04 Dec 2014
Local performers are returning to their schools triumphantly on a high today after starring in the Schools Spectacular in Sydney at the Qantas Credit Union Arena (formerly the Sydney Entertainment Centre) recently.
The Newcastle, Hunter and Central coast was represented by Featured Artists Sophie Curtis of Chittaway Bay, Harry Gelzinnis of Newcastle East and Liam Faulkner-Dimond of Chittaway Bay who all attend The Hunter School of Performing Arts and Lake Macquarie High School's Jamie Razon.
"Everyone is a star in the Schools Spectacular," Executive Director Leadership and Learning, Jane Simmons said.
"The Schools Spectacular is a unique and special entertainment event and its success depends on everyone playing their role with energy and enthusiasm.
"The creativity and high standard of performances for which the Schools Spectacular has become renowned really shone through this year."
Ms Simmons said this year's four performances over two days took the 31-year tradition of the Schools Spectacular to a new level.
"The exciting digitised lighting and graphics added to the colour and movement of performances," Ms Simmons said.
"Adding further to the quality of performances and the entire show is the growing strength of collaborations with the big names like Bangarra Dance Theatre, Tap Dogs founder Dein Perry, Christine Anu and Schools Spectacular alumni including host John Foreman, the McClymonts, 2014 The Voice winner Anja Nissen and musical theatre star Julie Lee Goodwin.
"Our young student performers and those who work behind the scenes get so much from being part of the Schools Spectacular.
"It is more than the thrill of the applause of an appreciative audience they also gain a valuable lesson in contributing their all to the success of a collaborative team effort."
Ms Simmons said the 31st Schools Spectacular again showcased the talents of NSW public school students with a 3600-strong cast including more than 30 Featured Artists, a 1300-voice choir, 2000 dancers, the Millennium Marching Band, a full 80-piece symphony orchestra and complete stage band.
Carefully choreographed to this year's theme This is Australia, they unveiled a kaleidoscope of colour and emotions ranging from iconic massed dances filling the entire arena through to intimate solo moments spanning the spectrum of genres range from rock and hip hop to classical and memorable movie songs.
This year the Nine Network recorded the Schools Spectacular and in coming weeks it will be beamed out over the Nine, WIN and NBN networks, including from 12 noon to 3:00pm next Sunday, 7 December on GEM nationally (NOTE: Correct according to program guide at time of writing).
Nine Network personality, Richard Wilkins told performers at the dress rehearsal that they will also broadcast parts of the Schools Spectacular throughout their summer schedule.
It has already thrilled audiences Australia-wide on its first showing on Nine last Saturday night.