One of the most extraordinary aspects of the OzTheatrics Pilot Program isn’t just the show itself, it’s the people leading the room.
Each year, students have the rare opportunity to work alongside experienced industry professionals as they help shape a brand-new Broadway Junior adaptation before it’s licensed for young performers around the world. It’s an experience that goes far beyond learning lines, songs and choreography. It’s a chance to be shaping the development of a brand new musical.
Leading the 2026 Junior Theatre Celebration Pilot Program in Melbourne is an exceptional creative team whose combined experience spans professional theatre, international performance, national tours, musical direction, choreography and arts education. Together, they’ll guide students through one of the most exciting and collaborative processes in youth musical theatre.
Lochlan Erard: Director & Choreographer
Returning to lead the Pilot Program is Director and Choreographer Lochlan Erard, a passionate performer, creative and educator whose career has taken him from professional stages around Australia to creative teams developing new works for the next generation.
Lochlan’s performance credits include Madagascar the Musical, Kinky Boots, MIDNIGHT: The Cinderella Musical and Celebrity Cruise Lines, while his choreography credits include Stoddart Entertainment’s national tour of Evil Dead The Musical alongside productions of Disney’s Camp Rock, The Music Man, Chicago, Mamma Mia!, Wicked and more.
Despite an impressive résumé, it’s the energy of young performers that continues to inspire him.
“The creativity and energy the students bring into the rehearsal room. The clear WANT to be there and be part of the experience. The joy they have doing this together is incredible.”
Unlike a traditional production, a Pilot Program is built on exploration. Every rehearsal helps shape a new adaptation, giving students the chance to contribute to the development of a show before audiences around the world ever see it.
“You’re not always striving for perfection,” Lochlan explains. “Experimenting with the material to find both the parts that work and the parts that don’t work is the purpose of the pilot program.”
For Lochlan, the greatest lesson extends well beyond performance.
“Storytelling is an art form that takes time to perfect,” he says. “Working through the clunky parts is one of the most important parts of achieving success.”
His advice to every participant?
Never feel like you need to hold back.
Jack Barnard: Musical Director
Fresh from an extensive career across New Zealand’s musical theatre scene, Melbourne-based Musical Director Jack Barnard brings a wealth of experience as a musician, performer, educator and music director to this year’s Pilot Program.
Having worked as an accompanist, pit musician, performer and musical director across productions including Matilda, Spamalot, Les Misérables, School of Rock, Next to Normal and Spring Awakening, Jack is known for combining musical excellence with a rehearsal room built on collaboration, individuality and fun.
Already familiar with the Junior Theatre Festival community through JTF New Zealand, Jack is excited to join the Junior Theatre Celebration creative team in Melbourne for the first time.
As a musician, performer, educator and musical director, Jack has built a career bringing productions to life from both the orchestra pit and the rehearsal room. His passion lies in collaboration, helping performers discover confidence while creating something greater than any individual could achieve alone.
That collaborative spirit is exactly what excites him most about the Pilot Program.
“Instead of trying to mould performers into an established score and sound, you work with the talent and voices you have,” Jack says. “It means every version becomes unique and the young performers have real ownership over the show they’re helping create.”
For Jack, technical ability is only part of what makes a great performer.
“I love people who buy into the process, love to work hard, be part of the team and take hold of every opportunity to shine. Obviously if they are great singers and performers that’s a wonderful bonus, but people who have fun and love to be there, working hard is my favourite quality.”
His advice for students before rehearsals begin is simple: come prepared.
“Listen to the soundtrack, read the script and become familiar with the material. There’s a lot to learn quickly, so having it simmering away beforehand makes for a much more relaxed week.”
More than anything, Jack is looking forward to seeing another group of young performers discover what makes the Pilot Program so special.
“We get to create our own unique version of the show before it’s finalised and performed around the world,” he says. “That’s a pretty cool feather to add to their bow.”
Claire Stubs: Associate Choreographer
Joining the Junior Theatre Celebration creative family for the first time is Associate Choreographer Claire Stubs, although the project itself is already one that’s close to her heart.
Claire previously performed in the original cast of the Australian musical now being developed into a Broadway Junior adaptation through this year’s Pilot Program. Returning to the work from the other side of the rehearsal room, she now has the unique opportunity to help shape the next chapter of its journey while mentoring the young performers bringing it to life.
Since training in Melbourne, Claire has built an impressive career as both a performer and choreographer, with credits including Disneyland Paris, Melbourne Fringe, The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee and the 2025 New Year’s Eve Gala hosted by John Foreman. Alongside performing, she continues to mentor young artists through choreography and creative development.
For Claire, returning to this project is about more than revisiting material she knows so well.
“I’m really invested in seeing a new generation of performers grow and have real-life experiences working on shows,” she says. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to help facilitate that.”
She believes the greatest strength young performers bring to the rehearsal room is their willingness to throw themselves wholeheartedly into the work.
“I love the energy and enthusiasm young performers bring. Full commitment and big, bold choices. As a choreographer, I love performers who throw themselves into their characters because we can always scale it back if we need to.”
As Associate Choreographer, Claire plays a key role in translating the creative vision to the stage while supporting rehearsals, teaching choreography and refining every detail of the production.
Her hope is that students leave with something even more valuable than performance skills.
“I’d love them to gain an insight into how the creative process works, especially developing a brand-new show, because that opportunity doesn’t come around very often. I also hope they learn the professionalism and collaboration that’s required in a rehearsal room.”
Her advice?
Be brave. Make strong choices. We love performers who give us something to work with.
More Than a Performance
While audiences will see an exciting performance at the end of the Pilot Program, the real magic happens during the week leading up to the presentation.
Throughout the week, students work side by side with professional creatives, contributing to the ongoing development of a new musical that will eventually be performed by young people around the world. It’s a uniquely collaborative process that develops not only stronger performers, but more thoughtful artists.
It’s also one of the reasons Music Theatre International Australasia continues to partner with OzTheatrics on these important development workshops.
“For the students, being part of the OzTheatrics Pilot Program is far more than a performance opportunity, it’s a genuine window into how professional theatre is made,” says Stuart Hendricks from Music Theatre International Australasia.
“Working alongside experienced directors, music directors and choreographers, young performers see firsthand how creative decisions are tested and refined. This exposure to real industry thinking is invaluable. It shapes not just better performers, but more curious and collaborative young artists.”
It’s this combination of professional mentorship, creative exploration and genuine industry collaboration that makes the OzTheatrics Pilot Program unlike any other youth theatre experience.
For every student stepping into the rehearsal room in Melbourne, this won’t simply be an opportunity to perform a musical.
It will be an opportunity to help create one.
