Jacqui Hall Cuny
PhD (Music), M.Mus.Studies, B.Mus., B.A
Vocal Coach and Director | Actor | Musical Theatre & Performance Synergy Specialist
Dr Jacqui Cuny is a passionate researcher, musical theatre performer, director, and pedagogue with over 45 years of professional experience. In 2022, she completed her PhD in musical theatre at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Griffith University, in Brisbane, Australia.
Originally trained in acting and singing, Jacqui made her professional debut in 1981 and toured Australia with major commercial musicals in the 1980s before moving to England to further her career. She performed in major musicals in Manchester, Birmingham, and London’s West End before returning to Australia in 1989.
Since then, Jacqui has continued performing, directing, and teaching, expanding her knowledge by completing a Master of Music Studies (with Distinction), followed by her PhD. Her doctoral studies examined the elements that make up Musical Theatre performance synergy—the 'It' factor: how they combine and work together, and how this energy can be practised or encouraged, from both theoretical and practical standpoints.
In the last 5 years, Jacqui has presented her findings at national and international conferences to great acclaim and taught her concepts to people of all ages, from high school students wishing to study in the performing arts, to seasoned corporate professionals wanting to land their contracts.
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This success has highlighted another application of her toolkit – releasing the X-factor in those who want to unlock and enhance their foundational communication skills. Her research revealed a broader, real-world application, wherever deeper, authentic connectivity is key. Jacqui’s workshop series includes formats that seek to empower people in a variety of contexts, including building authentic personal communication skills and applications within the corporate world and the performing arts industry. In the last two years, the results of her group and private workshops, coaching professional actors, corporate lawyers and teachers have proven the efficacy of her model; in Australia, she is credited with encouraging and empowering many professional performers as they launch and further their careers. Her desire is that all who long to connect to others, truly and fully, can experience the freedom and fun of living and operating in their own brand of 'It' factor.