UMMTA'S Sitzprobe 2026

UMMTA is excited to announce the return of The Sitzprobe in the winter break of 2026! The Sitzprobe 2026 is an opportunity for writers and composers in groups or as individuals to develop and workshop their musical ideas and see them realised on stage in front of an audience.

This year’s Sitzprobe will take place at the Fringe Ballroom with performances from Tuesday 16th June to Thursday 18th June and will reimagine the traditional theatre Sitzprobe in the spirit of a cabaret event. The evening will include intermissions between performances, during which patrons may purchase beverages.

Come for a fun night of student-written theatre!

The Hills we Die on 

by Archie and Brynn Jacka

The doors open on an urban cafe, inviting the usual busy crowd, but amongst them are two young radical revolutionaries Rose and Ethan, packing an explosive device ready to change the world. They settle in and await the arrival of controversial far right political leader Robert Wright, whose visit excites and divides the patrons of the cafe. However, as the pair watch the everyday interactions of those caught in the crossfire, Ethan begins to question their violent act while Rose tries to convince him otherwise. Under their noses, customers and employees discover the bomb and discreetly make efforts to save themselves and those around them, choosing their sides in Rose and Ethan’s war.

Content warnings: Threats of terrorism, suggested homophobia, racism, Islamaphobia

Sugarbrain

By Paige Thompson

Sugarbrain is a dark comedy musical that dismantles the illusion of the “perfect family”. Framed by an exaggerated, cheerful insistence that happiness is a choice, the story follows Freddi Holloway as she returns home after years away to find her family frozen in a fragile, controlled version of reality.

Beneath the spotless surface, dysfunction simmers. Her mother Julia self-medicates with alcohol while maintaining a performative image of control. Her father Mark retreats into obsessive cleanliness and denial. Her younger brother Noah is consumed by the online world, struggling with isolation and self-worth. Her younger sister Sophie quietly internalises the chaos, becoming increasingly anxious and withdrawn.

As Freddi attempts to confront the truth and protect her siblings, she is met with resistance—particularly from her brother, who resents her absence and rejects her intervention. Tensions escalate until a sudden tragedy shatters the family’s illusion. This production blends sharp humour with deeply human storytelling, featuring dynamic ensemble work and emotionally driven performances.

Content warnings: Death, grief, themes of adultery and familial disfunction, addiction, verbal abuse,

references to suicide and alcoholism

The Showmance Must Go on

By Tiaana Quest

Showmance is a one act musical. The show opens introducing the absurdity of the theatre world and the people that make it that way. The creative team is ready, and the show is cast. From auditions and all through the rehearsal process we explore the incestuous relationships in community theatre. We follow this cast of 7 characters through their small community musical theatre production as drama, trauma, and love unfolds.

Content warnings: comical depictions of violence, references of suicide, sexual language, profanity

Venue accessibility information:

https://www.melbournefringe.com.au/common-rooms/accessibility