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Author:
Department of Education
Date:
1 Sept 2023

Wominjeka – Welcome

The 2023 Victorian State Schools Spectacular Souvenir Program is a memento to recognise the work students, teachers and school communities put into the showcase.

Download the program

Welcome to Country

Performing Arts Unit studios are located on the lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation.

Thousands of years ago, the Wurundjeri people – my people, my father’s people – lived here on these lands long before buildings were here.

They danced, they sang in a beautiful performance like in the Spectacular – and our dance was called Coroboree. Time and time again they echoed those words because of their language they were able to keep singing. As time’s gone by, I too have had the privilege of being able to speak my language, the Woiwurrung.

I’d like to pay my respects to all ancestors, elders and communities across this great nation and neighbouring islands. To each and every one of you – from all your very many cultures – can I acknowledge you, your family and your community. I’d also like to say to you that we the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung are called the Manna Gum people. Not only is this Manna Gum important to keep our koalas alive, we must all remember that it’s also about the gift of the land that we give to you. I would ask you to take a leaf.

We share this together. Coming together is such a wonderful thing for all people of many cultures. It also means accepting this gift that you are welcome to everything, from the tops of these beautiful trees to the roots of the earth. You’ve now joined with my ancestors to nurture this land so that you today, and the many children that follow, will have as good a life, or even better in a stronger environment. Our language is the Woiwurrung Wominjeka Wurundjeri Balik Yemen Kundi Bek.

Thank you so much to everyone involved in State Schools Spectacular. You all have had such a great time pulling this show together again. My heart is with you. You are most welcome to the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung people.

Aunty Joy Wandin Murphy AO

Minister's message

Minister's message for the Victorian State Schools Spectacular Souvenir Program 2023.

Welcome to the Victorian State Schools Spectacular for 2023.

Every year this is such an exciting, uplifting, and fun event.

It’s wonderful to showcase all of Victoria’s talented and creative students – performing both in the spotlight and behind the scenes.

Congratulations to everyone involved on your hard work throughout the months of training and rehearsals.

It has more than paid off as you’ve gotten here to this very special occasion.

I love this year’s theme – ‘Happy Travels’.

It’s so heartwarming to see you all celebrating the joy of exploring new places and connecting with different people.

This event is always Melbourne’s biggest spectacular of song, dance, and stagecraft.

This year I’m so pleased it will be enriched by a score of global music from the Pacific, Italy, and Japan.

Of course, First Nations people are right where they should be – centre stage.

I know there will be a lot of proud families, friends, teachers, and school community members cheering you on.

I’m sure you’ll feel the thrill of performing at a venue on the scale of the John Cain Arena and for a Channel Seven broadcast.

Enjoy yourselves.

The Hon. Natalie Hutchins MP 
Minister for Education 
Minister for Women

Creative Director and team

Meet the creative and production team behind the 2023 Victorian State Schools Spectacular.

Neill Gladwin, Creative Director

Award winning performer and director (Green Room Award and International Perrier Awards), Neill’s career encompasses:

  • Olympic and Paralympic Games ceremonies
  • comedy
  • physical theatre
  • opera
  • Shakespeare
  • films and television.

Formerly half of internationally renowned comedy duo Los Trios Ringbarkus, Neill has directed productions for many of Australia’s major subsidised theatre companies, independent theatres and commercial presenters, as well as produced and executive produced for film and television. Neill recently directed Otto and Astrid’s Joint Solo Project, scheduled for touring Australia, Edinburgh and North America in 2023.

Message from the Creative Director

Happy Travels captures the spirit of travel and adventure, as we follow an intrepid group of circus travellers when they leave the comfort of home for the rigours and excitement of travel. Visiting countries and cities, we see them eventually return home to the open arms of their loved ones.

Leaving home to explore the world is an integral part of growing. The exploration that starts on a neighbourhood level, for some, culminates in a world wide level.

Our world, so magnificent, so fragile requires care. This year’s theme and musical items, once again generated by the cast, provides a generational perspective on the care of the planet and the kind of world these young people wish to live in.

We hope you have as much fun watching it as we had in making it.

Happy travels!

Creative Team

Simon K Patterson, Creative Producer

This year is Simon’s 15th Spectacular and it continues to be one of his favourite annual events to work on. He takes great pride in working with the young artists on Victorian State Schools Spectacular (VSSS) and mentoring the up-and-coming production students. Simon is an in-demand event producer having worked on events such as:

  • White Night
  • the Australian Open
  • Formula One Australian Grand Prix.

Simon originally studied Stage Management, then Event Management, and still works on a diverse range of events as a:

  • producer
  • production manager
  • tour manager
  • stage manager, and
  • operations director.

He is excited to be delivering another incredible Spectacular in 2023!

Chong Lim AM, Musical Director

Chong Lim AM is a musical director, composer, and musician. His work as a musical director includes:

  • Dancing with the Stars
  • Logie Awards
  • John Farnham and Kylie Minogue tours
  • multiple Commonwealth Games.

He worked as a composer and producer for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, 2022 and 2023 Australian Open Women’s Final and the 2021 Moama Lights Show. Chong has also been the Musical Director for the AFL Grand Final for the past 3 years.

He has produced multi-platinum albums with artists such as John Farnham and Olivia Newton John, and was nominated for the ARIA Producer of the Year in 2012 and Best Musical Director for the Helpmann Awards 2017. Chong was also assistant Musical Director for Robbie Williams’ recent Rod Laver Arena performances as well as Musical Director for his AFL Grand Final performance.

Yvette Lee, Dance Director

With a career spanning 2 decades, Yvette is recognised for her work across multiple platforms as Choreographer, Creative Director and Creative Producer. Yvette won the 2020 Sydney Theatre Award for Best Choreography and is the Artistic Director for the Victorian Dance Festival. 

Her television credits include:

  • The Masked Singer
  • Dancing With the Stars
  • So You Think You Can Dance
  • Dance Hero Japan
  • Australian Idol
  • The ARIA Awards
  • The Logie Awards
  • Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards.

Yvette was the Choreographer for the 2021 and 2022 AFL Grand Final pre-show Entertainment and has choreographed for recording artists Robbie Williams, Jessica Mauboy, Tones & I, Guy Sebastian and Baker Boy.

Isaac Lummis, Costume Designer

Isaac’s costume design credits include:

  • Cruel Intentions – The 90's Musical
  • The Who's Tommy
  • Ragtime
  • Thoroughly Modern Millie
  • Alice Through the Opera Glass
  • Oklahoma!
  • Brigadoon
  • Hello Dolly!
  • Dusty
  • Georgy Girl
  • Nice Work If You Can Get It
  • Promises Promises
  • Oliver!
  • Waltzing the Wilarra.

His work as a maker and art finisher has featured in many productions, such as:

  • Moomba
  • RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under
  • 100% Kylie
  • Flower Children
  • Barry Humphries’ Weimar Cabaret
  • Singing in the Rain
  • The King & I
  • The Boy From Oz.

Kai Chen Lim, Music Administrator and Head of Arrangements

Kai Chen Lim is a film composer, orchestrator/arranger and television producer. Since completing his studies in film music at UCLA’s Film Scoring Extension program, Lim has built a large body of work in both narrative and documentary, short and feature length films, live performance, television and advertisement. This has culminated in award wins and film screenings at festivals such as the Academy Awards® accredited Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF).

As an arranger/orchestrator, Lim has been working since 2017 on the VSSS and often arranges for the ABC and Nine Network. Currently, Lim is the Associate Music Producer for Vision Australia’s Carols By Candlelight on Nine Network.

Hara Papoulias, Associate Dance Director

Hara is a Creative and Performer within the Victorian Entertainment Industry. She has worked alongside artists such as:

  • Robbie Williams
  • Tones and I
  • Red Foo
  • Delta Goodrem.

Samsonite, Chemist Warehouse, KMART, 2XU, AAMI, and Diesel are some of her brand credits and Hara’s involvement has also crossed into high-profile events such as:

  • Melbourne Fashion Week
  • AFL Grand Final
  • Victorian Dance Festival (VDF)
  • Sydney Mardi Gras.

As the VSSS Associate Dance Director, she is enthusiastic about her work and very grateful to continue getting amongst all areas of this thrilling industry.

Dr. Richard Vaudrey, Music Associate – Conductor

Dr. Richard Vaudrey is a multifaceted musician appearing nationally as a Cellist, Conductor, Songwriter and prominent musical Educator. An alumni of the Australian National Academy of Music, Richard gained his Doctorate from the State University of New York, acting as Teaching Assistant to the Emerson String Quartet, performing in venues throughout NYC including Carnegie Hall.

Richard is a regular education specialist and presenter for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. In 2023, Richard toured nationally with comedian Sammy-J filming a special for Paramount Plus in addition to his own classical solo project ‘Two Deep Breaths’ with sold out performances in collaboration with William Barton.

Susannah Gidley Phelps, Music Associate – Principal Vocal

Susannah is a professional performer, vocal coach, and performing arts educator. She has worked in the music, theatre and education industries for over 15 years and has enjoyed an extensive local and international performance career.

Susannah graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Music (Honours in Classical Voice) and a Bachelor of Arts. Susannah has also trained in New York and London and has taught in prestigious institutions both here in Australia and in London.

Susannah has a passion for educating and inspiring the next generation of singers and performers and is thrilled to be working with the talented vocalists of this year’s show.

Kathy Hinch, Music Associate – Vocal Ensemble

Kathy is a Melbourne-based singer, songwriter and voice teacher with 17 years of performance experience. As an artist and session vocalist her performance credits include:

  • studio backing vocals for Australian Idol 2023
  • World Pride ABC 2023
  • Crown events
  • Spring Racing
  • international performances (Canada, Maldives).

As a songwriter, her music has featured on ‘Greys Anatomy’ USA, ‘Winners & Losers’ and ‘Neighbours’. Kathy is a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts (Bachelor of Music – Jazz and Improvisation), and The University of Melbourne (Master of Music – Performance Teaching), and is passionate about helping young people forge lifelong connections with music.

Grace Collins, Music Associate – Choir

Grace Collins is a music theatre performer, vocal teacher and choreographer. With a Bachelor of Arts (Music Theatre) from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Grace has trained extensively in acting, dancing, and singing, honing her craft to become a versatile and skilled performer.

Grace is currently a Senior Tutor with the Australian Girls Choir, Australian School of Performing Arts, and an Instructor with Girls from Oz. In these roles, she shares her love of music and performance with young girls around Australia, helping to develop their skills and passion for singing and performing. Grace is thrilled to be working with this brilliant group of creatives and performers.

Paul Jackson, Lighting Designer

Paul has designed for most of Australia's leading performing arts companies and has lectured in design at the University of Melbourne, RMIT University and the Victorian College of the Arts. His work has featured in festivals and programmes in the United States, Asia, Europe and the United Kingdom.

Paul was listed in The Bulletin’s Smart 100 for 2004, was the Gilbert Spottiswood Churchill Fellow for 2007 and was an Artistic Associate at Malthouse Theatre from 2007–2013. He has received:

  • a Helpmann Award
  • 7 Green Room Awards
  • 2 Sydney Theatre Awards
  • 4 APDG awards,
  • a Critics Award for Theatre in Scotland
  • an Australia Council Fellowship (Theatre).

Robert Cuddon, Lighting and Media Content Designer

Robert is one of Australia’s leading theatre practitioners working primarily for large-scale commercial productions. Robert has made a name for himself in the field of lighting and projection. He has worked extensively on major musicals, concerts, television shows, events and productions for most of the world's leading designers and companies. Robert has extensive experience as an associate designer and is an award-nominated designer in his own right.

Deb Hallam, Costume Department Manager

Deb Hallam is a VCA Graduate with years of professional experience in costume management, sourcing, design and construction across many areas of the entertainment industry. Deb has been a member of the Victorian State Schools Spectacular family since 2011 and continues to find incredible satisfaction in helping to bring the Creative Director and Costume Designer’s vision for each show to reality.

A highlight of the Spectacular that Deb looks forward to every year is looking out across the arena performance space and seeing the beaming smiles of each and every student involved … it's truly joyous!

Principal vocalists

Principal vocalists of the 2023 Victorian State Schools Spectacular.

  • Summer Bush, Rowville Secondary College
  • Eden Comito, Gladstone Park Secondary College
  • Lewis Cook, Northcote High School
  • Dimitri Gosios, Kew High School
  • Ananya Hariharan, Mount Waverley Secondary College
  • Matilda Hayes, Virtual School Victoria
  • Catherine Hess, Parkdale Secondary College
  • Lucia Hodgman, Elwood College
  • Sedriece Kickett, Maribyrnong Secondary College
  • Saskia Kirby, Kambrya College
  • Jamie Koulbanis, Strathmore Secondary College
  • Excelsior Maze Madden, Williamstown High School
  • Cameron Poole, Rowville Secondary College
  • Mackenzie Ross, Wantirna College
  • Dylan Russo, Mount Alexander 7-12 College
  • Gauri Sing, Kambrya College
  • Akeira Somphanpanya, MacRobertson Girls High School
  • Nathan Vibal, Wantirna College
  • Breanna Wilson, Charles La Trobe P-12 College
  • Hope Zorbas, Northern College of the Arts and Technology

Principal dancers

Principal dancers of the 2023 Victorian State Schools Spectacular.

  • Amelia Apostolopoulos, Lalor Secondary College
  • Zoe Brown, Rosehill Secondary College
  • Charlotte Christie, Sandringham College
  • Madeline Coxhill, Lilydale High School
  • Hannah Dimic, McClelland Secondary College
  • Matilda Eardley, Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School
  • Ruby Edwards, Sunbury College
  • Regan Gay, Berwick Secondary College
  • Eloise Henry, Sunbury College
  • Isobel Henry, Sunbury College
  • Nazli Irgat, Roxburgh College
  • Aydin Kendjer, Copperfield College
  • Louise King, Mill Park Secondary College
  • Grace Knight, Yarrambat Primary School
  • Isabella Margheriti, Beaumaris Secondary College
  • Alexia Moxon, St Helena Secondary College
  • James Nimaya, Pakenham Secondary College
  • Indiana Ojczyk, Wallan Secondary College
  • Briana Portella, McKinnon Secondary College
  • Dion Sanelli, St Helena Secondary College
  • Isabel Scandizzo, Vermont Secondary College
  • Cierra Shook, Ringwood Secondary College
  • Chloe Woollard, Virtual School Victoria

Orchestra

The Victorian State Schools Spectacular orchestra section.

Alto saxophone

  • Tynan Forster, Mullauna Secondary College
  • Genevieve Waingold, Macleod College

Baritone saxophone

  • Mackenzie Hawkins, Macleod College

Bass guitar

  • Damien Reynolds, Strathmore Secondary College

Bassoon

  • Benji Woods, Camberwell High School

Cello

  • Henry Browning, Auburn High School
  • Dubhessa Bryant, Collingwood College
  • Florence Fensham, Princes Hill Secondary College
  • Tadala Nkhoma, University High School
  • Amber Seymour-Jones, Collingwood College
  • Georgia Woods, Canterbury Girls’ Secondary College

Clarinet

  • Caius Belmont, Princes Hill Secondary College
  • Leila Subocz, Canterbury Girls’ Secondary College
  • Sophie Ye, Box Hill High School

Double Bass

  • Arwen Holt, Macleod College
  • Klaudia Ugrai, Macleod College

Drums

  • Nate Hughan, Kambrya College

Flute

  • Heidi Vague, Canterbury Girls’ Secondary College
  • Hunter van der Ent, Berwick Secondary College

French Horn

  • James Melgaard, Mordialloc Beach Primary School
  • Xander Naselow, Balwyn High School

Guitar

  • Niranjana Iyer, Kambrya College
  • Tarkyn Silvester, Rosebud Secondary College

Harp

  • Xander Beach, Korumburra Secondary College

Keyboard/piano

  • Ahmad Abdillah, Brunswick Secondary College
  • Yuriko Lily Matsumoto, Richmond Primary School

Oboe

  • Erin Allison, Lilydale High School
  • Sabrina (YueRong) He, Box Hill High School

Percussion

  • Ethan Gallagher, Berwick Secondary College
  • Kristopher Govic, Kew High School

Tenor saxophone

  • Kieran Holmes, Viewbank College
  • Hannah Smith, Kambrya College

Trombone

  • Thomas Huxtable, Strathmore Secondary College
  • Harrison Martin, Blackburn High School
  • Shoshana Theilhaber, Williamstown High School

Trumpet

  • Noah Cerros, Kambrya College
  • Gus Morrison, Elisabeth Murdoch College
  • Elsa Reynolds, Blackburn High School

Viola

  • Talitha Ray, Collingwood College
  • Lucy Woods, Canterbury Girls’ Secondary College

Violin

  • Mandy Diep, Suzanne Cory High School
  • Alexander Fu, Melbourne High School
  • Aris Hee, Livingstone Primary School
  • Rhiannon La, University High School
  • Kerrie Ng, Glen Waverley Secondary College
  • Madeline Ong, Doncaster Gardens Primary School
  • Scarlett Schutte, Warragul Regional College
  • Chloe Shi, Doncaster Gardens Primary School
  • Olivia Smith, Bendigo South East College
  • Elina Widjojo, Suzanne Cory High School
  • Alanis Yim, Blackburn High School

Backing vocalists

Backing vocalists for the 2023 Victorian State Schools Spectacular.

  • Amiya Cameron, Box Hill High School
  • Mercede Hughes, Narre Warren South P-12 College
  • Isabelle Jones, Blackburn High School
  • Max Pollard, Elisabeth Murdoch College
  • Eva Luna Sowerby, Northern College of the Arts and Technology
  • Joanna Stavrakis, Northern College of the Arts and Technology

Victorian State Schools Choir

The Victorian State Schools Choir for the 2023 Victorian State Schools Spectacular.

  • Charlotte Abbott, Coburg High School
  • Jasmyn Agavale, Narre Warren South P-12 College
  • Talal Anab, Mooroolbark East Primary School
  • Chloe Atherton, Ringwood Secondary College
  • Ria Bhagat, Melbourne Girls College
  • Cara Chong, Doncaster Gardens Primary School
  • Sweeney Comte-Harvey, Kew High School
  • Sophie Crago, Dromana Secondary College
  • Senudi Dasanayake, Glen Waverley Secondary College
  • Renae Derbyshire, Lilydale Heights College
  • Molly Duncan, Patterson River Secondary College
  • Pascal Franco Sageman, Auburn High School
  • Kristy Gangur, Blackburn High School
  • Talia Hatch, Officer Secondary College
  • Paz Hidas, South Oakleigh Secondary College
  • John Ives, Buckley Park College
  • Johanna Ivey, North Geelong Secondary College
  • Keerthana Karthik, Suzanne Cory High School
  • Mimi Kirsner-Reuten, Melbourne Girls College
  • Jazzabelle Klinger, Rowville Secondary College
  • Peter Kotsonas, Wallarano Primary School
  • Ozkar La, Wallarano Primary School
  • Ayaan Mangale, Glen Waverley Primary School
  • Caitlin Murphy, Wantirna College
  • Eliana Retuta, Taylors Lakes Secondary College
  • Jessique Saracino, Thomastown Secondary College
  • Lucy Smith, Blackburn High School
  • Chloe Stephen, Mooroolbark East Primary School
  • Sandra Vibal, Wantirna College
  • Jonathan Wheelton, John Monash Science School
  • Charlotte Willis, Elwood College
  • Xand Wright, Viewbank College

Specialty acts

Specialty acts in the 2023 Victorian State Schools Spectacular.

  • Savannah Darbon, Lyndale Secondary College
  • Holly Dimsey, Coburg High School
  • Elise Hantke Tomisich, Bayswater South Primary School
  • Lana Hughes, Kyneton High School
  • Imogen Smith, Elwood College
  • Nina Smith, Elwood College
  • Esmeralda Willmott, Rowville Secondary College
  • Riley Wooster, Greater Shepparton Secondary College

First Nations Ensemble

First Nations members of the 2023 Victorian State Schools Spectacular.

State Schools Spectacular First Nations students have worked with the Na Dijnang Circus to produce Welcome Song.

Na Djinang Circus is a Melbourne-based contemporary circus company that works with diverse young artists to share unique insights with the next generation’s Hands & Feet. Founded by Wakka Wakka man Harley Mann, Na Djinang Circus aims to develop work that utilises the next generation’s social and political attitudes and tells stories that challenge our own perceived ideas about contemporary Australian society.

First Nations Ensemble members

  • Tiarna Jones, Lilydale High School
  • Alexis Williams, Mooroolbark College

First Nations members of the Mass Dance cast

  • Shaylee Salkeld, Bayswater Secondary College
  • Laila Cameron-Dukes, Berwick Lodge Primary School
  • Olivia Angus, Colac Primary School
  • Arabella-Jade Beal, Croydon Primary School
  • Cailyn Newton, Croydon Primary School
  • Tahlia Swinden, Croydon Primary School
  • Mackenzie Williams, Tyrrell College
  • Deklyn Campbell, Yuille Park P-8 Community College
  • Alexis Grace, Yuille Park P-8 Community College
  • Jamahl Rotumah, Yuille Park P-8 Community College
  • Levi Rotumah, Yuille Park P-8 Community College
  • Indy Taylor, Yuille Park P-8 Community College
  • Savannah Turner, Yuille Park P-8 Community College
  • Coby Wandin, Yuille Park P-8 Community College
  • Jindara Wandin-Dow, Yuille Park P-8 Community College
  • Djarrun Wandin-Dow, Yuille Park P-8 Community College

Drumline

Drumline members of the 2023 Victorian State Schools Spectacular.

  • Trilby Carroll, Tootgarook Primary School
  • Vijval Jain, Suzanne Cory High School
  • Arianna Krebs, St Helena Secondary College
  • Dinda Widya Murti, Suzanne Cory High School
  • Ojas Panat, Suzanne Cory High School
  • Marcus Rosman, Bellarine Secondary College
  • Kelvin Wang, Box Hill High School
  • Isaac Wicklein, Blackburn High School

Special guests

Special guests for the 2023 Victorian State Schools Spectacular.

Pasifika Choir

Hip Hop Dancers

Signing Choir

Puppeteers

  • Elayna Kucic, Maribyrnong Sports Academy
  • Ava Mills, Berwick Secondary College
  • Savannah Pillay, Virtual School Victoria

Mass dance

Mass dance program for the 2023 Victorian State Schools Spectacular.

Athol Road Primary School

Bayswater Secondary College

Bayswater South Primary School

Bell Primary School

Berwick Lodge Primary School

Berwick Secondary College

Bethanga Primary School

Box Hill North Primary School

Buninyong Primary School

Clyde Creek Primary School

Colac Primary School

Colac Secondary College

Concord School

Cranbourne East Secondary College

Cranbourne Secondary College

Crib Point Primary School

Croydon Primary School

Diamond Creek East Primary School

Emerald Primary School

Eskdale Primary School

Fairhills High School

Ferntree Gully North Primary School

Footscray North Primary School

Glen Waverley Primary School

Glendal Primary School

Gordon Primary School

Greensborough Secondary College

Greenvale Secondary College

Grey Street Primary School

Hamlyn Banks Primary School

Heathmont College

Hughesdale Primary School

Ivanhoe East Primary School

Karoo Primary School

Lyndale Greens Primary School

Manangatang P-12 College

Mandama Primary School

Manifold Heights Primary School

Melrose Primary School

Mont Albert Primary School

Morang South Primary School

Mount Clear College

Newlands Primary School

Northern Bay P-12 College

Oakleigh South Primary School

Officer Primary School

Officer Secondary College

Pakenham Consolidated School

Pakenham Hills Primary School

Pakenham Secondary College

Ringwood Secondary College

Saltwater P-9 College

Scoresby Primary School

Silverton Primary School

St Albans Meadows Primary School

St Albans Primary School

St Arnaud Primary School

St Arnaud Secondary College

St Helena Secondary College

St Kilda Primary School

Tarneit P-9 College

Templeton Primary School

The Basin Primary School

Tylden Primary School

Tyrrell College

Upper Ferntree Gully Primary School

Upwey South Primary College

Wallarano Primary School

Warrandyte Primary School

Wattle View Primary School

Western Heights College

Western Port Secondary College

Whittlesea Primary School

Woodford Primary School

Woodman's Hill Secondary College

Yuille Park P-8 Community College

Mass choir

Mass choir program for the 2023 Victorian State Schools Spectacular.

Albany Rise Primary School

Amsleigh Park Primary School

Araluen Primary School

Ashby Primary School

Balwyn North Primary School

Barwon Heads Primary School

Brighton Beach Primary School

Courtenay Gardens Primary School

Cranbourne Secondary College

Donvale Primary School

Dromana Primary School

Footscray North Primary School

Glen Waverley Primary School

Guthridge Primary School

Hawthorn West Primary School

Hughesdale Primary School

Hurstbridge Primary School

Jells Park Primary School

Karoo Primary School

Keysborough Gardens Primary School

Lalor Secondary College

Lynbrook Primary School

Lyndhurst Primary School

Melrose Primary School

Morang South Primary School

Mount Waverley North Primary School

Northern Bay P-12 College

Oakleigh South Primary School

Officer Secondary College

Orchard Park Primary School

Pakenham Springs Primary School

Peranbin Primary College

Ramleigh Park Primary School

Shepparton East Primary School

Tarneit P-9 College

Templeton Primary School

Upwey South Primary School

Warrandyte Primary School

Wattle Park Primary School

Western Heights Secondary College

Whittlesea Primary School

Behind the scenes

Behind the scenes for the 2023 Victorian State Schools Spectacular.

Through the Victorian State Schools Spectacular, students from government schools are provided with invaluable experience and unique opportunities to work with some of the industry’s leading award-winning professionals behind the scenes on audio, lighting and video production, stage management, costuming, hair and make-up.

Students interested in technical disciplines participate in a structured program of factory workshops with our suppliers as part of their preparation for production week at John Cain Arena.  Stage Management students also spend many months attending rehearsals under the guidance of our team of industry professionals.

Stage management

  • Osher Hidas, South Oakleigh Secondary College
  • Stefan Jarosz-Setiawan, Berwick Secondary College
  • Sophie King, Kew High School
  • Matilda Ratcliffe, Bendigo South East 7-10 Secondary College
  • Stella Subocz, Canterbury Girls’ Secondary College
  • Vinn Zee Tee, Milgate Primary School
  • Jack Thompson, Rowville Secondary College
  • Lilly Vasilic, St Helena Secondary College

Audio

  • Oscar Erhardt, Rowville Secondary College
  • Kosta Gosios, Kew High School
  • Taya Miller-Dean, Hoppers Crossing Secondary College
  • Riley Pentony, Melbourne High School
  • James Priday, Williamstown High School
  • Alexander Tong, Wellington Secondary College

Lighting

  • William Anders, Melba Secondary College
  • Daniel Broomhead, Highvale Secondary College
  • Vicky Bui, McKinnon Secondary College
  • Reuben Clarke, Glen Waverley Secondary College
  • Mason Fewster, Northern College of the Arts and Technology
  • Sarah Hibberd, Kew High School
  • Ryan Kalisperis, Wantirna College
  • Deng Kuot, Wantirna College
  • Nathan McKeogh, Collingwood College
  • Tristan Rasheigh, Wantirna College
  • Cooper Rockstro, Wantirna College
  • Nathanael Uecker, Koonung Secondary College
  • Jonathon (Finn) Van Deursen, Parkdale Secondary College
  • Oscar Wright, Kambrya College
  • Francesco Zappia, Taylors Lakes Secondary College

Vision

  • Benjamin Arnold, Pakenham Springs Primary School
  • Dexter Dovey Cribbes, Templestowe College
  • Imogen Evans, Rowville Secondary College
  • Ethan Grainger, Upwey High School
  • Finley Judges, Upwey High School
  • Thomas Lambourn, Greensborough Secondary College
  • Kartik Pardeshi, Melbourne High School
  • William Ryan, St Helena Secondary College
  • Koushik Suresh Kannan, Ringwood Secondary College
  • Alfred Wharton, Upwey High School

Production credits

Production credits for the 2023 Victorian State Schools Spectacular.

Program acts

Program acts for the 2023 Victorian State Schools Spectacular.

Act 1

Prelude - All Aboard!!!

  • C Lim

The World is Ours

  • A Armato
  • A Schmalholz
  • E Dawkins
  • T Price

Turn Up the Sunshine

  • S Dew
  • P Berger
  • K Parker
  • J Antonoff

Welcome Song

  • O Smeykal

Welcome to Country

  • Aunty Joy Wandin Murphy AO

Smile

  • K Perry
  • J Abraham
  • A Criss
  • B Golson
  • B Hazzard
  • F Alqaisi
  • K Gist
  • O Goldstein
  • V Brown

Roam

  • C Wilson
  • K Strickland
  • C Pierson
  • R Waldrop
  • F Schneider 

A Matter of Turbulence

  • C Lim

Black Smoke

  • E Blitner

Waiting on the World to Change

  • J Mayer

Carrying You

  • J Hisaishi
  • H Miyazaki

Traveller’s Tales

  • C Lim

Mr Blue Sky

  • J Lynne

Rain & Thunder

  • Victorian State Schools Spectacular Choir

Rain

  • R Sakamoto

Thinking About You

  • C Fry

The French Cafe

  • KC Lim

Can’t Hold Us

  • R Dalton
  • R Lewis
  • B Haggerty

Act 2

Firework

  • E Dean
  • T Hermansen
  • S Wilhelm
  • M Eriksen
  • K Hudson

Traditional Call & Aotearoa

  • S Walker
  • T Kingi
  • C Harder

All Around the World (La La La)

  • Tutu
  • A Christensen
  • A Catania

Age of Reason

  • T Hunter
  • J Pigott

Hearing

  • R O Neal

Perfect Day

  • L Reed

Hip Hop Bell Hops

  • C Lim

Around the World

  • S Unger
  • H Adamson
  • V Young

Bossa de Au Revoir

  • C Lim

The Ecstasy of Gold

  • E Morricone

Bills

  • E Frederic
  • G Lewis
  • J Hindlin
  • R Goransson

Dance Like Yo Daddy

  • K Kadish
  • E Frederic
  • M Trainor

Imagine

  • J Lennon

Bang!

  • J Metzger
  • A Metzger
  • R Metzger

Rhythm Nation

  • J Harris
  • J Jackson
  • T Lewis

Anything to Declare

  • C Lim

Xanadu

  • J Lynne

What a Wonderful World

  • R Carroll
  • A Hedfors

Sitting On Top of the World

  • J Shanks
  • D Goodrem

Live Louder

  • D Harris
  • N Willemse
  • D Musumeci
  • A Egizii
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