The state’s biggest showcase of public education’s creativity and performing arts is turning 40, and schools across Newcastle and the Hunter are joining the ‘Fabulous’ party.
Students from hundreds of schools across the state were chosen to perform at this year’s Schools Spectacular – the world’s largest amateur variety show and one of NSW public education’s flagship arts events.
Five students from Hunter School of Performing Arts and one from Rutherford Technology High School are among more than 150 who will perform as featured artists at this year’s Schools Spectacular.
The local schools whose students will perform at this year’s event include:
- Hunter School of Performing Arts – 19 students
- Lambton High School – one student
- Maitland High School – 10 students
- Rutherford Technology High School – 10 students
- Scone High School – one student
- Whitebridge High School – one student
They will join a cast of thousands of public school students from on stage at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 November for a ‘Fabulous’ display of youth dance and musical performances.
The theme this year is ‘Fabulous’ and celebrates a show that has wowed its audiences for 40 years since its first performance to celebrate the opening of Darling Harbour’s Entertainment Centre in 1983.
This year’s show will feature a 2,600-person voice choir, 2,300 dancers, an 80-piece symphony orchestra, the signing choir, stage band, specialist ensembles and VET crew all under the guidance of more than 600 teachers.
Executive producer, Richard Spiewak, said the one-of-a-kind production gives thousands of public-school students the opportunity to be challenged and engaged through the performing arts.
“The Schools Spectacular is just that – a spectacular display of the incredibly talented students and staff in our public schools,” Mr Speak said.
“To be chosen to perform at this world-class event is not only testament to their talent, but also an opportunity for students to nurture their love for performing while working alongside some of the finest talents in the entertainment industry.
“Congratulations to all the students who have been selected to perform at this year’s event – it is going to be fabulous,” he said.
Tickets for the 2023 Schools Spectacular will be on sale through Ticketek from Friday, July 28.
Schools Spectacular is produced by The Arts Unit at the NSW Department of Education and proudly supported by Telstra, NSW Teachers Federation, School Bytes, RODE, Smartsalary, Teachers Health, Steinway Galleries, Event Partners: Qudos Bank Arena, Seven Network and Ticketek.