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.
Local student Riley Wooster will be performing at this year’s event as a speciality act – after also performing in 2022 and 2023.
Riley is in Year 8 at Greater Shepparton Secondary College and was an active member of Initial Stages and STAG’S 2023 musical.
The students are now approaching the end of their seven-month rehearsal process, culminating in a showcase of Victoria’s best young talent in mid-September.
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.
The show features hit music from artists including Eskimo Joe, Matilda the Musical, Lady Gaga, Vance Joy, Queen and Beethoven.
“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,” creative director Neill Gladwin said.
“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.”
The spectacular began in 1995, offering participating primary and secondary school students the chance to work with industry professionals across various disciplines as part of the preparation and performance.
Tickets for the VSSS can be purchased here https://tinyurl.com/y9se2t46
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