These industry-led masterclasses are designed to offer accessible information, answer questions, and provide skill-sharing opportunities for working creatives.
Feeling cabaret-curious? You’re in the right place!
Internationally renowned cabaret artist and Hayes Co-Artistic Director Victoria Falconer – the “exceptionally talented cabaret powerhouse” (Fest Mag) – will take you by the hand and lead you into the raucous, risqué and deeply delicious world of cabaret! In this two hour workshop you will learn exactly what cabaret can be (hint: anything!), and how to bring your story to the stage through this multi-layered genre of performance.
Whether you’re a total beginner, a solo performer, or a seasoned emcee looking to evolve your work, this masterclass is friendly, fun, informal and interactive—designed to help you explore your story, find your voice, and bring it boldly to the stage.
In this masterclass, you’ll explore:
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How to find your voice and hone your stage persona
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Discovering authenticity through comedy
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Reinventing and reframing your existing material
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Creating and curating repertoire that resonates
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The connection: keeping it real with your audience
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Improvisation, crowd work, and the magic of “organised chaos”
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Hosting tips and tricks to confidently command the stage
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Integrating music and storytelling for emotional punch
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Building your look and stage aesthetic
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Packaging your show for festivals and different venues
You’ll gain practical skills and creative insights to bring your idea to life. This is your chance to learn from one of the most an acclaimed and influential voices in the industry.
Spaces are limited, so secure your spot now to start creating cabaret magic!
Prices
Full Price | $49
Under 35s | $29
Passports
Festival Passport 10% off | $44 full / $26 U35
Festival Passport 20% off | $39 full / $23 U35
Times
Friday 18 July | 3pm – 5pm
Running Time
2 hours
Additional Info
Victoria Falconer is a celebrated cross-disciplinary performance maker, music director, multi-instrumentalist, and creative mentor of Filipina-English heritage. She is co-Artistic Director of Hayes Theatre Co alongside Richard Carroll, and was recently named winner of the Arts and Culture category for the Asian-Australians Leadership Awards (2024).
Notable work as a musical director includes Hedwig and the Angry Inch (GWB Entertainment), My Brilliant Career (Melbourne Theatre Company), In The Heights (Sydney Opera House), Ride The Cyclone (Hayes Theatre Co), M’ap Boulé (Performing Lines) and Once (Darlinghurst Theatre/Black Swan State Theatre). Recent commissions as lead creative/performer include Smashed: The Nightcap (Sydney Festival 2024), The Sight (Dark Mofo 2023), and The Vali Myers Project (Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Frank Ford Commission winner 2022).
As a cabaret artist, Victoria has performed on stages from Soho Theatre and Southbank Centre in London to Club Cumming NYC, Edinburgh Fringe, Glastonbury Festival and Woodford Folk Festival. She has hosted events at Victoria’s Pride, Sydney Mardi Gras, and Bi Pride UK. Accolades include winning Adelaide Fringe’s Best Cabaret Award twice, a Green Room Award for Best Cabaret Ensemble, and multiple nominations for both Sydney Theatre and Green Room Awards for musical direction.
FAQs
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What do I need for this masterclass?
- A notebook and pens (or tablet/laptop if that’s your style!)
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Any sheet music or song ideas you might like to share
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Any instruments you’d like to integrate into your performance
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At least two burning questions about creating cabaret
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Most importantly: your curiosity, enthusiasm, and sense of play
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Is this masterclass interactive?
Yes! This is a friendly, informal, and interactive session. While there will be structured teaching, expect opportunities for discussion, playful exercises, and spontaneous moments—very much in the spirit of cabaret.
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Do I need experience in cabaret or performance to take part?
Not at all! This masterclass welcomes everyone from absolute beginners to seasoned performers. Whether you’re cabaret-curious or cabaret-confident, you’ll find value and inspiration here.
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Will I be expected to perform?
No formal performance is required, but there may be light exercises or opportunities to share ideas informally. Participation is always encouraged, but never compulsory.
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Should I bring a finished act or show idea?
You don’t need a polished act—just an openness to explore. If you do have ideas, songs, or a concept you’re developing, feel free to bring them along!
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Is there a follow-up or next step after the masterclass?
While this is a stand-alone session, you’ll leave with plenty of tools and ideas to continue developing your work. Keep an eye out—Victoria often runs more workshops and opportunities to share work.
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How do I get there?
Train, Bus, Car – whatever your heart desires! Hayes Theatre Co is located in the heart of Potts Point and is just a short walk from the 311-bus stop and Kings Cross Train Station. For more info, head to transportnsw.info
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Is the venue accessible?
Hayes Theatre Co is accessible to everyone. We encourage all customers with access requirements to get in touch with us so we can discuss your requirements. Our theatre includes road-to-stage step-free access, and we have several dedicated accessible seating areas.
A lift operates from the theatre entrance to the foyer and entry to the auditorium is via the side door located off the balcony for those who have difficulty managing stairs. Please speak to the Box Office Assistant upon arrival at your performance to arrange access. Our staff and volunteer crew will assist in navigating these access points.
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Are there restrooms available on-site?
Yes, we have multiple restrooms on-site! At Hayes we welcome gender diversity and encourage everyone to use the restroom that best fits your gender identity or expression.
There is one accessible toilet on the foyer level. There are also two ambulant toilets located within the male and female bathrooms.
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Is there parking available?
Discount parking is available from the Kings Cross Parking Station (entrance on Ward Avenue). Bring your parking ticket with you to the theatre and have it validated at our Box Office to receive unlimited parking for $15.
Limited 1 hour (free after 5 pm) street parking is available around the area. Please note the parking signs as to restrictions.