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. Back to the Future: The Musical  and Sydney Theatre Company’s Dear Evan Hansen cancelled national tour dates following 2025 runs in Sydney, while Opera Australia’s Anastasia reduced performance dates.

Earlier this month, the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) called an emergency town hall to address the impact of these cancellations on the industry and its workers. The union is also spearheading a 40 percent tax offset for live theatre and musical theatre shows, in order to guard against rising production costs and lowering ticket sales.

Minister for Creative Industries Vicki Ward said that Melbourne’s musical theatre business employs thousands of Victorians and serves as a draw card for international tourism.

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