2016 Schools Spectacular Sets New Venue, Network & Talent

One of Australia's most popular annual variety shows, the Schools Spectacular, returns bigger and better than ever this year, in its new home, the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney's Olympic Park.

2016 marks the largest event in the 33-year history of this popular live-and-televised extravaganza, with over 5,000 students performing over two days in November.

Executive Producer Jane Simmons says that this year's theme, 'Dream Big', "captures the vast and exciting opportunities available to young people through the medium of music and dance."

"Students will share their dreams, ambitions and diverse cultures with audiences who have travelled from around the state to attend the show."

Hundreds of Schools Spectacular participants over the years have gone on to become professional musicians, singers, dancers, designers, producers and musical directors.

Recent alumni are currently performing in premier productions such as Kinky Boots and We Will Rock You, with one of our youngest Featured Artists playing the lead role of Matilda in the recent Sydney production of the mega-hit musical.

Student performers across all the disciplines have also featured strongly in industry awards, including the ARIAs and Helpmann Awards.

"Despite the demise of most traditional variety shows, the Schools Spectacular continues to grow in size, scale, scope and popularity," Ms Simmons said.

More than 500 public schools from across the state are involved in this year's production, which has been given even greater scope by the move to its new venue.

The show will feature a 2,700-strong choir; 2,300 diverse dancers; an 80-piece symphony orchestra; a world-class stage band; and a huge number of outstanding solo performers.

This iconic cultural event engages and showcases students of varying ages, cultures, skills and socio-economic backgrounds, from metropolitan, rural and remote regions of NSW.

The Schools Spectacular team is also excited to welcome its new broadcast partner Channel Seven, shining a spotlight on the best and brightest student performers in NSW public schools.

To get just a taste of the quality and diversity of performances, visit the Schools Spectacular Facebook page, where a series of clips from the 2015 Schools Spectacular are posted on a regular basis: https://www.facebook.com/schoolsspectacular/

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