Junior Theatre Festival Australia: A Cultural and Economic Boon for Newcastle
The curtains are about to rise, once again, as the Junior Theatre Festival Australia returns to Newcastle this weekend.
This iconic event, now in its eighth year, is not just a celebration of young talent; it's an extraordinary testament to Newcastle's cultural and economic vitality. As the biggest festival of youth musical theatre in Australia, it brings together 1,300 students, their parents, and 24 performance groups from across Australia and New Zealand.
Generously sponsored by the City of Newcastle, with an event sponsorship of $20,000, this festival is more than just a showcase of talent. It's a game-changer for the city's economy, with an estimated $368,000 of economic benefit expected this week, making Newcastle a shining destination for families across Australia.
Carly Parsons, reservations manager at Rydges Newcastle, reflects on the city's support, saying, "We have a number of groups staying with us this weekend as part of the Junior Theatre Festival. It is great to see the city supporting events that attract visitors to Newcastle."
The Junior Theatre Festival Australia is part of a global franchise, with festivals produced on behalf of Music Theatre International also held in Atlanta and Sacramento in the USA, Auckland, New Zealand and Birmingham, UK.
JTF Australia producer, Daniel Stoddart, said the event has a profound and far-reaching impact on the city.
"Not only do we get to showcase the majestic Civic Theatre and other cultural assets of Newcastle directly to our festival participants, but each group returns to their home cities with a media release outlining their involvement and any accolades received as part of their performance at the festival," said Stoddart.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said hosting the Australian festival in Newcastle reinforces the city's commitment to education and the creative industries.
"By supporting events like the Junior Theatre Festival Australia, we are building Newcastle’s reputation as a hub for education and creative industries, as well as a city which can host some of the best international events," said Cr Nelmes.
Adding star power to the festival, special guest presenters this weekend include Australian actor and singer Rob Mills, critically acclaimed artist Vidya Makan, and TikTok influencer and Broadway composer, Daniel J. Mertzlufft, all the way from New York City.
Rob Mills
With a career spanning nearly 20 years, Rob Mills has delighted audiences on both screen and stage. His celebrated roles in productions like Wicked, Hairspray, GHOST, Jesus Christ Superstar, Grease, and more, have solidified his place in the world of theatre. Beyond the stage, Rob is known for his on-screen appearances in Neighbours and Dancing with the Stars. In 2023, he takes on the role of Shakespeare in & Juliet. Rob's journey from a footy-playing, pub-singing tradie to an accomplished artist is an inspiring story.
Vidya Makan
An acclaimed actor, singer, composer, and lyricist, Vidya is best known for originating Catherine Parr in the Australian tour of SIX. Her impressive credits include performances in Bloom, The Lucky Country, Sunday In The Park With George, and more. Her recent debut original show, The Lucky Country, opened to rave reviews in Sydney.
Daniel J. Mertzlufft
A NYC-based composer/arranger, Daniel Mertzlufft is a viral sensation. He's known for The Thanksgiving Musical on The Late Late Show with James Corden and for spearheading the TikTok Ratatouille musical movement. His works include Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical, which raised more than $2million for The Actor's Fund. He's also the creative force behind original works like Fashion Show, Breathe, and Dot and the Kangaroo, commissioned by MTI Australasia and iTheatrics. This weekend, Newcastle shines as a hub for creativity and culture, welcoming international guests and fostering the talent of tomorrow. The Junior Theatre Festival Australia is a symbol of the city's commitment to the arts and its thriving, welcoming spirit.
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