State Theatre Company South Australia

Strengthening South Australia’s arts industry

The Adelaide University and State Theatre Company South Australia partnership builds on a long history of collaboration between both organisations, strengthening connections between the University and the state’s arts sector. Through a range of joint activities, students and staff have opportunities to engage directly with leading theatre practitioners, from workshops and internships to participation in the development of new creative work. These experiences help foster industry connections and ensure emerging creative talent can learn, experiment and contribute to South Australia’s vibrant cultural landscape.

This partnership provides creative arts, music and performing arts students with valuable hands-on learning opportunities. Students benefit from guidance on musical theatre production development, access to State Theatre Company South Australia’s props, furniture and costume resources, and guest lectures delivered by creative directors and industry professionals. Together, these initiatives support practical skill development and strengthen pathways between study and professional creative practice.

Connecting on student learning

Bringing Theatre to Life - Students Learn from South Australia's Leading Artists

The Adelaide University and State Theatre Company South Australia (STCSA) partnership provides Adelaide University creative arts, performing arts, and music theatre students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the theatre-making process. Through a two-week masterclass, students gain first-hand insights into how contemporary theatre artists approach text, performance and production, with their work culminating in a short production inspired by STCSA's Euphoria by Emily Steel.

Students worked across four key areas of theatre production, directing, stage management and production, design, and acting, with each stream led by an experienced STCSA expert. Collaborating as a professional creative team, students developed and staged the work, gaining valuable industry experience and practical skills to support their future careers.

For Adelaide University Bachelor of Music Theatre Student Retha Teune, the masterclass provided a unique opportunity to learn directly from leading theatre-makers.

“The Masterclass has been invaluable in facilitating supportive development opportunities for emerging artists. It allowed me to learn directly from industry professionals and explore a new area of theatre production,” said Retha.

“I came away from the Masterclass with a deeper understanding of just how many different people, all with different roles and responsibilities, are needed for a production to get off the ground, and I feel very well equipped to use my newfound knowledge and skills in my own creative work.”

Embedding industry into training

Innovating Adelaide Health Simulation’s training program

The partnership between Adelaide University and STCSA extends beyond the performing arts, embedding world-class performance techniques into the training program for Adelaide Health Simulation actors. Adelaide University’s Adelaide Health Simulation is a specialist learning and teaching unit that delivers simulation-based education for students studying in the health professions students. Through a series of masterclasses, the partnership supports actors who perform as simulated patients, enhancing their skills to help train the next generation of nurses, allied health professionals, doctors and other healthcare practitioners.

Bringing Theatre to Life - Students Learn from South Australia's Leading Artists

Elder Conservatorium of Music and School of Performing Arts

South Australia's home for music and performing arts education and research

Adelaide University’s Elder Conservatorium of Music and School of Performing Arts empowers creatives to turn their passion for music and performance into successful careers. We offer a rich cultural environment for learning, research, collaboration, and creativity.

You can experience the talent of our students and staff through an exciting program of live performances.

Music Theatre students perform Jesus Christ Superstar. Photography by Greg Balcombe

Concert Series

Our much-loved annual Concert Series, held in the historic Elder Hall, features lunchtime and evening concerts, jazz and contemporary performances by students, staff and visiting musicians.

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Elder Conservatorium Music Theatre

Enjoy acclaimed musical theatre productions performed by our students, who develop their skills across singing, dancing and acting in a creative and collaborative environment. Past productions include Xanadu, Shrek, Legally Blonde, Les Misérables and Mamma Mia.

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Study with us

If you’re interested in studying music or performing arts we offer degrees across classical performance, jazz performance, creative practice, music education, musical theatre and performing arts.

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