A highlight on Australia’s youth musical theatre calendar, Junior Theatre Festival Australia is part of a global network alongside JTF Atlanta, JTF Sacramento, JTF Europe, and JTF New Zealand. Each year, students, teachers, and industry professionals come together for an unforgettable weekend celebrating the magic of musical theatre.
Held annually at the Civic Theatre Newcastle, NSW, JTF Australia features an exciting program of events, including adjudications, student workshops, professional development for teachers, the New Works Showcase, an awards ceremony, and the largest gathering of young Aussie musical theatre lovers under one roof. Since its inception in 2016, the festival has welcomed thousands of students, educators, industry experts and celebrity guests.
Produced by OzTheatrics, under the educational and artistic supervision of iTheatrics and proudly sponsored by Music Theatre International Australasia, JTF Australia is an unmissable celebration of youth musical theatre—a weekend of pure musical theatre madness!
Register your school or academy for Junior Theatre Festival Australia through your group’s main contact (usually the performance director).
All participants—students, chaperones (parents and family members), teaching staff, and creatives—must be registered as part of your group.
Individual registrations are not accepted, and no additions can be made after the final registration deadline.
Solo teachers attending for professional development at Junior Theatre Festival Australia should register here.
If you’re already registered and will be attending with a group, you do not need to register separately as an individual teacher.
Cost: $198 (incl. GST)
The Junior Theatre Festival Australia isn’t just for students—teachers and directors can level up too through our robust Professional Development Program.
Across the festival weekend, participants will enjoy exclusive access to curated workshops, live panel discussions, student performance observations, and networking opportunities with leading educators and industry professionals from Australia and around the world. Whether you’re a new director, music director, choreographer, or an experienced educator looking to grow your program, this is your chance to build skills, make connections, and stay inspired.
Our workshop leaders come from diverse backgrounds in education and musical theatre, including seasoned teaching artists from iTheatrics (New York)—the world-renowned team behind the development of over 60 Broadway Junior adaptations for Music Theatre International, Disney Theatrical, Rodgers & Hammerstein, and more.
Every session is taught the same way we teach students: with hands-on learning, practical tools, and a whole lot of fun.
Presenters: Various
Kick off your JTF Australia experience with a dedicated welcome event for Professional Development participants and directors. Meet fellow educators, the JTF Australia team, and get a preview of the incredible weekend ahead—complete with light refreshments and great conversation.
Presenters: To Be Announced
You’ll take part in five engaging, interactive workshops designed to support your growth as an educator and creative. Topics may include directing, choreography, harmony and music direction, inclusive practice, tech communication, intimacy coordination, and more. Final workshop themes and presenters will be announced prior to the event.
Presenters: To Be Announced
Join two exclusive live panel events featuring special guests from the world of Australian musical theatre and beyond. These panels will offer personal insights, practical advice, and inspiring discussion for educators, mentors, and creatives. Topics and speakers to be confirmed closer to the festival.
Presenters: Various
Watch student groups from around Australia present excerpts from Broadway JR. and KIDS musicals, receiving live feedback from Broadway professionals. See how expert clinicians work with student ensembles in real time—and walk away with tools you can immediately apply to your own program.
Presented by: Various Student Casts
Be the first to preview brand-new Broadway JR. titles, brought to life by talented young performers from across Australia and New Zealand. This is a unique opportunity to experience fresh content and assess potential shows for your school or academy.
Presented by: Selected Student Casts
Observe the exciting development of new Broadway JR. musicals in their earliest stages. These pilot performances are the result of a fast-paced workshop process in the week leading up to JTF, directed by expert teaching artists in partnership with iTheatrics (NY). A must-see for those who want to witness the future of musical theatre!
End your weekend with a relaxed, adults-only gathering just for teachers and directors. Share stories, reflect on the festival, and toast to new connections and creative inspiration—no students, parents, or chaperones allowed!
Please Note: Workshop content, titles, and presenters are subject to change. All information is correct at the time of publication and provided in good faith. Final schedules will be released closer to the event.
JTF Australia is an annual event, typically held on the last weekend of October at the Civic Theatre in Newcastle, approximately 90 minutes north of Sydney. While it is usually scheduled for the final weekend in October, dates may occasionally vary.
JTF Australia offers attendees the chance to experience the transformative power of musical theatre. Each group performs a 15-minute selection from a Broadway JR. or KIDS Collection musical for adjudication by industry professionals. Students take part in interactive workshops designed to enhance their performance skills, connect with other young theatre enthusiasts, and watch outstanding performances by their peers. Teachers and directors can also engage in professional development sessions, making it an enriching experience for everyone involved.
Any school, after-school program, community theatre group, or academy that has performed or plans to perform a Broadway JR. or KIDS Collection show licensed through MTI Australasia is eligible to participate.
Teachers, directors, and anyone working with young people in musical theatre can attend JTF Australia through the Professional Development Track. Students must be registered as part of a group.
Any school-aged student between 8 and 18 on the day of the celebration is welcome to attend and perform with their school group or academy.
Each group must have a minimum of 35 participants, including at least 25 students, plus chaperones, directors, teachers, and any additional family or friends. Groups typically range from 40 to 60 participants. A minimum chaperone ratio of 1:5 students is required.
Yes! JTF Australia offers an exciting opportunity for technical theatre students through the Tech Olympics. Participants compete in a series of technical challenges in timed heats, testing their skills in stagecraft, lighting, sound, and more. Finalists then go head-to-head on the mainstage in front of festival attendees, vying for the title of Tech Olympics Champions. It’s a thrilling way for tech students to showcase their expertise and be celebrated for their behind-the-scenes brilliance!
Registration is fully online! To register a group, simply complete the online registration form and submit the non-refundable group registration fee. Then, collect the individual participation fee from each group member.
For teachers attending without a group, there is a separate registration process for the Professional Development Track.
Payments are processed through our online portal. Once registered, you will receive a personal group portal link for payment. Please note that we do not accept bank transfers, cash, or cheques.
Registration opens for returning groups shortly after the previous year’s event. New groups can express their interest by emailing jazzhands@oztheatrics.com.
A jazzhand is a classic musical theatre gesture where the hands are open, fingers spread wide, and often shaken slightly to create a shimmering effect. It’s used to add excitement, energy, and flair to a performance.
A spirit finger, on the other hand, is a more exaggerated version, often seen in cheerleading or comedic performances. Instead of just shaking the hands, the fingers wiggle individually in an over-the-top, dramatic fashion.
In short: jazzhands = classic Broadway sparkle, spirit fingers = extra dramatic flair!
Event partners
