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The Dean Pratt Mentor Program (DPMP)
0% complete
$2,750 raised of $3K AUD
26 donations
The Dean Pratt Mentor Program (DPMP) in conjunction with PLOS Musical Productions gives the opportunity to a young music student to experience being in a musical theatre orchestra pit and gain practical skills and knowledge that only a live pit could offer.
The recipient of the DPMP receives:
- The opportunity to attend all orchestra rehearsals and sitz probe with the cast
- Play alongside/ shadow/ share playing duties with a more experienced member of the orchestra.
- Remuneration (funded by the DPMP) for any rehearsals and shows attended
- Their name in the show program listed as the recipient of the DPMP along with the other orchestra members
- A certificate of recognition
About Dean
- Dean was born in 1983. He showed early musical talent and began pre-instrumental lessons at the age of 4.
- He discovered his passion for the trumpet in secondary school and quickly developed a talent for imitating styles and techniques.
- At 15, Dean joined the PLOS Musical Productions orchestra pit, playing 2nd trumpet alongside his teacher and mentor, John Lucas.
- Over the years, he took on the role of 1st trumpet and enjoyed mentoring younger players.
- Dean studied trumpet at the VCA, crossing over between the classical and jazz streams, and attributes his success to his early years at PLOS.
- He achieved success as a professional musician, playing internationally with bands like The Swing Revue and Jaye & Foe.
- Dean played for prestigious events and clients in the Middle East, Europe, and the US.
- In 2018, he returned to Australia and was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer in 2019 at the age of 35.
- Dean passed away on July 9, 2023, at the age of 38.
- To honor his legacy, Dean's family and friends aim to provide a young music student with the same opportunities he received through PLOS, a company he had a close connection with and he often attributed his early experiences with to his professional success.
About PLOS
- PLOS Musical Productions is located in Frankston, Melbourne and has a history of over 40 years in high-quality theatrical productions.
- They have consistently entertained audiences with top-notch musical theater.
- PLOS takes pride in staging its productions at the Frankston Arts Centre, utilizing the latest theatrical facilities.
- Their membership consists of talented individuals from various parts of Melbourne, aiming to achieve theatrical excellence.
- PLOS not only focuses on entertaining but also on educating its members and audiences.
How does your contribution help
- All money donated through the DPMP GoFundMe link will 100% go towards the payments offered to the DPMP recipients.
- All orchestra pit musicians are paid by PLOS Musical Productions out of a "show budget". The DPMP recipient will receive payment for their work from the DPMP.
- Your contributions will allow young musicians for years to come to experience the joy of a paid orchestra job while also learning valuable skills.
- PLEASE NOTE: The DPMP is not yet a registered charity. Any contributions made are not tax deductible.
Find out more
- To find out more about the DPMP or to apply to become a recipient, please go to