Students and schools wanting to be involved in Schools Spectacular 2023 on November 24 and 25 at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park, have until April 6 to enter.
Whether a musician from Menindee, a trumpet player from Tilpa, a ballet dancer from Broken Hill, or a fabulous design student from Fowlers Gap, organisers want to provide the opportunities that students and teachers may not have thought were in reach before.
Schools Spectacular executive producer Richard Spiewak said this year there was a particular focus on encouraging participation from all corners of the state and increasing the range of activities students could be involved with. Mr Spiewak said this would include work experience opportunities for students studying hospitality, entertainment, construction, and design.
“Often our more remote and rural students think Schools Spectacular is an event for those near Sydney,” Mr Spiewak said. “However, we now have the expertise and technology to overcome the tyranny of distance and can do a lot of our rehearsals online, reducing the cost for students and schools that would have previously had to travel multiple times to Sydney.”
“We are looking at new ways to include students from around the state, particularly from communities out west, new ways that may not involve the travel but us coming to the community or maybe doing something that is online, digital, and inclusive,” he said.
“We want to unearth and encourage students and schools with a passion for the performing arts and theatre to be part of Schools Spectacular, no matter where they live. So, whether you live on a farm at the back of Bourke or in Blacktown we want to encourage students to nominate to be part of this fabulous experience.”
Mr Spiewak added, “research shows students who connect with the performing arts are more likely to thrive at school and it can play a key role in wellbeing and mental health. In these times, it is more important than ever.
“The Schools Spectacular this year celebrates 40 years with a show called Fabulous, and fabulous is what all our public schools and their teachers, students and communities really are. It is really something to celebrate and we want to celebrate it with everyone right across the state.”
Schools can also take part in SpecFest, an entertainment hub that runs alongside Schools Spectacular and features the final rounds of the rural and remote band competition, Surround Sound, on the main stage.
For more information, visit: Schools Spectacular 2023 Applications – landing page – Schools Spectacular
