Melbourne Arena will be transformed into a mystical Venetian masquerade ball today as part of this year’s Victorian State Schools Spectacular.
Minister for Education James Merlino said the 2018 Spectacular would bring performers together under the theme With the Beat, exploring ideas of belonging and identity.
More than 3,000 Victorian students from more than 200 government schools will participate in this year’s performance, which will feature a 75-piece orchestra, a 1300-voice choir, 1200 dancers and a variety of other performers.
The 2018 Spectacular is the creative vision of industry professionals including Creative Director Neill Gladwin, Musical Director Chong Lim, Dance Director Deon Nuku, (Scooby Doo, Happy Feet, Moulin Rouge) and Associate Dance Director Yvette Lee (Dancing with the Stars, X-Factor Australia, Australia’s Got Talent and So You Think You Can Dance).
The annual event provides a valuable training opportunity for students – both onstage and behind the scenes – in performing arts, audio, lighting and video production, stage management, costume and film, makeup and photography.
This year’s cast will feature some rising stars of stage and screen, including Australian representative to the 2017 Junior Eurovision Song Contest Isabella Clarke, award-winning magician Tim Mason and online vocal sensation Imogen Spendlove.
The Spectacular supports the Andrews Labor Government’s Education State targets, including more students reaching the highest level of achievement in the arts, ensuring kids are happy, healthy and resilient and building pride in schools.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“The Spectacular is one of those fantastic events that is not only extremely fun but also unites government school communities by working towards common goals.”
“This performance is the culmination of many months of hard work and commitment by thousands of students, their families, teachers and support teams. Well done to everyone involved!”
Reviewed 19 August 2020