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, NSW, his artistic journey began with a full scholarship to the Regional Conservatorium, where he studied Music Theatre and Classical Voice, performing both nationally and internationally.

Jarrod most recently appeared as Munkustrap in the 40th Australian Anniversary production of Cats for Crossroads Live! and starred as Artie Green in Sunset Boulevard for Opera Australia/GWB Entertainment across Australia and Asia. 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 additional credits include Rent (Sydney Opera House/LPD), Catch Me If You Can (Hayes Theatre Co), Sondheim on Sondheim (QPAC), When the Rain Stops Falling (Clovelly Fox Productions), and his critically acclaimed one-man show presented by Darlinghurst Theatre Company/People of Cabaret.

A 2020 Artists of Colour Initiative finalist, Jarrod is also a sought-after voice artist with several audiobook titles to his name. In 2024, he was invited by Disney to perform at the premiere of Mufasa: The Lion King and later sang at Woolworths Carols in the Domain for Network Seven.

Resilient and passionate, Jarrod continues to break barriers as a leading Indigenous artist in Australian musical theatre.