Celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2015, the annual Victorian State Schools Spectacular program is set to once again be held next month at the Hisense Arena. This production features more than 3,000 Victorian students from over 200 Government schools across the state, uniting them in a musical, song and dance extravaganza which this year explores the storytelling theme of: “What’s Your Story”. To take place across two sessions on Saturday 12 September, tickets are now on sale at Ticketek.
Established in 1995 as a biennial production to provide arts opportunities to Victorian government school students, the initiative was expanded into an annual program in 2011. A number of Victorian State School Spectacular alumni have landed careers in the performing arts, with some of these including: Vanessa Amorosi, Harrison Craig (The Voice), Jaz Flowers (Hairspray), Rohan Browne (Strictly Ballroom – The Musical), as well as singer Ryan Meeking, Kiyomi Vella (The Voice) and Nicole Car (Opera Australia).
Not only will students be performing on stage, but others will be working in behind-the-scenes roles including audio, lighting, video production, stage management, costume making, make-up, photography and graphic design. Therefore, even someone who doesn’t wish to perform directly on stage can pick up some valuable skills.
In the months leading up to the Spectacular participating primary and secondary students will rehearse and train under the guidance of professionals including Musical Director Chong Lim, Creative Director Neill Gladwin, Dance Directors Deon Nuku and Troy Phillips, and lighting designer Paul Jackson. The Spectacular also has a partnership with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, providing tutoring and mentoring to student string musicians, as well as Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance.
Some of the acts on stage will include:
- A magical Alice in Wonderland segment with large puppets, aerial circus performances, colourful flamingos and mushrooms (Pictured above)
- Steampunk Fairground segment and Tron Legacy inspired skaters and circus artistes performing to Daft Punk’s song C.L.U
- ‘1940s meets 2015, hip hop meets swing’ segment with tap dancers and circus artistes performing to the sounds of the ‘40s.
- Student artwork to appear on large screens as the orchestra performs The Great Gate of Kiev, from Pictures at an Exhibition
- Songs including Beyonce’s Listen, American Authors’ Best Day of My Life, Bjork’s It’s Oh So Quiet,Queen’s Somebody to Love and Taylor Swift’s Shake it Off.
