This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification reflects the role of individuals working in a wide variety of performance contexts that require a combination of singing, dancing and acting skills. Individuals will need to develop and apply performance skills for both solo and ensemble contexts. They may provide leadership and guidance to others and have limited responsibility for the output of others.
The job roles that relate to this qualification may include musical theatre performer, arts administrative assistant (small theatre) or cabaret performer.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification considerations
Qualification
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
Units of competency in qualification
Some individual units of competency may have their own licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements. Users must check individual units of competency for licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements relevant to that unit.
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Financial help
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Government funding is not available for this course.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
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On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Qualification only:
6 months – 2 years
- Qualification only:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Develop and apply acting techniques for musical theatre | Core |
| Develop audition techniques | Core |
| Develop dance techniques for musical theatre | Core |
| Develop self as artist | Core |
| Develop singing techniques for musical theatre | Core |
| Develop vocal techniques for musical theatre | Core |
| Perform in a musical theatre ensemble | Core |
| Perform solo in a musical theatre context | Core |
| Apply movement and behavioural principles to conditioning | Elective |
| Collaborate in creative processes | Elective |
| Condition body for dance performance | Elective |
| Create and perform dance pieces | Elective |
| Create simple musical compositions | Elective |
| Develop acrobatic techniques for theatrical performances | Elective |
| Develop and apply aural perception skills | Elective |
| Develop and apply comedy techniques for musical theatre | Elective |
| Develop and apply dance partnering techniques | Elective |
| Develop and apply specialist acting techniques for musical theatre repertoire | Elective |
| Develop and apply stagecraft skills | Elective |
| Develop and implement own self-care plan in the creative industries | Elective |
| Develop basic acting techniques for performance | Elective |
| Develop basic dance composition skills | Elective |
| Develop choreography skills | Elective |
| Develop conceptual and expressive skills as a performer | Elective |
| Develop expertise in ballet techniques | Elective |
| Develop expertise in contemporary dance techniques | Elective |
| Develop expertise in cultural dance techniques | Elective |
| Develop expertise in dance performance techniques | Elective |
| Develop expertise in jazz dance techniques | Elective |
| Develop expertise in lyrical dance techniques | Elective |
| Develop expertise in musical theatre techniques | Elective |
| Develop expertise in street dance techniques | Elective |
| Develop expertise in tap dance techniques | Elective |
| Develop movement skills for performance | Elective |
| Develop on-camera performance skills | Elective |
| Develop social media engagement plans | Elective |
| Develop specialist singing techniques for musical theatre repertoire | Elective |
| Develop vocal techniques | Elective |
| Extend expertise in specialist creative fields | Elective |
| Incorporate anatomy principles into skill development | Elective |
| Interact appropriately with children in performing arts environments | Elective |
| Manage feedback on creative practice | Elective |
| Participate in collaborative creative projects | Elective |
| Participate in gym and resistance training for performances | Elective |
| Perform basic on-ground acrobatic techniques | Elective |
| Plan a career in the creative arts industry | Elective |
| Prepare personal appearance for performances | Elective |
| Prepare to work with confronting material and processes in the creative industries | Elective |
| Provide freelance services | Elective |
| Provide technical support during virtual and hybrid events | Elective |
| Research history and theory to inform own arts practice | Elective |
| Use acting techniques in performance | Elective |
| Work effectively in the creative arts industry | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate IV in Musical Theatre sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Dancer and Choreographer
ANZSCO 211112
Dancers or Choreographers entertain by performing dances, or creating dance compositions.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Entertainer and Variety Artist
ANZSCO 211113
Entertainers or Variety Artists entertain by performing variety acts using a mix of acting, singing, dancing, and movement skills.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Other Actor, Dancer and Entertainer
ANZSCO 211199
Other Actors, Dancers and Entertainers includes jobs like Circus Trainer, Disc Jockey (Nightclub), Extra (Film or Television), Motivational Speaker, Public Speaker, and Stunt Performer.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Dance Teacher (Private Tuition)
ANZSCO 249212
Dance Teachers (Private Tuition) teach dance in private training establishments.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Music Teacher (Private Tuition)
ANZSCO 249214
Music Teachers (Private Tuition) teach music in private training establishments.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher
Training providers delivering Certificate IV in Musical Theatre
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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Australian Dance Council - Ausdance Vic Inc (RTO code 20949)
Contact this provider
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AUSTRALIAN TEACHERS OF DANCING LIMITED (RTO code 31624)
Contact this provider
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College of Sound and Music Production (RTO code 41549)
Contact this provider
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Dynamite Studios Australia (RTO code 40479)
Contact this provider
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Empowerdance Pty Ltd (RTO code 40397)
Contact this provider
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Queensland College of Dance (RTO code 1476)
Contact this provider
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Rose Training Australia (RTO code 31939)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.