The City of Melbourne has announced the launch of a new $1 million fund to assist the development and production of new musical theatre shows in Victoria.

Melbourne Theatre Company’s 2024 production of My Brilliant Career. Photo © Pia Johnson

Co-funded by the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Government, the Musical Theatre Development Fund aims to “strengthen the pipeline of homegrown musicals”. It is open to both emerging and established creatives looking for support the development and advancing of original musical works, with half of the fund dedicated to works devoted to Australian stories.

The Fund will also support emerging and student creatives with professional development opportunities including workshops, masterclasses and industry access.

“This project has us singing from the rooftops. International productions have launched the careers of countless Melbourne creatives. Now it’s Melbourne’s turn to create the next global hit,” said Lord Mayor Nick Reece.

“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 news arrives as Australia’s theatre scene faces a growing industry crisis: Beetlejuice and Waitress both canned national tours, though both had completed a Melbourne season....