It’s official, JTC Melbourne is back and bigger than ever! On Saturday, August 2, 2025, the spotlight returns to Bunjil Place Theatre in Narre Warren for the second annual Junior Theatre Celebration Melbourne, and we’re thrilled to reveal some of the incredible guests and creatives who’ll be joining the fun.
Presented by OzTheatrics and proudly supported by Music Theatre International Australasia (MTI Australasia), JTC Melbourne is all about celebrating musical theatre education—bringing together students, teachers, and professionals for a full day of performance, learning, and connection.
After a stellar debut in 2024, this year’s event is going next level.
Headlining this year’s guest list is none other than Alinta Chidzey, the dazzling star of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. You’ll also know her as Velma Kelly from Chicago and Anita from West Side Story—a role that earned her Helpmann, Green Room and Sydney Theatre Award nominations. (She’s also the winner of the Australian Dance Award for Most Outstanding Performance, just casually.)
Joining Alinta is Hamilton’s own Vidya Makan, who blew audiences away as Eliza Hamilton and originated the role of Catherine Parr in the Australian tour of SIX The Musical.
And that’s just the beginning. We’re also welcoming a stellar line-up of Australian talent, including Daniel Cosgrove (Puffs), Freya List (Cruel Intentions: The 90’s Musical), Drew Holmes (Lucky Stiff), Matt Heyward (Guys and Dolls), and Madeline Pratt (Rent), with more to be announced.
Event Manager Hayley Stoddart says the energy and opportunity JTC Melbourne offers are second to none:
“The industry guests joining us in 2025 are at the top of their game. It’s a huge deal that our students get to learn directly from them. JTC isn’t just an event—it’s a launchpad. These young performers get access to real-world insights and creative experiences that can truly shape their future.”
And for those lucky students selected for this year’s TOP SECRET pilot musical, the experience will be even more unforgettable. They’ll spend the week leading up to the event workshopping a brand-new Broadway JR. adaptation under the guidance of an incredible creative team:
Director Miranda Middleton (The Grinning Man, Into the Woods, Sydney Festival)
Musical Director Mark Bradley (Parade, Songs For A New World, Wicked, Aladdin)
Choreographer Lochlan Erard (Kinky Boots, MIDNIGHT, Beauty and the Beast)
Producer Daniel Stoddart shared his excitement:
“We were absolutely blown away by the talent, passion, and heart we saw at the inaugural JTC Melbourne. This year, we’re building on that energy and continuing to grow Melbourne’s connection to our global Junior Theatre family. It’s about giving young people a space to be seen, to be celebrated, and to grow.”
Stuart Hendricks, Managing Director of MTI Australasia, agrees:
“It’s such a privilege to be involved with JTC Melbourne again. Events like this are crucial to nurturing the next generation of theatre-makers—and not just students, but teachers too.”
Throughout the day, school and academy groups will take the stage to perform abridged versions of Broadway JR. musicals like Disney’s The Lion King JR., Shrek The Musical JR., Annie JR., Seussical JR., and Disney’s Aladdin JR.. These performances will be professionally evaluated, with feedback given to help students grow as performers—and teachers can take part in specially designed professional development workshops too.
With Melbourne now firmly on the map as a proud host city in the international Junior Theatre Festival network, JTC Melbourne 2025 is shaping up to be a can’t-miss celebration for students, educators, families, and theatre lovers alike.
To read more about JTC Melbourne, go here.