Fund to help Melbourne musicals hit the stage

A new $1 million fund will support the development and production of original musical theatre works in Victoria, as the state government and City of Melbourne look to build the next generation of homegrown stage hits.

The Musical Theatre Development Fund, jointly funded by the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne, has been designed to help local creatives take new musicals from early ideas through to production.

Announced on July 24 at the Regent Theatre, the fund aims to strengthen the pipeline of Melbourne-made musical theatre at a time when major international productions continue to play a major role in the city’s cultural calendar and visitor economy.

While imported shows remain a major drawcard, the new program is intended to give local writers, composers, performers and producers greater support to develop original works in Victoria, with the ambition of reaching larger audiences both locally and internationally.

Half of the fund will be reserved for projects that tell Australian stories, giving local experiences a clearer pathway onto Melbourne stages.

Lord Mayor Nick Reece said the initiative was about backing Melbourne creatives to develop works with the potential to travel well beyond the city.

“This project has us singing from the rooftops,” Cr Reece said.

“International productions have launched the careers of countless Melbourne creatives. Now it’s Melbourne’s turn to create the next global hit.”

“From Billy Elliot to Hamilton, some of the world’s most successful musicals started as local stories. We’re backing Melbourne creatives to tell ours.”

The fund will support creative teams at different stages of development, from early concepts through to more advanced original musical works.

Established creative teams will be able to apply for significant grant funding to develop and progress new musicals, while emerging teams will be supported to stage productions within the City of Melbourne.

The program will also include professional development opportunities such as workshops, masterclasses and access to industry expertise, helping creatives refine their work and attract national and international investment.

Musical theatre students will also be given opportunities to attend workshops and performances, creating stronger links between training, professional development and the broader industry.

Creative Melbourne portfolio head Cr Philip Le Liu said musical theatre played an important role in the city’s creative economy.

“Musical theatre is a major contributor to Melbourne’s creative economy – supporting thousands of writers, composers, performers, producers, technicians and other skilled creatives,” Cr Le Liu said.

Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward said the fund would help Victorian stories reach new audiences. “Musical theatre is big business for Victoria – employing thousands of Victorians and drawing tourists from around the world,” Ms Ward said.

“This Fund gives Victorian stories the chance to shine on stages here and around the world.”

An industry delivery partner will soon be appointed to work with the sector and deliver the program. •