From immersive virtual reality art to circus acts, orchestral student compositions to heartfelt sibling performances, this year’s Schools Spectacular is already bursting with talent, creativity and inspiring stories.

Just one month away from the performances on 29 and 30 November 2024, Sydney Olympic Park was buzzing with more than 3,500 public school students at the Schools Spectacular’s first combined rehearsal on Monday, 4 November.

For the first time, featured artists, dancers and other key performers all gathered at Qudos Bank Arena while down the road at Netball Central, the combined choir and the show’s signing choir rehearsed; all on the same day in the name of the show theme, All 4 One.

Regional students from across the state also joined over zoom for the rehearsal of the firale to perfect their choreography for the show’s largest number.

Students showed their commitment to the Schools Spectacular with some travelling upwards of 12 hours to attend the rehearsal from schools such as Bogangar, Finley, Gooloogong and Gulmarrad public schools.

Schools Spectacular Executive Producer, Richard Spiewak, said having the choir and dance rehearsals take place concurrently at Sydney Olympic Park allowed for a greater connection to be built between those in the show, as well as a connection to where the performance would be.

“This year’s Schools Spectacular show theme is All 4 One – all for connection, all for opportunity and all for creativity,” Mr Spiewak said.

“Having the choir at Netball Central and dancers and other cast members rehearsing at Qudos Bank Arena on the same day just brings this home even more and helps build on the teamwork that is inherent in the Spectacular.”

Painting a vision in virtual reality

While most artists stick to paint and canvas, Karabar High School student Pouniu Iosia will be painting up a storm in thin air during this month’s show.

Armed with his Oculus Rift headset and special software, Pouniu is set to create a real-time, virtual reality (VR) painted battle royale between gleaming cyberpunk skyscrapers and Mother Nature's green revenge in front of audience member’s eyes.

Pouniu said he was happy with how everything was falling into place and overcame his solo performance nerves by remembering that “in VR, it’s just you and the canvas”.

“It’s a big opportunity – a first for the Schools Spectacular, and I’m excited to bring this vision to life,” Pouniu said.

Stephen Barrett, Karabar High's Senior Studies Coordinator ,said it was exciting for Pouniu and the school to have the opportunity to innovate for this year’s show.

"The great thing about the Schools Spectacular is that no one ever rests on their laurels—it’s always about what’s next,” Mr Barrett said.

“This immersive setup gives students a platform to be creative in front of 10,000 people, it’s amazing.”

Student creativity is evident in all aspects of the 2024 production including dance choreography, music composition, screen graphics and storytelling.

Sister act steals the spotlight

For the Mahoney sisters from Maclean High School, this year’s Spectacular is an emotional journey.

Following in the footsteps of their mum who performed in the Schools Spectacular in 1996 and 1997, Sumira, who has just finished Year 12 and Alora, who is in Year 9, made it their goal to perform together in the Spectacular before Sumira graduates.

The sisters will achieve their goal on 29 November when they hit the Qudos Bank Arena stage together for the first time in a sequence of hit songs by ABBA including Waterloo, Dancing Queen and Mamma Mia.

“Any chance to perform is a great one, but getting to share this with my sister is something I’m truly grateful for,” Alora said.

Sumira added to this sentiment expressing “this experience has helped us build greater trust and grow closer”.

Dancing her way up the Spec chain

Schools Spectacular dance veteran Shanaya Budding from Hunter School of the Performing Arts is heading to the Spec stage for her fifth time.

First joining the show as a dancer in Year 4, the now Year 11 student is one of this year’s student choreographers, lending her choreography skills to multiple show acts, including the finale and the item ‘Somewhere Only We Know’.

Shanaya has loved being able to teach the younger dancers in the show and share her knowledge with them.

“It’s been really fun and I’ve loved being able to choreograph for the students – they’re all really intelligent and really easy to teach,” she said.

“Meeting and working with different people each year just makes the show so special.”

The experienced dancer will be performing in the show’s opening number and is most looking forward to dancing with the Aboriginal Dance Company.

“It’s just so amazing performing on a world stage,” Shanaya said.

Tickets for the Schools Spectacular are available through Ticketek and the audience is encouraged to book tickets early to ensure they don't miss out on this unforgettable showcase of talent and creativity.

Schools Spectacular is proudly supported by Telstra, the NSW Teachers Federation, School Bytes, Smartsalary, Teachers Health; value-in-kind supporters Woolworths and Stormer Music; and event partners Qudos Bank Arena, Seven Network and Ticketek.