In 2006 7.4 million people attended a live performing arts event. Of those, 2.5 million went to see a musical theatre production.
Musical theatre has the broadest of audiences and an ability to inspire, move and excite with accessible ease. Along with cinema, it is considered the great performing art form of the 20th century.
Because of its accessibility, musical theatre is often the first experience that many people have of the performing arts. This first experience can inspire a connection with performing arts that will last a lifetime. Kookaburra, and its commitment to promoting and developing musical theatre, is therefore of enormous value to the development and promotion of all the performing arts.
“….I would like to see a company exclusively devoted to musicals, including the vast repertoire of neglected musical theatre of the twentieth century. Along with cinema, the musical is the great entertainment form of our time…”
Richard Wherrett, The Fourth Philip Parsons Memorial Lecture, Sydney, 2 December 1996
Want To Get Involved In Your Local Community Musical Theatre Organisation?
Click below to download Frank Van Straten OAM's 'The History of Musical Theatre in Australia'
The History of Musical Theatre in Australia - Part 1
The History of Musical Theatre in Australia - Part 2
*Australia Council, Annual Report 2005/06
**Sweeney Research 2006