Victorian State Schools Spectacular Set for Hisense Arena in September

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Victorian State Schools Spectacular program and to celebrate this milestone, more than 3000 Victorian students from over 200 government schools will come together on Saturday 12 September at Hisense Arena in a musical song and dance extravaganza exploring the theme of storytelling called 'What's Your Story?'. A dazzling arena production guaranteed to delight the whole family, tickets are on sale now from Ticketek.

Established in 1995 as a biennial production to provide arts opportunities to Victorian government school students, the initiative was expanded into an annual program in 2011 and is now one of the largest recurring productions in Australia. The Victorian Spectacular's growing list of alumni include Vanessa Amorosi, Harrison Craig (The Voice), Jaz Flowers (Hairspray), Rohan Browne (Strictly Ballroom - The Musical), as well as singer Ryan Meeking, Kiyomi Vella (The Voice), Nicole Car (Opera Australia) European musical theatre star Winston Hillyer and Korean pop artist and actress, HaNy Lee (Neighbours / Wentworth).

In what will be the biggest live music production in Victoria, the 2015 Victorian State Schools Spectacular: What's Your Story?, will bring together student circus performers, musicians, skaters, singers and dancers, for two dynamic shows on Saturday 12 September (1pm and 6.30pm). Students also work behind the scenes on audio, lighting and video production, stage management, costume making, make up, photography and graphic design providing students with invaluable experience and the unique opportunity to work with some of the industry's leading, award-winning professionals.

In the months leading up to the Spectacular participating primary and secondary students will rehearse and train under the guidance of internationally renowned industry professionals including Musical Director Chong Lim, Creative Director Neill Gladwin, Dance Directors Deon Nuku and Troy Phillips, and Green Room Award winner, lighting designer Paul Jackson. The Spectacular also has a partnership with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, providing tutoring and mentoring to student string musicians, as well as Jason Coleman's Ministry of Dance.

This year's show features some rising stars of stage and screen including The Voice Kids finalist Imogen Spendlove who has already attracted more than six million hits on YouTube, vocalist Maddie Andreopoulos who has been awarded a scholarship to the New York Film Academy and jazz guitarist Theo Carbo, the youngest ever recipient of the Pat Corrigan Scholarship in 2013 at age 13, who has performed with James Morrison and studied at Juilliard.

· A magical Alice in Wonderland segment with large puppets, aerial circus performances, colourful flamingos and mushrooms

· Steampunk Fairground segment and Tron Legacy inspired skaters and circus artistes performing to Daft Punk's song C.L.U

· '1940s meets 2015, hip hop meets swing' segment with tap dancers and circus artistes performing to the sounds of the '40s.

· Student artwork to appear on large screens as the orchestra performs The Great Gate of Kiev, from Pictures at an Exhibition

· Songs including Beyonce's Listen, American Authors' Best Day of My Life, Bjork's It's Oh So Quiet, Queen's Somebody to Love and Taylor Swift's Shake it Off.

The Spectacular program provides a tool for schools to engage students who may have disabilities, come from indigenous and low-socioeconomic backgrounds, or have exceptional creative or technical talents. The Spectacular fosters healthy and active, participatory lifestyles and produces creative industry learning which complement and extends school education programs on a scale that is beyond the capacity of individual schools. Schools and students do not have to pay to participate in the Spectacular but cover their own transport and accommodation costs. Participating schools and students are provided with rehearsal and learning resources, as well as professional instruction and rehearsal times to ensure all students perform at their best.

With a cast of more than 3000, the Spectacular captivate audiences with show-stopping vocals, high-energy dance routines, electrifying special effects, puppetry, and awe-inspiring circus and skating tricks in a slick three-hour show where Alice in Wonderland, a Steampunk Fairground, Beyonce, Daft Punk and an orchestral rendition of The Great Gate of Kiev will collide in a musical marvel of storytelling and performance.

Don't miss Victoria's most outstanding young performers take to the stage for 39 toe-tapping tunes from contemporary, classic pop and rock artists including Queen, Taylor Swift, American Authors, Justice Crew, One Direction and Nico & Vinz.

Presented by the State Government of Victoria, the Victorian State Schools Spectacular is a not-to-be-missed event.

Tickets on sale now from Ticketek.

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