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 or aspiring to work as performers in musical theatre and cabaret productions. Individuals are expected to apply theory and creative skills in different performance and rehearsal contexts and to display initiative and judgement in planning creative activities. They demonstrate leadership in performing complex creative and technical operations and can be responsible for planning, coordinating and evaluating the work of others within broad but generally well-defined parameters.
The job roles that relate to this qualification may include musical theatre performer, cabaret performer, or session vocalist.
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 available
See training providers offering VET Student Loans -
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:
1–2 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 vocal techniques | Core |
| Maintain a high level of fitness for performance | Core |
| Prepare for and perform in competitive environments | Core |
| Provide freelance services | Core |
| Refine musical theatre techniques | Core |
| Refine performance techniques | Core |
| Apply movement and behavioural principles to conditioning | Elective |
| Apply theatrical make-up and hairstyles | Elective |
| Articulate, present and debate ideas | Elective |
| Create and perform complex dance pieces | Elective |
| Create and perform dance pieces | Elective |
| Design virtual and hybrid events | Elective |
| Develop acrobatic techniques for theatrical performances | Elective |
| Develop advanced vocal techniques | Elective |
| Develop and apply acting techniques for musical theatre | Elective |
| Develop and apply comedy techniques for musical theatre | 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 conceptual and expressive skills as a performer | Elective |
| Develop expertise in jazz dance techniques | Elective |
| Develop singing techniques for musical theatre | Elective |
| Develop social media engagement plans | Elective |
| Develop specialist singing techniques for musical theatre repertoire | Elective |
| Develop storylines and treatments | Elective |
| Develop sustainability of own professional practice | Elective |
| Develop vocal techniques for musical theatre | Elective |
| Direct rehearsals of performers | Elective |
| Document dance | Elective |
| Explore the relationship between music and dance | Elective |
| Extend expertise in specialist creative fields | Elective |
| Extend musical theatre performance techniques to a professional level | Elective |
| Improvise advanced dance sequences | Elective |
| Incorporate anatomy principles into skill development | Elective |
| Interact appropriately with children in performing arts environments | Elective |
| Manage and operate technical requirements for virtual and hybrid events | Elective |
| Manage copyright arrangements | Elective |
| Manage feedback on creative practice | Elective |
| Manage small-scale live productions | Elective |
| Manage stagecraft aspects of performances | Elective |
| Manage the promotion of creative acts | Elective |
| Negotiate contracts | Elective |
| Organise and facilitate rehearsals | Elective |
| Originate and develop concepts | Elective |
| Participate in gym and resistance training for performances | Elective |
| Perform improvisation for audiences | Elective |
| Perform in a musical theatre ensemble | Elective |
| Perform music from written notation | Elective |
| Perform solo in a musical theatre context | Elective |
| Prepare to work with confronting material and processes in the creative industries | Elective |
| Provide technical support during virtual and hybrid events | Elective |
| Refine aural perception and memory skills | Elective |
| Refine conceptual understanding of dance | Elective |
| Refine dance partnering techniques | Elective |
| Undertake project work | Elective |
| Use acting techniques in performance | Elective |
| Use different performance techniques | Elective |
| Use interactive technology in performances | Elective |
| Write about dance | Elective |
| Write about music | Elective |
| Write extended stories | Elective |
Job prospects
The Diploma of 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 Diploma of 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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International Screen Academy (RTO code 40725)
Contact this provider
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Queensland College of Dance (RTO code 1476)
Contact this provider
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Raw Dance Company Pty Ltd (RTO code 41385)
Contact this provider
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The National Institute of Dramatic Art (RTO code 90349)
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.