New Music Theatre Chair and major hit right note at UWA

The University of Western Australia’s Conservatorium of Music has appointed performer and director Matt Reuben James Ward as its inaugural Chair of Music Theatre to coincide with the launch of a new major in music theatre.

A graduate of the Royal College of Music London (Master of Performance, Yvonne Wells Award) and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Mr Ward brings a wealth of experience to the role.

Born and raised in Albany in regional Western Australia, he has directed productions including Wundig wer Wilura, The Nightingale, Hansel & Gretel, La bohème and the first opera sung in the Noongar language, Koolbardi wer Wardong, for West Australian Opera. 

The founder and current artistic director of multi-artform performance company Breaksea, in 2025 Mr Ward plans to revive his recent production of La Boheme for Opera Queensland and premiere Aliwah Bardinar!, a new production created by WA Indigenous musicians Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse.

With a background as an opera singer, Mr Ward has appeared in theatres across the UK and Europe with roles in productions including Life to Come directed by Stephen Fry, the Olivier Award-winning production by English Touring Opera, Paul Bunyan, and L’assedio di Calais at the Armel Opera fesztivál in Budapest. 

Closer to home, he has also performed in Sweeney Todd, Orpheus in the Underworld, Carmen and The Cunning Little Vixen for the West Australian Opera.

Image: UWA's new Chair of Music Theatre, Matt Reuben James Ward.

Head of the Conservatorium of Music, Professor Alan Lourens, said Mr Ward’s extensive experience and artistic vision would be invaluable as he oversees the development and implementation of the Music Theatre major, set to commence in 2025.

“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.

The new major in music theatre is designed for students who have enjoyed musical theatre at school and will focus on enhancing practical music skills and artistry while also exploring music theatre history and analysis, to provide a well-rounded understanding of the theoretical frameworks that underpin performance. 

Students will have the opportunity for solo performances, participation in ensembles and workshops, and work integrated learning experiences with WA-based arts organisations and community theatre companies.

“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,” Professor Lourens said.