Musical theatre grad wins Rob Guest Endowment Award

Queensland Conservatorium alumnus Georgina Hopson has won Australia’s pre-eminent musical theatre award – the Rob Guest Endowment.

Georgina took out the award with a stunning performance of Glitter and Be Gay and When Did I Fall In Love after a day of gruelling workshops and interviews with the judging panel.

The $20,000 prize was presented at a gala ceremony at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre this month, and will allow her to travel to New York to undertake further studies.

It was a case of third time lucky for the talented musical theatre star, who was shortlisted for the award twice before.

“Winning this is huge – it is essentially recognition from the industry, and to have that stamp of approval is such an honour,” she said.

“I can’t lie – it’s a pretty great way to start the year.

Queensland Conservatorium Director Professor Scott Harrison said the award was a “remarkable achievement”.

“This the most significant recognition for musical theatre in the country,” he said.

“Georgie was one of our first graduates from the Bachelor of Musical Theatre, and since then her career has gone from strength to strength.

“The success of our alumni reflects the calibre of teaching and learning happening at the Conservatorium – our students are given a world-class music education and are ready to make their mark in the industry when they graduate.”

Georgina most recently performed in My Fair Lady under the direction of Julie Andrews as an ensemble member, and understudied the lead role of Eliza Doolittle. Her other theatre credits include Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins (Arts Centre, Gold Coast) and Sue Snell in Carrie (Brisbane Powerhouse).

She will use the endowment to undertake further studies in New York.

“My time at the Con felt like an amazing introduction to the industry, but I don’t believe that you ever stop learning,” she said.

“I can’t wait to get to Broadway and soak it all up – it’s really the home of musical theatre.

“I plan on spending a couple of months over there doing workshops in singing, acting and dance and seeing shows – it’s a dream come true.”

The Rob Guest Endowment Award was created following the death of one of Australia’s finest musical theatre performers, Rob Guest OBE. In recognition of his achievements in the musical theatre industry, the Rob Guest Endowment was established in his honour to help emerging young performers in the musical theatre industry.