University of Western Australia appoints Albany’s Matt Ward as inaugural chair for new Music Theatre course

An Albany-born drama aficionado has taken the reins for a new University of Western Australia arts program that hopes to provide students with opportunities he wishes he had had. Matt Ward has been appointed the first chair of UWA’s new Music Theatre course, under the Conservatorium of Music. The program’s implementation marks the first opportunity for WA students to study musical theatre alongside more traditional degrees. Ward, who is also the artistic director and chief executive of multi-arts company Breaksea, said the introduction of the course marked a revolution for students wanting to diversify their education. “What we’re excited for is this can act as a broadening course,” he said. “If you’re someone who loves the performing arts and singing but are also interested in something like geography or law, you can study a practical course and a creative course together. “One of the key messages is that you can do a degree for yourself and then one for your parents.” Forced to choose between an architectural landscape degree and a musical theatre one as a student, Ward said he hoped the new course would open up wider pathways for future students. The course is the most diverse in the Conservatorium of Music, boasting a wider variety of skill repertoires than the training the current classical, contemporary and electronic music courses provide. Classes will include singing, dancing, acting, dialogue and movement with an emphasis on collaborative opportunity. “What’s great about being inaugural chair is bringing my personality to the course,” he said. “What I’m really interested in is giving students the opportunity to be a part of creating the performances, pulling together a musical program with a huge level of collaboration. “It’s not just learning, but making.” Ward has directed and performed in productions across Australia, as well as appearing as an opera singer in the UK and Europe. He says it is his position as head of Breaksea however that may serve him best in his new position, having helped seek out keen performers and help them blossom. ”With Breaksea, we’ve run a youth mentorship program for young performers in regional WA and I see so many people who might not be ready for a professional run but want to give it a go. “This is the perfect course for them.” Head of the Conservatorium of Music Professor Alan Lourens said Ward’s extensive experience and artistic vision would be invaluable for the program’s implementation. “Matt’s extensive background, innovative approach, commitment to West Australian stories, and dedication to the performing arts will greatly enhance our Conservatorium’s offerings and we look forward to the exciting opportunities and high-quality education he will bring to our students,” he said. “One of the unique features of the music theatre major is its flexibility, with students able to combine it with almost any other major across the University, allowing them to pursue their passions on stage and beyond.” Applications for the new course are currently open, with the first batch of students to start in Semester 1 next year.