A community developing young people through the performing arts for over 40 years
Stage School Australia is proud to be a creative home for many young people across Melbourne and Brisbane.
With classes running at over 30 venues and a faculty of more than 200 industry professionals, we offer unmatched opportunities in singing, dancing, acting, and stagecraft.
Our Values
Opportunity
We will create opportunities for our developing and growing community.
Growth
Expanding our reach while encouraging curiosity, innovation, adaptability and lifelong learning.
Excellence
Continually striving for high standards throughout our community. Nurturing everyone to be their best and be proud of their achievements.
Fun
Creating a safe, inclusive and joyful environment where creativity and confidence flourish.
Tours & Events
Take a look at some of the key moments that have shaped our journey.
1984
Established in 1984 as the Victorian Children’s Theatre, we initially operated from East Kew Primary School. Rapid growth led to six Melbourne locations and the formation of the Victorian Youth Theatre (VYT).
1995
In 1995, they presented “Salad Days,” sparking interest in musical theatre from the advanced students. This year concluded with a season of Godspell at the Gasworks Theatre. Subsequent seasons included Man of La Mancha, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Oliver! and Rags.
1996
By 1996, the VYT had hundreds of students and began touring with productions like “A Well Spun Yarn” which marked the first international tour in the US, and performances at the Adelaide Fringe Festival, and “Back to Bacchus” in Europe in 1997, 2002 and 2004, and the USA in 1999.
1999
In 1999, the ensembles became known as the Young Australian Broadway Chorus (YABC) and started hosting musical theatre gala performances at the National Theatre in St Kilda.
2003
The YABC opened doors for younger students (ages five to seven) known as Beginners and Sub-Juniors. The Children’s Talent Company of Australia (CTCA), later the Talent Company of Australia (TCA), launched in 2003 to provide cost-effective representation of its members.
2004
The VYT celebrated its 20th Anniversary with a season of Australian works at The Malthouse Theatre where more than 700 students performed.
2008
In 2008, the YABC marked its 10th anniversary with a special show featuring excerpts from various productions including Rags, Salad Days, Godspell and Man of La Mancha.
2009
In 2009, the five to seven-year-old program began to operate independently as Beginners OnStage.
2017
In 2017, Beginners OnStage expanded to include pre-schoolers, ages four and five.
2018
In 2018, the YABC celebrated its 20th anniversary and 40th season at the National Theatre.
2022
In 2022, Stage School Australia expanded to Queensland, opening three venues in Brisbane, with a fourth in 2023.
2024
A milestone year! Stage School Australia celebrated 40 years since its' establishment, the YABC celebrated 25 years, AYT celebrated 40 years, and Beginners OnStage celebrated 15 years.
Our structured, curriculum-based programs cater to all experience levels and focus on personal growth as much as performance excellence.
Stage School Australia empowers young people with the confidence, creativity and communication skills they need to thrive both on stage and in life, through high-quality, ensemble-based performing arts training delivered by experienced professionals in a fun, inclusive environment.
Key Personnel
Register for 2026
With an impressive legacy spanning four decades, over 30 venues across Melbourne and Brisbane, and a faculty of over 200 dedicated professionals, Stage School Australia is one of the country’s leading performing arts organisations. We are proud to offer a dynamic, curriculum-based program that nurtures confidence, creativity and collaboration. These are skills that stay with our students for life, whether they pursue a career on stage or beyond.