Thousands of Victorian students are perfecting their dance moves, memorising their lyrics and tuning their instruments to prepare for this year’s Victorian State Schools Spectacular.
The annual performance brings together 3000 students from over 200 government schools in a musical phenomenon at Hisense Arena in September.
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.
The journey of exploration will see Hisense Arena transformed into a mystical Venetian masquerade ball, sound- tracked by a variety of artists - from Tim Minchin to Beyonce.
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 event provides a unique training opportunity for students - both onstage and behind the scenes – in performing arts, audio, lighting and video production, stage management, costume and film, make up and photography.
Success and achievement in the arts is one of the key targets for the Education State, as Victorian students learn to think critically and find creative solutions.
Generating growth in creative industries, engaging more Victorians in creative and cultural endeavours, and aiming to equip our students with the skills that will be needed later in their lives is the focus of the Andrews Labor Government’s Creative State targets.
The 2018 Victorian State Schools Spectacular is on Saturday 15 September at Hisense Arena at 1.00pm and 6.30pm. Tickets go on sale 19 July at 9.00am at .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“The Victorian State Schools Spectacular celebrates the next generation of creative Victorians who could be at the threshold of their future careers on stage and behind the scenes.”
“The Spectacular provides an engaging performing arts opportunity and industry training experience for our young people while showcasing the talent that exists in Victorian government schools.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020