Premier

Spectacular Show Of Earth, Air, Fire, Water And Music

08 September 2016

Classroom science, the elements and modern pop will all come together today as 3000 students take part in two days of dress rehearsals for the 2016 Victorian State School Spectacular.

Minister for Education James Merlino today wished all the students participating in the Victorian State School Spectacular good luck ahead of the live shows this Saturday, 10 September.

The final dress rehearsals represent the culmination of months of preparation and hard work by students, organisers and volunteers for this year’s three-hour extravaganza, called The Elements.

The show brings together the ancient elements of earth, air, fire and water, the periodic table and modern pop music to create an exciting performance that includes singing, dancing, magic and even a giant robot cat puppet.

Students from more than 200 government schools will run through their final rehearsals today and tomorrow, ahead of performing two shows at Hisense Arena on Saturday, at 1pm and 6.30pm.

The Spectacular features a 64-piece orchestra, 1300-voice choir, 1200 mass dancers, 30 lead vocalists, 14 principal dancers, 16 ensemble dancers, eight backing vocalists, 22 roller skaters and 10 puppeteers.

Among those performing will be:

  • Jazz guitarist Theo Carbo, the youngest ever recipient of the Pat Corrigan Scholarship
  • Vocalist Maddie Andreopoulos, who has a scholarship with the New York Film Academy
  • Tim Mason, an award-winning magician who has performed in Las Vegas and represented Australia at the International Youth Magic Championships

More than 10,000 people are expected to see this year’s show, which will also be broadcast on Channel 7 on Saturday, 3 December, at 7pm.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino

“The Victorian State Schools Spectacular is more than just a great show to enjoy, it gives thousands of Victorian students the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals both on stage and behind the scenes.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing this year’s Spectacular on Saturday and meeting the talented students, teachers and volunteers who have worked so hard to bring it all together.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

Was this page helpful?