WELCOME
WELCOME
ONCE UPON A TIME
It was written in the stars that in 2002, the paths of two small-town boys from different provinces would cross. Over the course of the next decade, they would become best friends, tour and work on the biggest international musical theatre productions with the best creative teams in the world on productions including The Phantom of the Opera, Jersey Boys, Chicago, Cats, Mamma Mia! and Disney’s The Lion King.
In 2016 Jaco van Rensburg founded VRT and in 2017 Wessel Odendaal joined the company which has grown exponentially ever since. VRT has since established itself as a serious role player having produced three South African premiere works namely Avenue Q, Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Rock of Ages, as well as positioning themselves as fierce developers of new and innovative theatrical ideas that inspire, inform and entertain.
“Through developing and presenting quality and meaningful live theatrical entertainment, we create thought-provoking productions that have a positive impact on individuals, on communities and, on the world.”
– Jaco van Rensburg
The quality of work has been validated by numerous Naledi Theatre Awards and Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards nominations, winning across several categories. We’re also proud to have been selected by the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship as one of the top new South African businesses to be mentored by the establishment as we continue to grow our capacity to produce world-class entertainment.
“We see the Theatre as a collaborative art form; one that requires the expertise of many specialist contributors. We welcome true creative collaboration and like to work with likeminded, kind people.”
– Wessel Odendaal
Today, VRT has offices in Johannesburg and in Cape Town and tours productions nationally. We are also proud to be associated with the running of The Maynardville Open-Air Festival in beautiful Cape Town.
JACO VAN RENSBURG
With extensive performing experience, working with the best international creative teams in the world from Broadway and the West End, Jaco starrted as a triple-threat performer, landing coveted roles in international touring productions, including Mr. Mistoffelees in CATS, Simon Zealot in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and Frankie Valli, in JERSEY BOYS, moving effortlessly between singing and dancing roles.
He worked extensively behind the scenes as choreographer, director, company manager and resident director on numerous projects before establishing VR Theatrical in 2016. He has since worked full-time as a theatre maker, presenting South African premieres of big blockbuster musicals (ROCK OF AGES, HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH and AVENUE Q) as well as commissioning original local writing. Jaco is a keen collaborator and theatre maker, always on the lookout for the next exciting project or idea and interesting and kind people to work alongside.
wESSEL ODENDAAL
Wessel Odendaal is an acclaimed music director and
co-owner of VR Theatrical with a B.Mus Degree in classical music.
Wessel spent 15 years working in international orchestra pits, working on numerous major international touring musical theatre production, including THE LION KING, CATS, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, JERSEY BOYS, MAMMA MIA! and ASPECTS OF LOVE. He also composes, arranges and orchestrates original music.
With extensive international experience and networks, Wessel is always keen to tackle interesting new projects in between administrative duties. He is currently working on a new musical in development entitled STAR+CROSSED, a fictional work based on the life and times of Elizabeth Klarer which will premiere early 2023.