Media release
Friday 20 October 2023
Fabulous local students chosen to feature at this year’s Schools Spectacular
Eight students from the Hunter / Central Coast are among only 149 students statewide chosen to perform as featured artists and dancers at the Schools Spectacular’s 40th anniversary show, ‘Fabulous’.
The students went through a rigorous audition process before being chosen from more than 900 nominations to be part of the largest performing arts event in the southern hemisphere.
They are:
- Hunter School of the Performing Arts: Shanaya Buddingh and Willem Szabo (Dance), Jorden Leggett (Instrumental), Georgia Dully and Symphony Riley (Vocal)
- Rutherford Technology High School: Josie McIntosh (Dance)
- Terrigal High School: Maddi Johnson and Sydney Mickle (Dance)
Executive producer Richard Spiewak said the Schools Spectacular was one of the most anticipated events on the public school calendar.
“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,” Mr Spiewak said.
“The featured artists are some of our brightest stars and, alongside all this year’s performers, they will put on a spectacular show that highlights the incredible talent within our public schools.
“We’ve already seen a sneak peek of their talent during the recent rehearsals, and I can guarantee that this year’s show is going to be fabulous.”
This year’s featured artists range in age from 11 to 18 years and will join more than 5,000 performers drawn from public schools across the state for this year’s live performances at Qudos Bank Arena on 24 and 25 November 2023.
The world’s largest annual variety show will also include an 80-piece symphony orchestra, a stage band, 2,600-voice choir, 2,300 dancers, the D’Arts Ensemble for students with disability, the Aboriginal Dance Ensemble, featured dancers and specialist performers - all under the guidance of more than 600 teachers.
Rehearsals for Schools Spectacular began during the school holidays, where 57 featured artists from schools across the state came together for the first time in Sydney to prepare for the November shows.
They included singers, dancers, musicians and co-hosts who spent the first week of the school holidays immersed in intensive rehearsals at the Department of Education’s Arts Unit in Lewisham.
During the week-long rehearsals, students practiced their songs and segments, engaged in one-on-one vocal workshops, underwent styling and costume fittings, and participated in wellbeing sessions.
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 the Entertainment Centre in Darling Harbour in 1983.
The Schools Spectacular is proudly supported by sponsors and supporters: Telstra, NSW Teachers Federation, School Bytes, RØDE, Smartsalary, Teachers Health, Colmed Group, Steinway Australia, Sony Australia and Event Partners: Qudos Bank Arena, Seven Network and Ticketek.
Tickets for the 2023 Schools Spectacular are on sale now through Ticketek.
Contact details:
Sven Wright, Media Officer, sven.wright@det.nsw.edu.au 02 7814 0069
