Teach Musical Theatre
A new era is here! Teach musical theatre with the RAD
Musical theatre has become a staple in the entertainment world, with its influence now reaching audiences globally, increasing demand for training and classes, starting from a young age. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to teach musical theatre with us.
The new RAD Musical Theatre syllabus has been devised to inspire learners of all ages and experience levels, and celebrate progress with new RAD Musical Theatre exams and group awards, available for students of RAD RTS teachers.
Bringing together acting, singing, and dance, this progressive training pathway will nurture confidence, creativity, and versatile performance skills.
Be part of something extraordinary
This is your chance to join a vibrant new chapter and an opportunity to expand your range of classes. Be among the first to explore the RAD Musical Theatre syllabus. If you’re ready to inspire your students and elevate their performance skills, register your interest today by completing the form below. You’ll be invited to take the training and start teaching these exciting new classes.
Together, let’s bring the magic of musical theatre to life!
Train the next generation of triple threats
The RAD Musical Theatre syllabus is a dynamic programme that sparks creativity, blending acting, singing, and dance into one exciting journey to nurture the next generation of triple-threat performers.
Syllabus developed alongside industry experts
Available for Primary to Grade 8 for teaching and examining
New Musical Theatre exams — RAD Registered Teachers only
Musical Theatre Awards for duets, trios, quartets, and groups
A progressive pathway for every performer
Whether they are taking their first steps into the world of musical theatre or preparing for advanced study, our syllabus offers clear routes for growth.
From foundational skills for younger learners to challenging material for higher grades, this training supports progression into vocational or conservatoire pathways. Plus, with Musical Theatre Awards for duets, trios, quartets, and groups, students can experience the thrill of performance from the very start.
Take the training! Sign up for our Musical Theatre syllabus CPD
Musical Theatre Introductory Training Sydney CPD
Wednesday 7 October 2026 – Friday 9 October 2026
9.30am-4.30pm AEDT each day
RAD Members $660-$710AUD
Non-members $760 AUD
Musical Theatre Introductory Training (CPD) – Melbourne
Monday 12 October 2026 – Wednesday 14 October 2026
9.30am-4.30pm AEDT each day
RAD Members $660-$710AUD
Non-members $760 AUD
Musical Theatre Introductory Training (CPD) – Brisbane October
Tuesday 20 October 2026 – Thursday 22 October 2026
9.30am-4.30pm AEDT each day
RAD Members $660-$710AUD
Non-members $760 AUD
Musical Theatre Introductory Training (CPD) – Sydney January
Tuesday 12 January 2027 – Thursday 14 January 2027
9.30am-4.30pm AEDT each day
RAD Members $660-$710AUD
Non-members $760 AUD
Musical Theatre Introductory Training (CPD) – Brisbane January
Tuesday 12 January 2027 – Thursday 14 January 2027
9.30am-4.30pm AEDT each day
RAD Members $660-$710AUD
Non-members $760 AUD
Meet our Australian Musical Theatre CPD Tutors
Learn from some of Australia’s most respected musical theatre professionals. Our expert tutor team brings a wealth of industry experience to deliver the RAD Musical Theatre Introductory Training course across the country.
Luke Alleva
Luke Alleva is an accomplished performer, choreographer, creative director, producer, adjudicator, and educator with an extensive career spanning musical theatre, television, film, and live entertainment across Australia and the United Kingdom.
Luke began his musical theatre career performing as Juan in Man of La Mancha, Brains in Get Happy, and Cliff in the Australian tour of We Will Rock You.
His West End credits include We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre, Saturday Night Fever at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, and the West End Rocks UK Tour.
Australian theatre credits include Annie (Dance Captain/Swing), The Rocky Horror Show, Guys and Dolls, Mamma Mia!, Xanadu (Young Danny), Moonshadow (Dance Captain/Swing), A Chorus Line, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Hot Shoe Shuffle (Swing and Spring), Dirty Dancing – Immersive Cinema (Luigi), Gene & Judy (Gene Kelly), Faulty Towers (Manuel), The Rocky Horror Show (Eddie/Dr Scott), and You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Snoopy).
For The Production Company, Luke has appeared as Eddie Ryan in Funny Girl, Al Saxon in Dusty, and in productions of The Boy from Oz, 42nd Street, Little Me, Guys and Dolls, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and The Boy Friend.
Luke is the Founder and Creative Director of Luca Entertainment Productions. He co-produced the internationally acclaimed Gene Kelly: The Legacy Australian tour, presented at the Sydney State Theatre, Melbourne Recital Centre, and Brisbane QPAC.
As a creator and producer, Luke developed and starred in his one-man show The Dancin’ Man, which toured theatres throughout Australia, including Arts Centre Melbourne’s Hamer Hall, as well as international cruise lines. His other productions include Dance Fitness on Broadway and numerous live entertainment events.
Luke is also a highly sought-after choreographer and co-director. His choreography and creative credits include Saturday Night Fever (Chapel Off Chapel), Cabaret (Spiegeltent), Gene & Judy, 50’s Shake, Pippin, A Chorus Line (Adelaide), Futuration (The Palms at Crown), the short films Close To You and Different Things, Give My Regards to Broadway, ‘Tis The Season, We Need A Little Christmas (Fed Square), music videos, corporate productions, and musical theatre workshops.
He has served as a Tap and Musical Theatre Ambassador for VDF, ATF, DDA, and SASDS, and has choreographed and performed for major events including Carols by Candlelight (Channel 9), the Ballarat Carols with Daryl Somers, and numerous corporate and commercial productions. Luke is regularly engaged as an adjudicator, judge, and mentor throughout Australia.
Film credits include Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge! (Montmartre Lead Dancer), Bootmen, Gallipoli From Above (Tom Usher), and The Divorce for the ABC.
Television credits include Always Greener, Australia’s Got Talent, The Paul O’Grady Show, Kerri-Anne, Countdown, Sunrise, the Sydney Olympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies, television commercials, and lifestyle campaigns.
Luke continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of performers through teaching, directing, choreography, and creative development across Australia.
Lia Cox
Lia Cox is a performing arts educator, leader, and arts administrator with almost three decades of experience across dance, musical theatre, and arts management.
Lia is the Head of Examinations and Regions (Australia) for the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), where she leads the strategic delivery of examinations, regional operations, and educational initiatives across the country. She also serves as an RAD Musical Theatre Continuing Professional Development Tutor, supporting teachers in delivering the Academy’s innovative Musical Theatre syllabus.
Originally training at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Lia enjoyed a professional performing career before transitioning into teaching and arts leadership.
She holds a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, is a certified Progressing Ballet Technique instructor, and has taught and assessed dancers and musical theatre performers from beginner through to pre-professional levels. Throughout her career, she has contributed to the development and delivery of nationally recognised qualifications in dance and musical theatre, mentoring countless students and educators.
A strong advocate for holistic performer training, Lia believes technical excellence should always be balanced with creativity, resilience, artistry, and the wellbeing of every dancer. Her teaching philosophy centres on nurturing confident, versatile performers while fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments where students can thrive both artistically and personally.
Beyond her work in education, Lia has extensive experience in theatre production, venue management, and arts administration. She is an active member of the South Australian performing arts community and regularly writes theatre reviews under the banner Lia Loves, celebrating the work of emerging and established artists alike.
Lia is particularly passionate about creating meaningful pathways for young performers into professional careers and enjoys mentoring students through auditions, examinations, and career planning. She is committed to strengthening connections between education and industry, ensuring performers are equipped with both exceptional artistic skills and the confidence to succeed in an ever-evolving creative landscape.
Ross Hannaford
Ross is a singer, actor, dancer, educator, choreographer, director, and creative professional working across a diverse range of disciplines in the theatre industry, both in Australia and internationally.
His professional musical theatre career has been wide-ranging, commencing in the role of Tiny Tim in Scrooge at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre over 30 years ago, through to his more recent acclaimed portrayal of Princeton and Rod in Avenue Q at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne. Ross is currently performing in the international tour of Sunset Boulevard in Tokyo, Japan.
He received a Green Room Award nomination for his portrayal of Tobias Ragg in Victorian Opera’s acclaimed production of Sweeney Todd. He also played the role of Skimbleshanks in the Australian tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s re-created CATS, before becoming the Resident Director of the production in Seoul, South Korea. Other performance highlights include Paul in A Chorus Line, Wicked, King Kong, We Will Rock You, Theo in Pippin, Colin in The Secret Garden, and SHOUT! The Musical.
His Production Company credits include Clarius in Camelot, Junior in Little Me, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Sweet Charity.
Ross is a recipient of the Solo Seal Award from the Royal Academy of Dance and was a finalist at the international Margot Fonteyn Awards. He is also a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts – Music Theatre and the VCA Secondary School, where he received the Anne Woolliams Award for Dance Excellence.
Ross joined Cirque du Soleil in Montreal, Canada, to workshop the ‘Trickster’ character for the touring production of Kooza. He appeared as the lead vocalist on Foxtel’s The Singing Office, where he cemented his love for music and composition. He has since pursued his own writing and recording with Rockcandy Productions and The Shed Studios, culminating in a top 10 placing with the Australian Songwriting Association.
Ross also created and performed the tribute show Cheek to Cheek, celebrating the artistry and legacy of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The production revisits the stories of the 20th century’s greatest on-screen partnership.
More recently, Ross has turned his focus to nurturing and training the next generation of global artists as Dance Coordinator for the VCA Music Theatre Undergraduate Degree. He is passionate about developing diverse skill sets while fostering a strong connection to story, self, and innovative performance. His choreography credits at VCA have been praised for their originality, stylistic versatility, and narrative integration, including Spring Awakening, Heathers, Merrily We Roll Along, and Flora the Red Menace.
Entrenched in the history and fabric of dance and musical theatre in Australia, Ross has been published in both Limelight and Dance Australia magazines. He is passionate about the continued success of the theatre arts sector, striving for an industry that is groundbreaking, robust, fulfilling, rewarding, and welcoming to all.
Philippa Lynas
Philippa Lynas was born and bred in the Barossa Valley. After studying in New York City at the prodigious American Musical and Dramatic Academy, Philippa was nominated and subsequently won the 2011 Broadway’s Rising Star Award where she performed at one of the oldest Broadway theatres, the New York City Town Hall. Over her career, Philippa has performed on some of the worlds most iconic stages, such as at Carnegie Hall, the Fox Theatre in Atlanta and Radio City Music Hall. In 2020 she finished touring the United States as ‘The Ice Queen’ in Cirque Du Soleil, Cirque Dreams Holidaze. Philippa has also travelled to 88 counties as the lead production singer on board the Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Victoria and the largest ocean liner in the world, Queen Mary 2. Credits: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Disco Wonderland, Cats, Young Frankenstein, The Greatest Showman (backing vocalist).
Tyran Parke
Tyran Parke worked as an actor for two decades before firmly establishing himself as one of Australia’s most acclaimed theatre directors.
He is now a highly sought-after director, producer, and educator. He directed the all-star production of Follies at the Melbourne Recital Centre, followed by the acclaimed productions of Barnum, starring Todd McKenney and Rachael Beck, Chess, starring Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Rob Mills, and Paulini, and Pride and Prejudice, starring Nadine Garner.
Further professional directing credits include the plays Thom Pain, Pool (No Water), The Laramie Project, Great Expectations, and Proof; the musicals Jekyll and Hyde, Rent, The Goodbye Girl, A Chorus Line, Songs for a New World, and Hello Again; and the operas The Coronation of Poppea and The Fairy Queen.
His concert work includes the acclaimed Here’s to the Ladies, Rob Mills is Surprisingly Good, Debra Byrne and Vika Bull in Tapestry, Caroline O’Connor’s From Broadway with Love, Dirty Dancing in Concert, Mark Vincent’s Broadway, ABBA Orchestrated, three national tours of From Broadway to La Scala over a six-year period, and the acclaimed To Ria from Richard (A Tale as Old as Us).
Other notable productions include Ordinary Days (Green Room Award – Best Director), Big Fish (BroadwayWorld and GLUG Award nominations – Best Director), Falsettos (Green Room Award nomination – Best Director), and The Coronation of Poppea (Opera Chaser Award – Best Director of an Opera).
In 2024, Tyran founded Clovelly Fox, with its debut production, Elegies: A Song Cycle, receiving five Green Room Award nominations, including Best Director, which Tyran won. The company’s second production, Ordinary Days, also received five Green Room Award nominations. Most recently, Clovelly Fox presented Grey Gardens, starring Helen Dallimore and Deidre Rubenstein.
As an educator, Tyran has worked with all of Australia’s major performing arts training institutions and is currently the Head of Music Theatre at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA). He is also the Artistic Director of the acclaimed Australian Musical Theatre Festival in Launceston, where he has recently completed his sixth festival program, collaborating with many of Australia’s leading artists, including Todd McKenney, Philip Quast, Paulini, Caroline O’Connor, and Nadine Garner across a range of musicals and concerts.
His next project is Jason Robert Brown’s The Trumpet of the Swan at the Regent Theatre for Opera Australia.
Karen Perring
Karen Perring is an experienced dance educator, examiner, and adjudicator with over 30 years of teaching in Australia and the UK. Based on the Gold Coast, she has taught ballet, jazz, contemporary, and musical theatre, mentoring students who have progressed to leading dance schools, professional companies, and stage productions across Australia and internationally.
Karen is a fully registered teacher and a member of the Royal Academy of Dance Panel of Examiners, examining students throughout Australia and overseas. Following a professional performance career spanning classical ballet, contemporary dance, musical theatre, television, and corporate entertainment, she owned and directed successful dance schools before teaching freelance in Australia and London.
She holds a Diploma in Dance Teaching and Management and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and delivers and assesses nationally accredited qualifications in dance education, musical theatre, and elite performance. Karen brings extensive industry expertise and a commitment to developing confident, versatile performers and the next generation of dance educators.
Joseph Simons
Joseph Simons is a director, writer, and choreographer for stage and screen.
As a performer, Joseph has toured throughout the USA, Asia, the United Kingdom, and Australia with companies including West Australian Ballet (Ausdance Award, title role in Pinocchio), Opera Australia, Chunky Move, Lucy Guerin Inc., Queensland Ballet, Force Majeure, Victorian Opera, Jack Productions, The Australian Ballet, and The Production Company. He has also performed in development casts for Australian Dance Theatre and DV8 Physical Theatre in London.
As an actor, Joseph played Tom in the original London cast of Spider Love by Mick Goldstein and created the role of Malcolm in the world premiere of The Death of Kings by Colette F. Keen. He also appeared in the Australian premiere cast of Nice Work If You Can Get It.
Following residencies at the International Choreographic Laboratory in Frankfurt and Ada Studios in Berlin, Germany, Joseph’s work First Things First premiered in New York, earning him a Green Room Award nomination. He went on to write 100 Years of the History of Dance as Told by One Man in 60 Minutes with an Energetic Group Finale, which was first developed at the Roundabout Theater in New York before touring extensively throughout Australia.
Joseph’s choreography has been performed by West Australian Ballet (Man Alive, A Few Moments of Your Time), Footlight Productions (Miss Saigon), The Seven Sopranos (Popcorn), Matt Ward Entertainment (Mamma Mia!), Queensland University of Technology (Skank: A Tragic Love Story), the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (Self Destruct), Queensland Conservatorium (Carousel, Little Women, Company, The Wedding Singer, Legally Blonde, Personals, It’s Only Life, and Elegies), Amplified House (Simply Brill), and the Flying Fruit Fly Circus (Storm).
Joseph was awarded the Tanya Liedtke Fellowship, presented to one Australian choreographer every two years. In 2026, he was Movement Director on Season 3 of Austin for ABC Television.
Joseph served as Artistic Director of Altitude Theatre in Brisbane, where he directed the sold-out and extended production of The Producers, along with the sold-out season of Out: Out of the Closet – Into the Spotlight.
In 2022, Joseph joined the Elder Conservatorium at the University of Adelaide as a Lecturer in Music Theatre, designing curriculum for the Bachelor of Music Theatre degree while directing productions including The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Elegies, and Shrek: The Musical.
Alongside Millicent Sarre, Joseph is one half of the writing team Sarre & Simons. Together they are currently developing their new musical PRIMETIME, supported by the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, the Frank Ford Foundation, and Creative Australia.
Nathan Mark Wright
Nathan M. Wright is one of Australia’s most internationally accomplished directors and choreographers, with a career spanning more than 25 years across theatre, film, television, and global live events. His work has taken him from London’s West End to the Olympic Games, from Hollywood film sets to major international productions across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia, collaborating with many of the world’s leading producers, directors, and creative teams.
Nathan’s extensive theatre credits include the Australian premieres of The Prom, The Addams Family, and Santa Claus: The Musical for On Your Feet Australia, alongside acclaimed productions of The Rocky Horror Show throughout Australia, the West End, the United Kingdom, Paris, and South Africa.
His choreography has been seen in London’s West End, including High Society (The Old Vic), The Rocky Horror Show (The Playhouse), Sweet Smell of Success (Arcola), Xanadu (Southwark Playhouse), and Crazy for You (UK Tour). Australian highlights include Guys & Dolls, Avenue Q, Aspects of Love, and the original Chinese musical San Xing Dui. Throughout his career, Nathan has collaborated with renowned directors including Christopher Luscombe, Maria Friedman, Gale Edwards, Jonathan Biggins, Paul Hart, and Baz Luhrmann.
Beyond the stage, Nathan’s work extends across some of the world’s most recognised film and television productions. His credits include choreographing Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, serving as Associate Choreographer on The Great Gatsby, Dance Casting Associate on Michael Gracey’s Better Man, and choreographing Amazon MGM Studios’ Voltron. His screen credits as a performer include Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge! and the Academy Award-winning Happy Feet.
His television credits include the AFL Grand Final, Strictly Come Dancing, So You Think You Can Dance, the Helpmann Awards, and numerous major international broadcasts.
Nathan has also been entrusted with the choreography and artistic direction of some of the largest live events ever staged, including the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games in Baku, Azerbaijan, the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Sochi Winter Olympics, the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, Expo 2020 Dubai, the Vancouver Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony, and major national celebrations throughout the Middle East and Asia.
His work has been recognised with multiple Helpmann, Green Room, BroadwayWorld, and WhatsOnStage Award nominations, reflecting a career distinguished by artistic ambition, inventive storytelling, and large-scale theatrical spectacle.
Today, Nathan is Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of TEATRO at the Italian Forum and THEatreBRIDGE in Sydney. Through both organisations, he continues to champion bold and ambitious theatre while nurturing the next generation of Australian artists, creating opportunities for emerging performers to work alongside some of the industry’s most respected creative voices.
Interested in teaching musical theatre? Fill out this form (AUS)
This form is for teachers interested in teaching RAD Musical Theatre syllabus. If you are a parent or student, please sign up to our RAD newsletter at the bottom of this page to stay in touch about future updates.
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Teachers’ Scholarship Fund – Musical Theatre CPD Round 2026
The Teachers’ Scholarship Fund is proud to support teachers undertaking professional development in Musical Theatre through a dedicated Musical Theatre CPD Round in 2026.
This funding opportunity has been created to help offset the cost of attending the three-day Musical Theatre CPD course, supporting teachers to build the skills, insight and confidence to deliver Musical Theatre within their teaching practice.
Teachers across Australia are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to expand their professional development and explore this exciting new syllabus
Applications are now open.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Musical Theatre syllabus designed for?
This syllabus is accessible to a wide range of learners across all grades, with no upper age limit. It supports students with varying levels of experience, including those without a formal dance background. Learners in the lower grades can develop key foundational skills, while higher grades provide material that can support progression into vocational or conservatoire training.
What skills will students develop through this syllabus, and how does it support their progression?
Teachers will help students build strong foundations in acting, singing, and dance, while also developing confidence, creativity, and an understanding of musical theatre as an art form. By the higher grades, students will have a range of material that can support auditions and further training.
How will exams work for musical theatre?
Graded exams are available from Primary to Grade 8 and are solo assessments, taken at the registered centre.
Musical Theatre Awards are available for duos, trios, quartets and groups, and are designed to build confidence and showcase performance skills in Musical Theatre. Awards are offered at Pre-Junior (group only), Junior, Senior, Elite and Platinum levels.
RAD Musical Theatre exams will be booked in a similar way to our ballet examination sessions and will be conducted by an appointed Musical Theatre Examiner.
What training is required to teach the syllabus?
Teachers who are planning to teach the RAD Musical Theatre syllabus are required to complete a 3-day Musical Theatre Introductory Training (CPD) course, which explores the RAD approaches to teaching acting, singing and dance.
Who can enter students for RAD Musical Theatre exams?
In order to reflect standards and quality assurance, RAD Registered Teachers must attend the Musical Theatre Introductory Training (CPD). Only RAD Registered Teachers (with an active RAD membership), who have completed the Musical Theatre Introductory Training (CPD), will be able to enter candidates for musical theatre exams.
Can teachers involve specialist colleagues (e.g., vocal or acting coaches)?
Teachers may involve specialist colleagues (e.g., vocal or acting coaches) to support and carry out lessons. However, the entering teacher must be an RAD Registered Teacher who has completed the RAD Musical Theatre Introductory Training (CPD).
Can teachers with musical theatre experience and without RAD Registered Teacher Status (RTS) deliver the syllabus?
Teachers without RAD RTS who have completed the RAD Musical Theatre Introductory Training (CPD) course can deliver the syllabus, but only RAD Registered Teachers (with an active RAD membership) who have completed the RAD Musical Theatre Introductory Training (CPD) can enter students for RAD Musical Theatre exams.
How do I become eligible for RAD Registered Teacher Status (RTS)?
You can find out how to become eligible for RAD Registered Teacher Status (RTS) here.
If I am not eligible for RAD Registered Teacher Status but feel that I have the qualifications and experience to be considered, how do I find out more?
We are actively developing teaching qualifications and pathways to RAD RTS specifically for musical theatre practitioners. If you’d like to be considered and kept informed, please fill out the expression of interest form above.
Can I attend the 3-day RAD Musical Theatre Introductory Training (CPD) if I am not currently an RAD Registered Teacher?
Anyone can attend the 3-day RAD Musical Theatre Introductory Training (CPD); however, it is preferable to attend if you are already an RAD Registered Teacher. RAD Members, including RAD Registered Teachers, can benefit from a discounted rate.
What is RAD Registered Teacher Status (RTS)?
RAD Registered Status (RTS) is a professional membership category that is given to teachers who have undergone the appropriate education and training to give them the skills and knowledge to teach. Only teachers who meet our professional standards can be registered with us. All RAD Registered Teachers (RTS) are required to uphold the RAD Code of Professional Practice for Teachers.
What is the Code of Professional Practice for Teachers?
The Code of Professional Practice sets standards for teachers, registered with the RAD, that are underpinned by the vision, mission and values of the RAD, and which seek to set, maintain and promote the highest standards of dance education, teaching and learning worldwide.
Are you already an RAD RTS member?
If you already hold RAD Registered Teacher Status, head to the Members’ Area to find more content about the new RAD Musical Theatre syllabus, exclusive for members only.
To find out more about how to become RAD RTS, head to this page and explore our pathways to RTS membership.
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