It’s easy to forget that Indigenous people’s are NATIVE to this land. Because of this, our connection to country is often undermined and disregarded. Recognising this connection is an imperative step forward. Understand it. Accept it. Embrace it. Share it. These words are from a proud Wiradjuri man, Jarrod Draper. Jarrod joins Gman live on 3KND Big Brekkie. Jarrod is the first Indigenous graduate from the prestigious Music Theatre course at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.
Born and raised in Orange, country NSW, Jarrod earned a full scholarship to the Regional Conservatorium to study Music Theatre and Classical Voice, which saw him perform both nationally and internationally for several years. During his time at WAAPA, Jarrod played roles such as ‘Sam’ in Lord of the Flies, ‘Black Fox’ in Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, ‘Louise’s Soldier (pas de deux dancer)’ in Carousel and most notably, ‘George’ in Sunday In The Park With George, for which he was voted Male Performer of the Year by Perth Theatre Reviews.
Jarrod could most recently be seen on stage in Big Sky Entertainment’s production of Mimma! at the Regal Theatre and in The Hayes Theatre Company’s sold out production of Catch Me If You Can. Jarrod is part of The Artists of Colour Initiative (AOC) is a scholarship competition designed to provide financial assistance and industry support to 6 exceptionally talented Theatre performers, based in Australia that identify as Bla(c)k, Indigenous or People of Colour.
The initiative was born from a recognition of the underrepresentation of Bla(c)k and Indigenous people, as well as People Of Colour in the Australian Theatre Industry. The aim of the scholarship is to ensure participation within the field of Musical Theatre amongst these very communities.
ELIGIBILITY To qualify for the AOC Initiative, applicants must:
• Identify as Bla(c)k, Indigenous, or People Of Colour.
• Be pursuing a career in Theatre performance.
• Be aged between 17 – 30 at the time of submission.
• Be an Australian citizen or resident.
• Not have previously secured a leading/supporting role in a mainstage Musical Theatre production.
• Not be engaged in or scheduled for performance-related work in a leading/supporting role (as above) at the time of submission.