🎭 Shrek the Musical
🗓️ 24-31 August
📍 Alexander Theatre, Clayton
🎟️ starsandthemoon.org

When was the last time a theatre production truly changed the way you see the world?

In Melbourne, a remarkable company is doing just that. It is challenging perceptions, reshaping expectations, and proving that the stage can be a space where everyone belongs. Stars and the Moon, Melbourne’s first and only all-abilities musical theatre company, is not just putting on shows. It is creating a movement.

From its very first production of Seussical, Stars and the Moon has operated with a philosophy of genuine inclusion. This is not about ticking a box or giving someone a moment in the spotlight. It is about reimagining the very structure of theatre to be accessible, empowering, and collaborative. Central to this approach is their unique Castmate model, a system where two or more performers share a single role. This allows actors to work together to bring a character to life, giving each person the opportunity to contribute their strengths and perspectives. Whether someone is neurodivergent, non-verbal, or completely new to performing, they are welcomed and supported in ways that honour their individuality.

The result is theatre that feels different. It is more human, more connected, and more honest. Performers are not just acting, they are telling their stories. And those stories resonate powerfully.

Lauren McKenna and Tyler Chapman, two of the creative leaders behind the company, recently appeared on Showtime with Andrew G to talk about their journey. Their passion for inclusive theatre is inspiring, but what really stands out are the stories they shared. Performers who once struggled to communicate are now singing and speaking with confidence. People who were overlooked or underestimated are finding their voices and captivating audiences. These transformations are not just about developing performance skills. They are about building confidence, creating connection, and celebrating the potential in every individual.

Audiences leave forever changed. Many arrive not knowing what to expect. But by the end of the show, something shifts. Stereotypes dissolve. Assumptions are challenged. What remains is admiration, inspiration, and a renewed appreciation for the power of difference. Stars and the Moon does not just change the lives of its performers. It changes the hearts of those watching too.

As the company prepares for its next production, Shrek, it is embracing its values with even more energy. Shrek is a story that celebrates individuality and acceptance, making it the perfect choice for a company built on those ideals. The Castmate model will be used once again, allowing for vibrant and diverse interpretations of each role. Rehearsals will be designed to be accessible and inclusive, with sensory-friendly environments and personalised support. The team is also working hard to make sure every performer feels safe, seen, and celebrated throughout the entire process.

What makes Stars and the Moon so powerful is not just its mission, but its commitment to learning and evolving. Lauren and Tyler speak openly about the importance of listening, adapting, and growing. Each production teaches them something new about accessibility and inclusion. They take those lessons forward, always striving to improve and deepen the experience for everyone involved.

Community is at the core of everything they do. For many performers, this company is more than a creative outlet. It is a family. It is a place where they feel accepted, supported, and valued. The friendships formed in rehearsal often continue long after the final curtain call. These relationships provide not only social connection but also a sense of belonging that many performers with disabilities have struggled to find elsewhere.

In every sense, Stars and the Moon is redefining what theatre can be. It is proving that inclusion and excellence are not mutually exclusive. It is showing that with creativity, compassion, and collaboration, we can build stages where everyone belongs. As audiences continue to be moved by the performances, and as performers continue to grow and thrive, one thing is clear. This is not just a company. It is a celebration of what makes each of us beautifully unique.