CQUniversity graduate Brett O'Neill is preparing to step into a professional role for the world premiere of In a Pink Tutu, a new musical to be staged during the Sydney Fringe Festival.

Brett O'Neill preparing for his new role

In a Pink Tutu has a run at The Downstairs Theatre

at the Seymour Centre, Sydney from September 20-25.

Brett graduated from the University's Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music in Mackay in 2009 and will star alongside Chloe Dallimore, who has been an industry mentor for the CQCM (she directed Brett in Thoroughly Modern Millie).

He will be directed by Peter Ross, a former acting lecturer at the CQCM.

In a Pink Tutu is a comedy about a chaotic group of ballet students and what happens when they murder their teacher. It features adults playing 10-year-olds.

"I was pleasantly surprised to get a call from the director to say that Chloe had strongly recommended me for the role," Brett said.

"My character is Sergeant Murphy 2. There are 2 Sergeants (oddly both with the surname Murphy) that are hired to investigate the murder of the Ballet teacher... It is a dark-comedy musical; I've been told it's a cross between South Park and The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee."

The new show's logo

Since graduating Brett has been balancing working with auditioning, private vocal teaching and performing with his pop/opera group 'Formidable'.

"It's an extremely tough industry to crack, but with this gig I feel as if I have my foot firmly planted in the door."

Brett got plenty of experience during his degree. As well as Thoroughly Modern Millie, there were roles in High School Musical (Troy Bolton), The Pajama Game (Sid Sorokin), The Wiz (Tinman), Bye Bye Birdie (Albert) & Into The Woods (The Baker).

Brett O'Neill in a promotional shot for the show