Pratt family donates $1 million to Monash University

Melbourne philanthropist Dr Jeanne Pratt AC has donated $1 million to Monash University’s Centre for Theatre and Performance, in order to boost student opportunities in musical theatre.

Announced at a Monash University graduation ceremony on Thursday 26 May, when the University awarded her an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree, the donation establishes the Jeanne Pratt Musical Theatre Artists in Residence Program. The program will enable drama and music students to work with, and learn from, leading musical theatre practitioners.

Through the program, artists in residence will mentor students in their craft and foster increased collaboration within the industry.

In association with the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music, the Monash University Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA) and the Centre for Theatre and Performance, the program will include an annual professionally produced musical theatre production.

Pratt said she was delighted to support the development of the University’s musical theatre students.

“I’m extremely pleased the program will give these students an opportunity to fully develop their skills and prepare for a career in the musical theatre industry. I look forward to seeing their progress and attending Australian musical theatre performances here at Monash,” said Pratt.

University Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Gardner AO thanked Pratt for her generous patronage of the performing arts at Monash.

“I look forward to the program becoming a cornerstone of the student experience at Monash and an important influence on the future of musical theatre in Australia,” said Pratt.

The Pratt family has donated over $9 million to the University across a variety of faculties and departments.

Pratt is Chairperson and founder of The Production Company (established in March 1998), a not-for-profit theatrical company which performs Broadway musicals and is now in its 18th season.