Harnessing 3000 young students… for a one night only performance

The 2024 Victorian State Schools Spectacular has announced its return to John Cain Arena for its annual creative extravaganza, with 2 shows scheduled for Saturday 14 September 2024. The Victorian State Schools Spectacular features an enormous cast and crew of 3,000 Victorian government school students, including dancers, vocalists, orchestra musicians and circus artists.

The students are now approaching the end of their 7-month rehearsal process, culminating in a showcase of Victoria’s best young talent. They will take the stage to present the largest annual show in Melbourne Park. The Spectacular also offers off-stage opportunities, with additional students receiving training from skilled industry professionals to take on essential behind-the-scenes roles in stage management, lighting, sound, vision, costumes, and production.

This year’s show, Splash, was inspired by a theme suggested by the cast. It will portray a little girl’s dream sequence, sailing across the seas, exploring rivers, and delving into life above and beneath the waves, right down to the microscopic world of a drop of dew. This dazzling performance is brimming with music, dance, circus arts, puppetry and poetry, exploring the world of water and our place in it. It will demonstrate that, although oceans can divide us, they can also connect us. The show features hit music from artists including Eskimo Joe, Matilda the Musical, Lady Gaga, Vance Joy, Queen and Beethoven, as well as unique commissioned poems by an emerging young resident poet and newly composed orchestral scores.

Creative Director Neill Gladwin:

The immense growth that these students experience throughout this process—both in their craft and personally—is something that brings us all back year after year. We continue to marvel at the skill of these young performers and the sheer scale of this enormous performance! It really is a joy to be a part of.

Musical Director Chong Lim AM:

The level of talent in this year’s show is truly phenomenal. From the youngest participants to our veteran performers, it is a wonderful collaboration for all of us who love the performing arts.

Since its inception in 1995, the Spectacular provides all involved with the experience of a lifetime, offering participating primary and secondary school students the chance to work with industry professionals across various disciplines as part of the preparation and performance.

The VSSS Creative Team for 2024 includes Creative Director Neill Gladwin (Edinburgh Perrier Award winner); Creative Producer Simon K Patterson (White Night, Australian Open); Musical Director Chong Lim AM (Musical Director on Dancing with the Stars, John Farnham); and Dance Director Yvette Lee (Bridgerton, Dancing with the Stars, X-Factor Australia, So You Think You Can Dance).

The Spectacular is a proud Victorian tradition, offering government school students the opportunity to perform for thousands of people in this moving performing arts showcase which will be televised in December 2024.

Supporting the Victorian Government’s Education State targets, the Spectacular ensures more students
reach one of the highest levels of young achievement in the arts, while building pride in local schools and
creating more happy, healthy, and engaged students.

---

Season Details

Venue: John Cain Arena
Date: 14 Sept 2024

For more information click HERE