Victorian State Schools Spectacular: Students set to shine at September 9 event

More than 2000 students are getting ready to dazzle crowds at this year’s Victorian State Schools Spectacular. See all the pics of the dress rehearsal.

More than 2000 kids are expected to take part in the Schools Spectacular.

More than 2000 students are getting ready to hit the stage for this year’s annual Victorian State Schools Spectacular.

This year’s show – Happy Travels – will follow an intrepid group of hapless tourists as they traverse the globe in a cavalcade of circus mayhem.

After eight months of rehearsals, students will hit the stage for two shows this Saturday, September 9 at 1pm and 6.30pm at John Cain Arena.

2023 Victorian State Schools Spectacular dress rehearsal

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The arena audience will be amazed by giant puppets and a dazzling circus fairground with awe inspiring aerialists, while the score will deliver music from the Pacific, Japan, Britain, Italy and Australia’s First Nations.

This year’s songs include Katy Perry’s Firework, Age of Reason by John Farnham and Sitting on Top of the World by Delta Goodrem, Calum Scott’s Around the World, Waiting on the World to Change by John Mayer and Olivia Newton-John’s classic hit Xanadu.

The 2000 students are made up of principal vocalists, principal dancers, backing vocalists, Victorian State Schools Choir, a 51-piece orchestra, 1100 mass dance students and 960 in the mass choir.

Meet some of the talented cast members here.

Albury/Wodonga

Students from Melrose Primary School in Wodonga can’t wait to hit the stage.

Ashleigh McMahon, 11, is looking forward to taking part in the mass dance

“This is my first time doing the Victorian State School Spectacular. I like getting to dance with a lot of people. We also got to learn different dances,” she said.

“The fun part has been showing off all the dance moves

“I like to perform The World Is Ours because I feel confident about the music and the dance moves.”

Haley Walsh, 11, is looking forward to being part of the mass choir.

She loved taking part in the rehearsals at Melbourne Town Hall.

“I thought it was huge, when I looked up I saw how big it was. I liked meeting new kids from different schools and I like all of the songs this year.

“My favourite song this year is All Around The World. We play it on our school bell and I sing it every day, it’s cool. When we perform we don’t just sing, we also have some hand movements too.

Piper Litchfield, 11, is also taking part in the mass dance.

“You get to do eight different dances with a lot of other kids from lots of schools from Victoria. I like that we get to go to Melbourne for a couple of days and spend time with your friends and have fun.

“My favourite song is Can’t Hold Us. It is a lot of fun, and it is different to the other songs because we get to do a dance in a circle with our school, taking turns for someone in the middle to do a short solo dance.”

Ballarat

Buninyong Primary School student Maggie is looking forward to taking part in the mass dance.

“I like that I get to spend so much time with my friends and get to know them better. I also like that most of the dances that we are doing have so much meaning.”

Gordon Primary School student Hugh Blair, 9, also can’t wait to take part in the mass dance.

“Being able to do what I love which is dancing and have the chance to perform in front of a massive crowd in Melbourne (has been the highlight).

“The songs are great to dance to and it’s great fun to be around all the other schools as well.”

Mount Clear College student Mahli Kraus, 16, is also taking part in the mass dance.

The highlight has been “watching everything come together and I love seeing everyone’s excited faces and I just love having fun with everyone.

“My favourite song this year is All Around the World because the dance is super fun and I absolutely love the light up glasses!”

Bayside

Brighton Beach Primary School student Ayla Chetritt, 11, can’t wait to be part of the mass choir.

“It is exciting to be part of something I have never experienced before,” she said.

Beaumaris Secondary College student Isabella Margheriti, 18, is set to shine as a principal dancer.

“My mum first enrolled me in dance classes at Mordialloc Dance Studio when I was 10 years old, because she felt I needed to do an extra-curricular activity, but it wasn’t long before I fell in love with it. I have performed in dance concerts, competitions, and school productions. I was quite a shy kid, but dancing has helped me grow my confidence and given me the opportunity to participate in the Spectacular!

“I always look forward to the rehearsals each weekend and they are definitely the highlight of my week. Everyone involved in the Spectacular are among some of the kindest and most hardworking people I have ever met, which creates an amazing environment for rehearsals, because we are able to focus, but also enjoy ourselves and have fun. Another highlight is stepping foot into the arena for the first time and seeing the scale of the show. I’m looking forward to arena week!”

Bendigo

Bendigo Senior Secondary College student Matilda Ratcliffe, 17, is the IPG assistant rehearsal stage manager.

She has loved performing and working behind the scenes since she was little.

“I am looking forward to being able to work with all the talented people that are part of this production, being able to finally see the show come together, and being able to make amazing memories.

“What I love most about performing and working backstage is making new friends along the way, while learning new things in the area I am passionate about.

“I hope to be able to work behind the scenes in film (in the future), especially with cinematography and directing, and occasionally work on screen.”

Bendigo South East College student Olivia Smith, 15, is the principal 2nd violinist.

“I first began playing when I was 7 years old, since then my love and passion for violin has grown. In the past I have performed with various groups including the Melbourne Youth Orchestra in their summer program, the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra, and I performed in the pit for BTC’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I also rehearse weekly with my local orchestra and quartet.

“I am most looking forward to hearing everything come together (at the Spectacular) and watching everyone’s hard work from this past year pay off.

“I love seeing people’s faces light up after they hear you perform and knowing that you’ve inspired someone. “

Monash & Greater Dandenong

Keysborough Gardens Primary School student Dejah McBean, 11, is part of the mass choir.

“I really like learning all of the songs, which are of many different styles, and some are different from what I normally listen to, which has been fun!,” she said.

“I’ve also had a lot of fun travelling on the train to the city to practise at the Melbourne Town Hall. I’m very excited for the September concerts!”

Wallarano Primary School Ozkar La, 11, is a Victorian State Schools Spectacular chorist.

“I have always had a passion for performing arts and performing in front of a live audience,” he said.

“This year is my second year in the Spectacular. My first year as a mass dancer and this year as a choir vocalist.

“This year the VSSS Choir is proud to perform one of our feature songs on stage in front of 10,000 people at John Cain Arena. I’m looking forward to being in the arena and having the cast and crew come together to make the spectacular show become truly spectacular.”

Fellow Wallarano Primary School student Peter Kotsonas, 11, is part of the Victorian State School Spectacular Choir.

“I have participated in acting, singing and dancing lessons since I was 7 years old. I have attended Broadway Academy and Young Australian Broadway Chorus (YABC) and I am currently attending O’Grady Drama. I have performed in a number of productions including The Addams Family and Dr Dolittle.

“I am excited to meet new people and perform in a big arena at the State School Spectacular.”

Lyndale Secondary College student Savannah Darbon, 12, will be showcasing her impressive skills as an acrobat in the show.

“I have been participating in dancing and gymnastics since I was two years old. I regularly perform in concerts and compete in both group and solo dance competitions. I have previously been in spec through mass dance. I love to dance and enjoyed rehearsing and performing with my friends. I am passionate about dancing, singing and acting. I hope one day to perform in musicals and film.

“I am most looking forward to the opportunity to perform on the main stage (at the State School Spectacular). I am excited to learn more about the production side of such a large scale performance and grow as a performer.

“I love the feeling of being on stage and knowing that I am doing something I am passionate about.”

Mount Waverley Secondary College student Ananya Hariharan, 15, is a principal vocalist in this year’s show.

“I have been performing in the Victorian State Schools Spectacular since 2018 as a principal vocalist which is what inspired me to continue my passion for performing,” she said.

“I am lucky enough to be training with David Jaanz in the Jaanz Singing Academy ‘Masterschool’ and performing at all the Jaanz events, especially the ‘End of year showcases’ at Memo Music Hall and other events at ‘The Jazz Lab’. I was lucky enough to be able to perform at the 2022 Australian Tennis Awards along with my friends at the Victorian State Schools Spectacular. I took part in this years ‘Clayton Festival’ performing some of my original music. I also really enjoy playing the drums. Over the many years of performing, I found that playing the drums is one of my passions. It’s so different from my singing and it makes me feel alive.

“I am most looking forward to the big show on September 9th! We have all worked so hard and I have made so many new friendships that I know I will have forever and I just can’t wait to be able to share the stage with people who make me so happy. The show is my second home and I am so excited to be able to share what we have been working on for months to everyone.

I love the feeling I get when I’m on stage, seeing all those smiles in the audience and hearing the cheers and screams of people supporting you.”

John Monash Science School (JMSS) student Jonathan Wheelton, 18, is the baritone chorister in the Victorian State Schools Choir (VSS Choir).

“I have grown up loving to sing – from the little performances I would put on for my family, to the annual Christmas carolling at local nursing homes with siblings. I have also grown to appreciate the wonderful music that choirs create and have never stopped singing in one ever since my first spark for choral singing back in primary school.

“I am most certainly looking forward to finally putting all the hard work of every part of the Spectacular Cast together and being able to perform for all our families and friends to enjoy! I know that our countless hours of rehearsing together and getting to know the Vic Spec family will finally pay off and result in something truly remarkable. Being my first time in the production, I must say that this has got to be one of the best experiences I have had in my life and cannot wait for D-Day – to perform with all our new friends.

“My favourite thing about performing has definitely got to be the music I get to be part of creating with my own voice, and how magical we can sound with just a few instruments or hundreds of combined voices. Music is part of everyone’s lives, and it plays such an important role for all of us – resonating with our emotions, telling stories and spreading joy to others. Music is so powerful, and so diverse that I see performing as a great outlet to share it with everybody!”

Glen Waverley Secondary College student Kerrie Ng, 13, is playing the violin in the orchestra.

“I have loved performing for a very long time for school but I have never performed for anything big so, will be my first time performing in front of a really big audience.

“I am looking forward to experiencing everyone’s hard work being put together in the show.

“In the future, I hope to keep performing on stage and continue to play my instruments.”

Oakleigh South Primary School student Haimi Vekaria, 10, is part of the mass choir.

“I have loved working together with all the other students to produce amazing songs.”

“My favourite songs to perform are Carrying You from Castle in the Sky, Sitting on Top of the World and Smile.”

Whitehorse/Stonnington

Box Hill High School student Amiya Cameron, 16, is a backing vocalist in this year’s show.

“I have been singing and performing in musicals since I was 7 years old! I have participated in 16 musicals so far, some of my key roles being Anna in Frozen, Mayzie in Seussical and Gabriella in High School Musical, and many other performances such as Spec! My biggest achievement has been representing Australia at the Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta earlier this year. My passion for music and the arts has grown more than I ever could’ve imagined since I was young, and I’m so grateful that one of the ways I’m able to pursue it is with the Victorian State Schools Spectacular!”

Blackburn High School student Isaac Wicklein, 15, will be drumming in the show.

“I am very passionate about playing the drums and I have been playing the drums since I was three years old, I even kept playing my drums with both my legs in plaster! A highlight of my life was when I was lucky enough to be selected to meet my idol – Mr Phil Collins when he came to Australia last. He spent 20 minutes with me and gave me tips on being a successful musician.

“Music is a huge part of my life. My dream is to travel the world and collaborate with other musicians.”

Wattle Park Primary School student Holly Povey, 12, is looking forward to being part of the mass choir.

“My favourite song is Smile,” she said.

Melbourne High School student Riley Pentony, 15, is part of the audio crew at this year’s show.

“I was initially drawn to the audio crew position because I have a background in playing music for school bands and always wanted to learn how to mix and set up the technical side of a concert rather than just play it.

“After applying to the State School spectacular and having a few training sessions, I was offered a role in my school’s stage crew to work with the microphones and be on emergency standby to help fix any mishaps that happened during the show.

“I always look forward to learning more about the equipment that the production uses and how to use them. When I was little my mum would take me to school productions and I would often clap more toward the tech crew than the actors themselves because I loved the fact that they could understand all the flashing buttons and cool dials and make something beautiful to watch. I also have enjoyed and look forward to meeting so many different people that I wouldn’t usually interact with.”

Frankston

McClelland College student Hannah Dimic, 18, is a principal dancer in the Spectacular.

“I’ve been dancing for 14 years, and in that time I’ve competed both at state and national level in many different genres, and been in the principal dance cast of the State Schools Spectacular for five years.

“I also performed in the mass ensemble of Grease: The Arena Experience by Harvest Rain in 2018, which involved singing, dancing and acting.

“I’m really looking forward to the production week of the Spectacular this year. Production week is the week leading up to the show where we rehearse everyday at John Cain Arena with the whole cast and crew. I love production week as I get to spend everyday dancing with my friends, and we get to see how the show will look with each cast group performing together.

“I love performing as I enjoy learning from others and then showcasing their work in my own way.

“Next year I plan on going to university, however I hope to keep dancing as a hobby for as long as I can. I would really love to perform in some more shows as a dancer, or even some small gigs that involve acting as well.”

Patterson River Secondary College student Molly Duncan, 13, is part of the VSSS Select Choir.

“I have been singing and dancing my whole life! I started doing tap dancing, fairy ballet and fairy jazz when I was about 2. I have done everything from music theatre classes to some circus school but Covid shut that down. I have also played the role of Kate in Annie with MDMS theatre group.

“I am currently a member of the Australian Girl’s Choir in the Concert level and hope to join Camerata in 2023.

“During Covid I started to teach myself keyboard and this year I have been lucky enough to start learning clarinet at school too.

“I have loved everything so far about VSSS. I have met some great new friends and love coming to rehearsals. The Town Hall rehearsal was amazing. Of course I can’t wait for performance day!”

Goulburn Valley

Peranbin Primary College student Alex Dove, 11, is part of the mass choir.

“I love to sing – being able to come into Melbourne for the rehearsals (has been the most fun part).

“I’m looking forward to singing Carrying you, because I think its really catchy.”

Greater Shepparton Secondary College student Riley Wooster, 12, is a specialty artist and poet in this year’s production.

“I discovered I loved performing in Grade 1 at my school talent show dancing to We Will Rock You. From here I started with dance classes at U CAN DANCE STUDIO and junior theatre with Initial Stages. I enjoy Hip Hop, Jazz and Tap dance and am in the youth ensemble of my first Shepparton Theatre Arts Group performance of Fiddler On The Roof.

“I have studied puppetry, vocals, piano and more recently the trombone (cover your ears) and I enjoy writing, poetry in particular.

“I am looking forward to seeing the whole State School Spectacular come together at John Cain Arena, spending time with the other performers and mentors and hearing the applause of the crowd.”

Knox, Maroondah, Yarra Ranges

Rowville Secondary College (Institute of the Arts) student Jack Thompson, 15, is assistant stage manager at this year’s show.

“I discovered a love of acting when I was six years old. My first role was a Scallywag in Annie Jr (MYP) and I’ve been hooked ever since.

“I recently discovered a love of being backstage and have stage managed a number of productions including High School Musical & Stories in the Dark (RSC).

“Being backstage is a very different experience and although my first love is performing, I enjoy the different perspective of being backstage. I’m also gaining a whole range of different skills that help me as a performer.

“I have also appeared in a number of TV commercials and been an extra on a few TV productions.

“I’m most looking forward to the experience of working on such a large scale project and moving into the Arena.”

Wantirna College student Nathan Vibal, 16, is a principal vocalist in this year’s show.

“I started jamming with my dad and my sister at a very young age because it is what we loved to do. As I got older, I took some formal singing lessons at JAANZ international, and performing regularly at open mics that were being held. Eventually, I found my way to Spec in 2018, which was the first time ever performing in an arena as a member of the VSSS Choir.

The 2023 Victorian State Schools Spectacular is on this weekend.

“I always look forward to making new friends, who share the same interest of singing, throughout the year and then eventually performing with them all on stage in John Cain Arena.”

Scoresby Primary School student Leah Hibbert, 12, is part of the mass dance.

“I have really enjoyed the fact we get to go to the rehearsals with all of our friends. The dance teachers are really nice and make the rehearsals fun.

“The most fun part has been you get cool costumes and accessories! I like the canons that we get to do in the different dances.”

Rowville Secondary College student Summer Bush, 14, is a principal vocalist.

“I started with dancing when I was three years old, and soon after that mum recognised that I could sing in tune too. I appeared in my first musical (Annie) when I was six, and also featured in my first television commercials at the same time. Since then, I have developed a passion for musical theatre and have been in many community theatre productions.

“I’m really looking forward to putting the show together with everyone. All these school kids have been working hard for so many months and it’s going to be such an exciting moment to see everyone performing together.”

Templeton Primary School student Anika Vinayagamoorthy, 9, is looking forward to being part of the mass choir.

“I have loved the chance to learn new songs.”

Mooroolbark East Primary School student Chloe Stephens, 11, is looking forward to being part of the VSSS choir.

“Hearing so many unique voices,” has been the highlight for Chloe.

Lilydale High School student Erin Allison, 17, is the principal oboist in the show.

“For as long as I can remember I have had a love for music and since I started to learn the oboe at the beginning of year 7 I have grown increasingly fond of the way that I can share my passion for music with others.

“I am looking forward to production week and seeing all the work that the cast and crew have put in to come together for a spectacular show.”

Tiarna Jones, 13, is part of the indigenous ensemble.

“I am looking forward to the amazing opportunity to perform and show people what I am passionate about,” she said.

There’s no shortage of talented students.

Vermont Secondary College student Isabel Scandizzo, 17, is a principal dancer in the show, a role she has performed for the past four years.

“The arena experience is what I am most looking forward to. Production week is a week spent at John Cain Arena rehearsing the songs, blocking the numbers, and practising performing out to the audience. It’s where we get to see all the hard work of the entire production team come together and everything finally comes to life.”

Moorabbin, Glen Eira, Mornington Peninsula

McKinnon Secondary College student Briana Portella, 16, is a principal dancer in the show.

“From a very young age, dancing has held deep importance to me. I have dedicated the better part of my life to being a dancer and performing on stage, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“The part of the production that I am most looking forward to is being able to see each department come together to bring the show to life during production week, this gives me the opportunity to gain insight into the processes behind creating a production on such a large scale as well as develop new connections.

“In the future, I hope to continue to dance and perform on stage while continuing my studies at university.”

Wyndham, City of Whittlesea

Thomastown Secondary College student Jessique Saracino is looking forward to being part of the Victorian State Schools Choir.

“My favourite part about performing is knowing how music brings joy to the world and everything is better when there is music. I love putting a smile on people’s faces and I love the joy that it brings not only to them, but also to me. Seeing people happy makes me feel so good inside.”

Mill Park Secondary College student Louise King, 17, is a principal dancer in the show.

“I have been dancing since the age of three, and have explored many elements of dance including street, lyrical, jazz, ballet and acrobatics.

“I have always had a passion for all elements of performing and found that performing is my

passion, and what allows me to thrive in life.

“After all the hard work that pays off, you get to experience the most surreal

feeling of love, passion and excitement on stage (when you perform the State School Spectacular) and you get to share this emotion with your best friends who share the same passion as you.”

Morang South Primary School student Caitlin Killeen, 11, is looking forward to taking part in the Mass Dance.

“I like learning new dances and having fun dancing with my friends.”

Northern suburbs

Coburg High School student Holly Dimsey, 13, is an aerialist and circus performer in this year’s show.

“I am very passionate about circus arts. I have been training at my local circus school, The Circus Spot, since I was five years old,” she said.

“I am so excited to perform in front of my largest ever audience at John Cain Arena as a speciality act for VSSS. I love being part of such a wonderful cast and crew who are all so amazing at what they do.

“I hope that in the future, I will continue performing my circus acts on stage, making people happy. I would love to keep working on my skills and performance technique, in order to pursue some form of career. My ultimate dream would be to join Cirque Du Soleil, travelling the world to entertain thousands of people.”

Hurstbridge Primary School’s Chloe Stevenson, 11, is looking forward to being part of the mass choir.

“I like how everyone gets a chance to sing and perform together instead of just one main singer with a choir in the background. The atmosphere when we all get together at practice is amazing, I can’t wait to perform on the night.”

Viewbank College student Kieran H, 16, is playing the tenor saxophone in the State School Spectacular orchestra.

“I have been playing saxophone since I was eight in primary school and have taken part in various VSMF (Victorian Schools Music Festivals) performances,” he said.

“I am excited to perform live on television for my family and friends, and even more excited to perform alongside the new friends I have made through the Victorian State School Spectacular.”

Northcote High School student Lewis Cook, 18, is a principal vocalist.

“I have been singing and playing piano since I was 10 years old. I write and arrange music as well as sing. I also am in a band with four school friends and have done a few gigs locally.

“I am really looking forward to performing in John Cain Arena with the friends I have made doing State Schools Spectacular.”

Macleod College student Mackenzie Hawkins, 15, is playing the baritone saxophone in the State School Spectacular orchestra.

“The moment I picked up a clarinet in Grade 3, I immediately fell in love with music.

“The thing that I’m looking forward to the most about being a part of spec this year is the rare opportunity at my age to perform at such a professional level and in front of so many people.”

Sunbury Secondary College student Ruby Edwards, 15, is a principal dancer in this year’s show.

“I started dancing at the age of two and become a competitor at the age of seven, my family had a bit of background dancing, but they weren’t as passionate as I was! My first dance class was terrible, I wanted to go home so bad, but the teachers had begged me to stay and I’m so glad they did!

“I am looking forward to seeing the professional side of this industry and working with people I have never met before, but already we work so well together and the teachers have amazed me.

“Learning things from them and hearing information that I haven’t heard from past teachers before really is important to me to become a better dancer and they are so inspiring.”