About the Spectacular

The Victorian State Schools Spectacular is a massive performance event which showcases the enormous talent of students in government schools. It provides invaluable performing arts opportunities to students in the areas of dance, music (orchestral and vocal skills), acting and physical theatre.

The emphasis of the spectacular is to include students of all ages, with all levels of experience and backgrounds from all across Victoria participating and uniting under the banner of the spectacular.

Each spectacular brings together thousands of government school students. Student performers have ranged from grade four students in regional Victoria to inner city teen dance professionals. Many performers have gone on to achieve successful performance careers. Performers such as pop artist Vanessa Amorosi, Sun Aria winner Nicole Carr and European musical theatre star, Winston Hillier have performed in past spectaculars.

Students may participate either as part of a school group or as individual performers. There is no cost to either the school or student, other than travel to and from rehearsals and performances.

The spectacular emphasises participation and excellence, and all students in the spectacular work towards a common end in a collaborative, competition-free environment.

Participating schools are provided with music CDs, choir charts, dance DVDs and instructional manuals as well as professional instruction and rehearsal time to ensure all students perform at their best. 

The spectacular also showcases performance excellence. Vocalists, musicians and specialty groups, undergo a rigorous audition process to perform in the spectacular as a featured artist or as a member of the State Schools Spectacular Orchestra. During the rehearsal period, all featured artists and musicians are provided with expert tuition and instruction, to enhance their performance and musical skills.

See: a short video about the 2008 Spectacular rehearsal.

JOINING the CHORUS

JOINING the CHORUS is a performing arts initiative of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and is responsible for the production of the spectacular.

Established in 1995, its underlying philosophy is to promote the performing arts in Victorian government schools by offering students outstanding performance opportunities.

Throughout its ten year history JOINING the CHORUS has provided over 20,000 Victorian government school students with unforgettable experiences, while providing support and information to the Victorian government school community.