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 'It' 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.

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.

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.

Jacqui has written her research and findings into a book, Find Your 'It' Factor: A guide to dynamic musical theatre performance, published worldwide by Bloomsbury and now available on online platforms and in good bookstores.

The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).