By Alana Mitchelson
PAKENHAM teenagers will be among 3000 students performing at this year’s Victorian State Schools Spectacular.
Two hundred government schools from across the state will be represented in the form of dance, music, song, puppetry, magic as well as behind-the scenes stage management, lighting and audio roles.
Pakenham backing vocalist Nathan Hancock and ensemble vocalist and dancer Matilda Weaver have had the opportunity to learn and work with acclaimed performing arts professionals.
These include musical director Chong Lim (Sydney Olympics, Dancing with the Stars), creative director Neill Gladwin, Green Room award-winning lighting designer Paul Jackson and Felipe Reynolds’s puppetry team (King Kong the Musical).
Students have also had the chance to attend workshops and receive mentoring from industry leaders.
The show will pay tribute to the ancient elements of earth, air, fire and water, combined with the periodic table of elements.
It will feature a 64-piece orchestra, 1300 voice choir, 1200 mass dancers, 30 lead vocalists, 14 principal dancers, 16 ensemble dancers, eight backing vocalists, 22 roller skaters and 10 puppeteers.
The Victorian State Schools Spectacular will be held before an audience of more than 10,000 people at 1pm and 6.30pm on Saturday 10 September at Melbourne’s Hisense Arena and is expected to be broadcast on television at a later date.
