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Federation University Australia graduate and world-renowned musical theatre performer Josh Piterman will return to Ballarat next month to share his craft with the next generation of performers in an exclusive masterclass to be held at Federation University’s Arts Academy.

After graduating from the university’s Bachelor of Performing Arts program, Josh has become an established artist performing on Australian and global stages for over 15 years. He made his West End debut in 2019 in the coveted role of The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera, a role he later reprised at the Sydney Opera House and Arts Centre, Melbourne.

Accompanied by Federation music theatre lecturer, Daniel Tusjak, a select group of current Federation Bachelor of Performing Arts students will have the opportunity to perform and receive direction and feedback from Josh on artistic and musical expression, artistic interpretation, and storytelling.

The class will be an exclusive opportunity to gain insight and knowledge from a true master of the stage reflecting a real-world industry audition experience.

"I can't wait to meet and work with the next generation of talent coming out of Ballarat. I’m looking forward to witnessing their wonderful performances, working closely with them, and hopefully giving them some unique tools and guidance to take on their long journeys as singers, storytellers and artists," said Josh.

"It's always a privilege to be back at Federation University’s Arts Academy. It houses so many lifechanging memories for me as a performer and was an integral part of my forging a career that I’m proud of. It's where I began to learn my craft as a musical theatre performer, and I often reflect on my time there with immense gratitude. I feel forever indebted to the wonderful people and the town."

Theatre fans of all ages including current and prospective performing arts students, Federation alumni, and the public, are invited to observe Josh, a renowned industry professional, at work and participate in a question-and-answer session.

Piterman is a Green Room Award winner and nominee with notable past credits including performing as part of international pop opera group The Ten Tenors, playing various roles in in the Australian season of Cats, Corny Collins in the UK tour of Hairspray and Gerry Goffin in the Australian tour of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Josh most recently returned to the West End to play the iconic role of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre.

The masterclass will take place at the Helen Macpherson Smith Theatre in Ballarat on Sunday 5 May. Places for the free, three-hour masterclass and following Q&A are strictly limited so bookings are essential. Tickets are available at qrco.de/masterclass_josh or by searching for ‘Federation’ on Eventbrite.