From Study to Stage: How Sydney Fringe is Helping AMPA Alumni Thrive

Thinking about producing your first show? Already dreaming up a new cabaret, comedy set, dance work, or play? You’re in the right place.

At Sydney Fringe Festival, we’re all about celebrating the bold, the brave, and the brand new. Every year, we welcome hundreds of artists, with many producing work for the very first time. And for emerging creatives, it’s a rare chance to take risks, test ideas, and connect directly with audiences.

For AMPA students and graduates, Sydney Fringe Festival is fast becoming a natural first step into the industry.

In 2024, the AMPA community turned it out, with a slew of original work taking centre stage across the festival, from classical music and opera, to dance theatre, cabaret, and aerial. Whether performing, producing, or collaborating behind the scenes, these alumni showed just how powerful a supportive creative community can be when you’ve got a show to make and a story to tell.

The Student x Fringe Pathway

If you’re currently studying or just finished up your studies and wondering “what next?”, Sydney Fringe Festival might just be your next big move. We chatted to some of last year’s Fringe artists who got their start at AMPA, and the results speak for themselves: full houses, national tour invites, and creative careers that are only just beginning!

Here’s what a few of them had to say…

“As a recent AMPA graduate, Sydney Fringe felt like a great first step for self-producing my own work…It alleviated some admin stress, as venue sourcing, ticket sales, lighting, sound and FOH were all managed for me. I really valued having AMPA’s support with organisation and promotion.” – Anna Rushmer

“One of the highlights of my AMPA journey was creating a choreographic work for the end-of-trimester show…After attending the Sydney Fringe presentation at AMPA, I felt inspired to take the next step and produce my own show – Cocktail Cabaret. I was incredibly lucky to collaborate with an amazing cast of friends I met at AMPA, and I’m so proud of what we achieved on a minimal budget…The experience was a huge learning opportunity, and thanks to a successful season at Sydney Fringe, I’m now looking for future opportunities to stage Cocktail Cabaret elsewhere. Stay tuned!” – Kate Garrett

“As part of last year’s Sydney Fringe Festival, I played piano for a double bill of Australian opera and song cycle…Being involved with the Fringe Festival has always been fun, whether from the audience or as a performer, and inspiring to see the diversity in the Sydney artistic scene.” – Nathaniel Kong

“What started as a snap decision to bring a cabaret to life ended in a sold-out season, an invite to perform at Gluttony at Adelaide Fringe, and a 4.5-star review on opening night. AMPA supported the show with rehearsal space and industry insight, and I was able to use the choreographic tools I learned during my studies to problem-solve creatively and spontaneously throughout the process.” – Georgia van der Sman

2024 AMPA x Sydney Fringe Highlights

Undine by MMus grad Anna Rushmer – featuring Sophie Eccles (BDance), Milika Bell (BMus), Caleb Wells (BMus), and Connor Willis (AssocDance)
Cocktail Cabaret by BDance grad Kate Garrett – featuring Kara Peake (BDance) and Anna McCulla (BDance)
Miss Havisham’s Wedding Night – featuring AMPA lecturer Nathaniel Kong
Twisted Tales by BDance grad Georgia van der Sman – featuring Alana Teague (BDance), Sarah Pearce (BMus), Milli Higgins (BMus)

Each show found its audience, sparked industry interest, and gave the artists involved the kind of real-world, real-stage experience that can’t be replicated in a classroom.

Ready to Join Sydney Fringe?

Artist registrations are open now until 13 April. Whether you’re still studying or have recently graduated, this is your chance to take the leap and share your work with the world.

And don’t worry, you’re not alone. The Sydney Fringe team is here to support you every step of the way with resources, masterclasses, and advice on everything from budgeting to marketing and production. You bring the vision; we’ll help you bring it to life.

👉 Register now and be part of the 2025 festival.

Interested in Studying at AMPA?

AMPA (The Academy of Music and Performing Arts) offers an exceptional pathway for young creatives ready to carve out a career in the performing arts. From studio training to real-world performance opportunities, AMPA prepares students to hit the ground running and leap onto the stage.

Applications for AMPA’s May 2025 intake are now open!  Auditions can be arranged by appointment.
They’re also accepting applications for the September 2025 and January 2026 intakes.
AMPA offers Associate and Bachelor Degrees in Music and Dance.

Visit www.ampa.edu.au
Apply now at https://oas.ampa.edu.au/apply/

We can’t wait to see the next wave of AMPA talent take over Sydney Fringe Festival in 2025!