Our Pilot Workshop program gives students the unique opportunity to help develop a brand-new Broadway musical adaptation in a fast-paced workshop setting.
Workshop a Brand New Musical
Our Pilot Workshop Program gives students the opportunity to contribute to the development of a brand-new adaptation of a musical in a professional workshop setting. Directed by industry experts and developed in partnership with leading musical theatre licensing companies such as Music Theatre International Australasia, each workshop allows students to rehearse and perform new works before they are released for wider production.
Students selected for this program will work alongside peers from across Australia, rehearsing music, choreography, and dialogue in an immersive, fast-paced environment. With a focus on storytelling over production value, performances are script-in-hand, providing a unique insight into the creative process of a professional musical. The workshop culminates in an informal presentation for an audience that may include the show’s creators, writers, families, and industry professionals.
Teachers and directors can nominate students for these exclusive workshops, which run at various times throughout the year. Some pilot programs are open to all students, while others may be linked to specific events. Regardless of the setting, these workshops provide invaluable experience in the development of new musical theatre works, offering students a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and perform at a high level.
Past pilots have included:
2024 Pilots
DreamWorks Prince of Egypt JR.
NEWCASTLE
A musical based on the classic DreamWorks Animation film and featuring music by Stephen Schwartz.
Monday, October 21 – Friday, October 2
Civic Theatre – Hunter St, Newcastle, NSW
Once Upon a One More Time JR.
NEWCASTLE
Powered by the chart-topping hits of Brittney Spears, Once Upon a One More Time turns our favourite fairytales upside down with a clever twist.
Monday, October 21 – Friday, October 2
Civic Theatre – Hunter St, Newcastle, NSW
Mean Girls JR.
MELBOURNE
Based on the brutally hilarious musical adapted from Tina Fey’s hit 2004 film.
Monday, July 22 – Friday, July 26
Bunjil Place – Narre Warren, VIC
2023 Pilots
DreamWorks How to Train Your Dragon JR.
NEWCASTLE
A new musical based on the 2021 DreamWorks animated feature film.
Monday, October 23 – Friday, October 27
Civic Theatre – Hunter St, Newcastle, NSW
Between the Lines JR.
NEWCASTLE
Based on the novel by international bestselling author Jodi Picoult & Samantha van Leer, featuring a book by Picoult and Timothy Allen McDonald
Monday, October 23 – Friday, October 27
Civic Theatre – Hunter St, Newcastle, NSW
2022 Pilots
9 to 5 JR.
NEWCASTLE
With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, based on the seminal 1980 hit movie.
Monday, October 24 – Friday, October 28
Civic Theatre – Hunter St, Newcastle, NSW
Beetlejuice JR.
NEWCASTLE
Based on the edgy and irreverent musical comedy based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film.
Monday, October 24 – Friday, October 28
Civic Theatre – Hunter St, Newcastle, NSW
2021 Pilots
Dot and the Kangaroo JR.
ADELAIDE
Based on the Ethel Pedley’s 1899 Australian classic children’s book, Dot find her way home with the help of a mother kangaroo who has also lost her young Joey.
Sunday, January 3 – Thursday, January 7 The Arts Hub – Herbert Rd, Adelaide, SA
[MYSTERY TITLE] JR.
BRISBANE
This one is so fresh, it’s under wraps from public announcements.
Monday, January 11 – Friday, January 15 Brisbane, QLD
Mean Girls JR.
NEWCASTLE
Based on the brutally hilarious musical adapted from Tina Fey’s hit 2004 film.
Monday, January 18 – Friday, January 22 Civic Theatre – Hunter St, Newcastle, NSW
Something Rotten JR.
MELBOURNE
Based on the 2015 TONY winning Broadway Musical, two brothers set out to write the world’s first musical in this hilarious mash-up of sixteenth-century Shakespeare and Broadway.
Monday, April 12 – Friday April 16 South Oakleigh College, VIC
2020 Pilots
Something Rotten JR.
NEWCASTLE
Based on the 2015 TONY winning Broadway Musical, two brothers set out to write the world’s first musical in this hilarious mash-up of sixteenth-century Shakespeare and Broadway.
Monday, October 26 – Saturday, October 31 Civic Theatre – Hunter St, Newcastle, NSW
2019 Pilots
Disney’s Moana JR.
NEWCASTLE
Based on the hit 2016 annimated Disney film featuring original music by Tony winner Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Monday, September 16 – Friday, September 20 Civic Theatre – Hunter St, Newcastle, NSW
Disney’s Finding Nemo JR.
NEWCASTLE
Based on the beloved 2003 Pixar movie, with new songs written by award-winning composers Kristen Anderson-Lopez and EGOT-winner Robert Lopez.
Monday, September 16 – Friday, September 20 Civic Theatre – Hunter St, Newcastle, NSW
2018 Pilots
Sister Act JR.
NEWCASTLE
Based on the hit 1992 film featuring original music by Tony- and eight-time Oscar winner, Alan Menken.
Monday, October 22 – Friday, October 26 Civic Theatre – Hunter St, Newcastle, NSW
2017 Pilots
Disney’s Newsies JR.
NEWCASTLE
Based on the 1992 musical film “Newsies,” inspired by the Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City. The musical features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein.
Monday, October 23 – Friday, October 27 City Hall – King St, Newcastle, NSW