A 'Con in the cane fields' might seem an unlikely place for 4 Sydney Nirimba TAFE graduates but the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) in the Queensland regional town of Mackay is providing opportunities as unique as its boxy, modern buildings for students undertaking the Bachelor of Music Theatre - the only program of its kind in Australia.

Hearing about the Con through their TAFE lecturer and graduate of the Con, Sarah Matthews-Libke; provided that much-needed next step according to Zoe Harvey, Liam Cameron, Brett O'Neill and Casey Eidintas as they near the completion of their first semester of study.

"We could only go as far as a certificate level in music theatre and Sarah, our lecturer at TAFE was a graduate and said it was the way to go," explains Brett.

Although a little bit apprehensive about moving to a town she'd never heard of and to a state she'd never visited, Zoe says as soon as she started classes at CQCM, she knew it was the right move.

"What's kind of ironic is that up here in regional Queensland, we are working with huge name directors and producers that we never would have had access to in Sydney," says Zoe.

The likes of Drew Anthony, of  Sydney's premier dance studio Brent Street, and Sydney-based director Kim Hardwick regularly visit the Con to work with students as guest lecturers, directors and producers for the 6 musicals the students put together over their 3-year stay at the Con.

Word is spreading fast about this Con which has been established for 20 years and Acting Director of the Con, Judith Brown, is expecting to receive applications from more students around Australia next year.

"We have students studying here in Mackay from every state in Australia," says Judith.

"They are developing their performance skills alongside expert on-campus staff and visiting performers and lecturers who are at the top of their field."

Drew Anthony had his first taste of the Con in April this year with the first Australian stage production of the Disney hit High School Musical, and he can't think of a better place to learn the skills of Music Theatre.

"CQCM provides excellent training for aspiring musical theatre performers in facilities which are breathtakingly good and in a regional environment which allows for full focus and realisation of potential," says Drew.

Walking through the Con on any day you'll hear a range of singing, see a group of students practicing the steps to their latest dance or experience some soulful jazz. 

The Con, part of Central Queensland University Mackay, has a mix of students studying jazz, classical and popular music which provides many performance opportunities and a great atmosphere for studying the performing arts.