How to get started in Musical Theatre, Jazz singing..etc.?

I am really interested in musical theatre and I am also a Jazz vocalist and was wondering what is the best way to get started? Would love to make a career (or try to) out of this passion. Can someone help me out with any course or workshop suggestions, etc...?

I can't believe I still have to post this... http://www.theatre.asn.au/blog/na/looking_for_work_2 As for classes, check the 'classes' page. I'm sure someone will also come along with recommendations based on your location. Round head foam puppet pattern at Puppets in Melbourne

...new folks to a site (generally speaking) don't run straight to the FAQ to see what rules they have to obey to stop annoying the old hands; generally speaking they browse and potter, then occasionally they might post something as and when the thought strikes them. We'd probably have a few less Walters bothering us all if the old hands were to tone down the exasperative tone with which newbies are directed about this site. Just a thought- from an older hand. El "Proud and insolent youth; prepare to meet thy doom!"

Actually, Grant a while ago made a new 'block' that appears (unless you turn it off I suppose) on the page that lists the most relevant FAQs (ie. agents and agencies, looking for work, where are the auditions and finding an agent). It appears on the right hand side for me. Secondly, I usually check the person's history before posting so that I'm not repeating advice to someone who's already done it. In this case, the page wasn't visited. I get exasperated, but I still post the reply... Would you rather I stopped replying altogether and left people to their ignorance? (I'm not stopping people from adding their 'work wanted' post by the way, merely encouraging people to make use of this vast resource. If people do, they might find they can locate the answer on their own) Round head foam puppet pattern at Puppets in Melbourne

"Would you rather I stopped replying altogether and left people to their ignorance?" I'd rather you/I/we were a little less quick to hector people for simply asking questions. It is one of the reasons I find this site unattractive, and why I don't engage as fervently as I used to. "Proud and insolent youth; prepare to meet thy doom!"

For the query that hasn't been spoken of yet: Look into WAAPA, VCA, NIDA first - they are the most popular and successful institutions to look into first. Otherwise, if you are looking to head overseas, Singapore has a great new MTC course at a college called Laselle-Sia - they do a bachelor degree there. London there's quite a few, more competitive to get into but all of a very high standard - Laine Theatre Arts, Mountview, ArtsEd, London Studio Centre, Bird College, Italia Conti. (Some of those have a strong dance prerequisite but just browse the websites to see what best suits your capabilities). Let us know if you want some more info :)

I agree with walter above... they didn't ask to be cast in anything. nor did they ask you to contact them. they were just curious about atrating points. Na you always have something stuck somewhere and are so grumpy about it. leave the newbiews alone! The industry is full of people like you that think they know such much more and so much better and these people are just as annoying as the ones that think they can become famous in a day.... no one likes a know it all. Well let me guess, you haaave been involved in this industry for such a loooong time. Don't crush dreams. Are you famous yet? And to answer your question.... Try ammature companies, classes (acting, dancing singing)A lot of this industry is who you know not what you know so network as much as possible. Not always is it the case the most talented get the job (unfortunately) and once the CV is looking fine... do lots of research on representation and then start searching. a hard and greulling process but if you love it its worth it. GOOD LUCK!