By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
The Victorian State Schools Spectacular (VSSS) is preparing for its 30th anniversary performance in 2025, with auditions closing this Thursday 5 December.
This highly anticipated event will take place on 13 September 2025 at the John Cain Arena in Melbourne, promising to be an unforgettable celebration of the artistic talents of Victoria’s young performers.
Since its debut in 1995, the VSSS has become a defining platform for tens of thousands of primary and secondary students from government schools across the state.
The event has played a pivotal role in launching the careers of numerous notable artists, including ‘Tina Turner the Musical star’ Ruva Ngwenya, singer Vanessa Amorosi, and 2013 The Voice winner Harrison Craig.
In line with its legacy, the Spectacular continues to offer exceptional opportunities for young talent to showcase their abilities on a grand stage.
Students involved in the program work alongside some of Australia’s most respected creative professionals, including Yvette Lee, a renowned choreographer for Bridgerton, Dancing with the Stars, and X-Factor Australia, and Chong Lim AM, the Musical Director for Dancing with the Stars and long-time collaborator with John Farnham.
Each year, VSSS brings together young artists who demonstrate exceptional creativity and passion.
Creative director of the Spectacular, Neill Gladwin said each year the students bring exciting fresh ideas to the Spectacular.
“As to the depth of their talent, my colleagues and I are in awe of them, their leadership, their inspiration, and their creativity will be the face of the next generation of artists,” he said.
The event has become a rite of passage for many students, providing them with the opportunity to develop professional skills in performance, production, and behind-the-scenes roles.
The Spectacular invites students from Victoria’s government schools to audition for a range of roles, both on stage and behind the scenes – with five exceptionally talented students from Knox City were selected to perform in the much-anticipated 2024 Victorian State Schools Spectacular (VSSS), which took place at John Cain Arena over the weekend.
Some of the key opportunities include:
– Performance Roles: Principal Vocalists, Principal Dancers, Mass Choir, Mass Dance, Orchestra Musicians, Circus Artists, Acrobats, First Nations Performers, and Specialty Acts.
– Production Roles: Students can also gain hands-on experience in essential production areas, such as stage management, lighting, audio, vision, and other behind-the-scenes roles.
This free initiative is designed to nurture creativity and provide young people with the chance to collaborate with industry professionals.
By joining the VSSS cast, students will have the unique opportunity to:
– Perform at two major arena shows at John Cain Arena.
– Showcase a diverse repertoire of music to a national television audience.
– Connect with like-minded peers and industry professionals.
– Gain valuable experience to enhance their CV and open doors to future career opportunities.
Interested students can register to audition and submit their audition videos online, from the comfort of their homes, at: tinyurl.com/VSSS2025
Over the years, the Spectacular has launched numerous successful careers in the performing arts. Some of its most notable alumni include:
– Ruva Ngwenya – Lead in Tina Turner the Musical
– Vanessa Amorosi – Recording Artist
– Nicole Car and Jeremy Kleeman – Opera Australia Performers
– David Venn – Green Room Award-winning Producer
– James Terry – Founder of Take the Mic Australia
– Harrison Craig – Winner of *The Voice* 2013
The VSSS continues to provide an invaluable springboard for young performers to kickstart their careers and connect with industry networks that can shape their futures.
The musical director for the 2025 Spectacular Chong Lim AM, expressed his enthusiasm for the event.
“It is such an honour and a privilege to be involved in the Victorian State Schools Spectacular, where we provide training and pathways forward for young students who want to pursue their dreams in the entertainment world,” Mr Lim said.
For more information on the impact of the Spectacular and the careers of its alumni, visit VSSS Alumni Impact.
