Award-winning director returns to CQCM
Acclaimed theatre director Liam McIlwain will return to Mackay to direct CQUniversity’s upcoming production of the hit musical & Juliet.
Mr McIlwain trained at CQU’s Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) in Mackay before pursuing his Master of Fine Arts (Directing) at NIDA. He is currently the Resident Director of Pretty Woman: The Musical at Sydney's Theatre Royal.
CQU’s Head of Theatre, Dr Linda Lorenza said his homecoming will mark a significant moment for the regional theatre community and the University’s performing arts program.
"Bringing Liam back to Mackay is incredibly exciting for our students and the broader community," said Dr Lorenza.
"His wealth of experience on some of the world's biggest musical theatre productions will be invaluable. He has demonstrated that young performing artists in regional Queensland can fulfil their dreams and aspirations."
Mr McIlwain's recent Australian credits including Dear Evan Hansen, Groundhog Day, Rent, Mary Poppins, and Come From Away. He has worked extensively on Cameron Mackintosh's Les Misérables, serving as Resident Director for productions across the USA, Canada, UAE, Singapore and the Philippines, as well as staging productions in the UK, Japan and Brazil.
Before transitioning to directing, Mr McIlwain performed professionally for over a decade in productions including Les Misérables, Mary Poppins, Cats, and Grease. He is also a sought-after performance coach and guest teacher at leading performing arts institutions across Australia.
"Regional Queensland is brimming with talented young people and it's not too late for 2025 high school leavers to join the Diploma or Bachelor of Theatre and work with Liam," said Lorenza.
“Students in the Bachelor of Theatre will audition for Liam in Term 1, which commences on 9 March.”
Recent high school graduates interested in the performing arts can email musicandtheatre@cqu.edu.au to apply to audition for the course. More information can be found on the Music and Theatre Audition Process video.
& Juliet performances will be held from the 19 - 21 June with matinee and evening shows. Tickets will be available for purchase from the CQCM website.
