Victorian State Schools Spectacular Returns for 2026 With New Production: This Is Me

The Victorian State Schools Spectacular returns to Melbourne’s John Cain Arena on Saturday 29 August 2026 with its inspiring new production, This Is Me, celebrating the creativity, confidence and extraordinary talent of Victorian government school students.

Presented across two performances at 1.00pm and 6.30pm, the annual event will bring together more than 2,500 students from across the state, in Melbourne Park’s largest annual live production.

Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketek.com.au/spectacular Featuring more than 40 musical numbers, This Is Me takes audiences on an uplifting journey through iconic songs spanning generations and genres, with music by Lady Gaga, Led Zeppelin, The Greatest Showman, Tina Turner, Simon & Garfunkel, Jamiroquai and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

 

 

A beloved event on Victoria’s cultural calendar for more than 30 years, the Victorian State Schools Spectacular continues to showcase the talent, dedication and achievements of students from schools across the state.

The production brings together an 80-piece student orchestra, 30 featured vocalists and dancers, a mass dance cast representing 82 schools and a 1,000-voice choir from 55 schools. Combined with dynamic staging, striking costumes, immersive visual effects and thrilling aerial and circus acts including trapeze, aerial silks and rings, This Is Me delivers a captivating live entertainment experience.

Among this year’s highlights is a powerful First Nations ensemble led by Na Djinang Circus alongside the award-winning Pese Mai Choir, performing songs in multiple Indigenous languages. The production also includes a signing choir from the Victorian College for the Deaf, and guest artists from the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School and from the Rowville Institute of the Arts.

 

 

More than a live production, This Is Me reflects every student’s creative journey. Throughout months of rehearsals, young performers work alongside leading industry professionals, building artistic excellence, confidence and resilience. Students also train in important behind-the-scenes roles including stage management, audio, lighting, vision, costumes and production.

Since 1995, the Victorian State Schools Spectacular has become a valued rite of passage for many of Victoria’s top emerging performers, providing thousands of students with an extraordinary learning experience.

Presented by the Department of Education, the 2026 Victorian State Schools Spectacular celebrates excellence in public education, creativity and collaboration, delivering an inspiring experience for audiences of all ages.

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