A Brief History of Nova

NOVA Music Theatre originated from the Box Hill Light Opera Company 25 years ago. The name was changed so that the company could present a wider range of musical productions, not just operatic style performances. Since then, NOVA has progressed from presenting shows in school halls to the highly technical, high quality shows of today. The last productions as Box Hill Light Opera were The White Horse Inn and Carousel, performed in the Box Hill High School hall.

In 1972. NOVA decided to perform Camelot as its first production and to stage it in the Alexander Theatre because of the better facilities. It was a fine production and an Australian amateur premiere. This was followed by Hello Dolly in the same venue .... another premiere!
Finding it hard to attract audiences from Box Hill and surrounding areas it was decided to try Kew High School because of its proximity. NOVA stayed at Kew for some time, but still the audience seemed to want to stay near home.

NOVA moved to Nunawading High School presenting many productions both large and small. A tremendous challenge for such a small venue.

NOVA now has a very fine home at the Whitehorse Centre in Nunawading. The first production in this venue was Brigadoon in 1986, followed by many others in the ensuing years. Nova has been nominated for, and received, a large number of Music Theatre Guild and Lyrebird Awards.

NOVA Music Theatre Inc. presents two major productions a year in May and October.