Dr Jacqui Hall Cuny is a passionate pedagogue, musical theatre performer, stage and vocal director, and researcher with over 40 years of professional experience.

 

In 2022, she completed her PhD in Musical Theatre at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia. Her doctoral studies examined the elements that create musical theatre performance synergy, or the X factor, how they combine and work together, and how this energy can be practised or encouraged. Jacqui has developed a workable, dynamic framework for teaching skills that encourage this performance quality. Her SASS Toolkit – Strategies for Acting Singing Synergy – draws upon a variety of tried and tested singing, acting, movement and psychological methodologies, as well as her original material.

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Known by both her maiden (Hall) and her married name (Cuny), Jacqui sang, danced, and played piano throughout her childhood before completing a classical musical degree in voice, and an arts degree in drama. She made her professional theatre debut in 1981 and toured Australia with major commercial musicals in the 80s before moving to England to further her career. She performed in musicals in Manchester, Birmingham, and London’s West End before returning to Australia in 1989.  

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Since then, Jacqui has continued performing, directing, and teaching, expanding her knowledge. She undergirded her experience by completing a Master of Music Studies in Vocal Pedagogy (with Distinction) where she examined tertiary teaching and learning practices in musical theatre, discovering that a more holistic and integrative approach to coaching would enhance the triple-threat skills required by the industry.  

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In the last 5 years, Jacqui has successfully presented her findings at national and international conferences and taught her concepts to people of all ages and walks of life. In Australia, she is credited with encouraging and empowering many professional performers as they launch and further their careers. Many of her past musical theatre students are performing successfully on the world stage.

 

Jacqui's research has also revealed a broader, real-world application, wherever deeper, authentic connectivity is key. Her workshop series includes formats that seek to empower people in a variety of contexts, with applications for those within the corporate world and the wider performing arts industry. She has coached seasoned professional actors, new graduands, hopeful auditionees, corporate lawyers and teachers, and consistent, positive results have proved the efficacy of her model.

 

Jacqui is writing her findings and toolkit into a book, due to be published in 2024. She runs workshops for touring musical cast members, and classes and courses for schools, colleges and individuals.

 

Her desire is that all who long to fully and authentically interact with others can learn to unlock and enhance their personal presence and experience the freedom and fun of living and operating in their own brand of X factor.