By Jessica Anstice
The 2018 Victorian State Schools Spectacular (VSSS) is returning to Melbourne Arena for two shows on 15 September.
This year’s production ‘With The Beat’ explores ideas of belonging and identity and features a 75-piece orchestra, 31 principal vocalists, 16 principal dancers, 20 principal ensemble dancers, nine backing vocalists, 44 Victorian State Schools Choir members, 55 specialist dancers / singers, a magician, a puppeteer, a 1300 voice choir and 1125 mass dancers.
Taking part in the Spectacular provides a unique training opportunity for students onstage, as well as behind the scenes in audio, lighting, video production, stage management, costume, make-up, marketing and photography.
The annual performance will see 33 secondary students and 90 Tertiary / TAFE students learning and working across these platforms in 2018.
There are 80 schools from around the state involved in the Mass Dance and 72 schools involved in the Mass Choir.
The schools involved in the Mass Dance rehearse individually and then meet four times in school groups between February and August with the choreographers to consolidate what they have been rehearsing.
They have to learn 14 routines to perform on the night.
Those in the Mass Choir rehearse individually at their schools before meeting as a group of over 1000 at the Melbourne Town Hall twice before the September event.
The students have to learn 17 songs to perform on the night.
It’s an incredibly opportunity for students interested in being involved in entertainment offering them a real hands on experience and to be mentored by some of leaders in their fields.
Depending upon the role rehearsals commence six to seven months out from the event and those in the Mass Dance and Mass Choir make weekly rehearsal commitments from five months prior to the event.
It’s a large commitment but very rewarding for those involved.
Berwick College students Ulani Volk, Haycee Kerslake and Emma Smith will be a part of the ensemble.
“I saw VSSS on TV and I thought it looked like a lot of fun,” Ms Volk said.
“The benefit of being a part of VSSS is the experience and getting to meet new people from different areas.”
Ms Kerslake said, “I was super excited and shocked that I could be a part of the great experience again.
“I’ll make heaps of good friends and I’ll get to work with so many amazing chorographers and people.”
Ms Smith said she is excited to see what it’s going to be like to be involved in a professional show.
“You get to meet so many new people and make some amazing friends along the way,” she said.
“When I found out I was selected I was really excited and happy for myself because I managed to get what I had aimed for.
“I was proud I had made it through.”
