of its kind in Sydney. With HECS places available and stringent quality control, this university course will build on the structure of existing music theatre degree available in Ballarat.

“I have always been excited by theatre in Sydney”, Wynen said.

“It will be wonderful for talented artists to stay in their hometown rather than travel for quality Music Theatre training. I hope to make this a national hub for Music Theatre.”

Although WAAPA has long been considered the most comprehensive university Music Theatre training ground in the country, with rental prices skyrocketing in Perth and the cost of living away from home while studying increasing steadily, this course could be just what the doctor ordered for Sydney music theatre hopefuls. The Australian Institute of Music or AIM (a private educator) and NIDA also do offer music theatre courses, but no University in Sydney has yet offered this particular kind of training in music theatre.

The program is slated to commence in February next year, with auditions for the first intake taking place in October 2014.

The Ballarat Arts Academy course has produced many graduates working in major musicals across the country and internationally. Graduates have worked on Strictly Ballroom, Cirque De Soleil, King Kong, Mama Mia, Cats, Les Miserables, Hairspray, Jersey Boys, Mary Poppins, and Wicked to name a few. High Profile graduates of the course include Cristina D’Agostino, Josh Piterman, Jaz Flowers, James Smith, Jared Newall and Graeme Foote.

The course will work alongside Kerry Furlong and the talented staff and students of the Sydney music faculty.

Sydney Tafe open Day is August 30, 2014.

For more information about the course and for audition information contact: d.wynen@federation.edu.au