Jarrod Draper

Jarrod Draper is a proud Wiradjuri man and the first Indigenous graduate of the prestigious Music Theatre course at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). Born in Orange, his artistic journey began with a full scholarship to the Regional Conservatorium, where he studied Music Theatre and Classical Voice, performing nationally and internationally.

Most recently, Jarrod starred as Artie Green in Sunset Boulevard (Opera Australia/GWB Entertainment). He previously made history as the first Indigenous artist to play Toulouse-Lautrec in Moulin Rouge! The Musical for Global Creatures. An original Australian cast member, he initially understudied Christian and Lautrec before taking over the role. He also starred as C.C. Baxter in Promises, Promises for Neglected Musicals.

Committed to increasing Indigenous representation in the performing arts, Jarrod champions visibility, believing that “if you can’t see it, you can’t be it.” He strives to inspire Indigenous youth to pursue theatre careers. His credits include Sondheim on Sondheim, When the Rain Stops Falling (Andrew Price, Clovelly Fox Productions), Rent (Sydney Opera House, LPD), Catch Me If You Can (Hayes Theatre Co) and his critically acclaimed one-man show (Darlinghurst Theatre Company/People of Cabaret).

A 2020 Artists of Colour Initiative finalist, Jarrod was invited by Disney to perform at the premiere of Mufasa: The Lion King and later sang at Woolworths Carols in the Domain (Network Seven). Resilient and passionate, Jarrod continues breaking barriers as a leading Indigenous artist in Australian musical theatre.