Thousands of Victorian students have begun an extraordinary eight-month creative journey, culminating in our state's budding creative talent taking to the stage for the annual State School Spectacular.
Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins today launched this year's theme Happy Travels, which will see students training to perform as circus artists, puppeteers, musicians, singers, dancers and skaters for their grand performance at John Cain Arena in September.
This year's creative extravaganza will see circus performers embody a group of hapless tourists as they traverse the globe in a cavalcade of circus mayhem, with the troupe battling their way through airport departures, dining customs of the Left Bank and grumpy hotel bell hops.
Audiences will be amazed by giant puppets and a circus fairground dazzled with awe inspiring aerialists, while the score will deliver music from the Pacific Islands, Japan, Britain, Italy and Australia's First Nations.
Carefully curated through suggestions from the cast, the songs and music in this year's show offer a strong environmental and social theme.
Providing the experience of a lifetime, participating primary and secondary school students work with industry professionals across a number of disciplines as part of the preparation and performance of the Spectacular.
Supporting the Andrews Labor 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.
Since its inception in 1995, the Victorian State Schools Spectacular has been helping students to get hands-on training and mentoring both on stage as singers, dancers and performers and behind the scenes in audio, lighting, video production, stage management, costume, and hair and make-up.
The Spectacular will be performed twice on 9 September and broadcast at a later date, with tickets on sale for the live shows at 11am on 7 June at ticketek.com.au/spectacular.
As stated by Minister for Education Natalie Hutchins
"Whether students are seeking a long-term career in Victoria's creative industries or a once in a lifetime experience, the State School Spectacular offers a unique learning experience for our budding creative talent."
"This year's show will be nothing short of special, offering our wonderfully talented students the tremendous opportunity to perform in front of an audience of thousands."
As stated by Music Director Chong Lim AM
"I wish I had this opportunity when I was starting out. Students make lifelong friends and it's a great opportunity to meet like-minded people who are interested in the performing arts."
