Rehearsals are well underway for this year’s Schools Spectacular, with the first combined schools dance rehearsal held in Sydney last week.
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The big event, to be held at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney Olympic Park on November 24 and 25, will showcase the best singing and dancing talent from public schools across NSW.
Students from Katoomba High, Winmalee High and Blaxland High are taking part, and three Blue Mountains singers and three dancers have been selected as feature performers.
It was a case of third time lucky for 18-year-old Jacqui Dwyer from Springwood. Having been part of the choir for the past two years, she was ecstatic to take on a vocalist role in her final year at Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School.
“I’ve wanted to be on that stage as a soloist so I’m thrilled to do that now,” she said. “There are great segments in this year’s show and fun for all the family.”
Jacqui has a passion for musical theatre, which she shares with all of her family. In 2014, Jacqui, her mum Josie, dad John and sister Maxwelle-Jane all made it into the Blue Mountains Musical Society’s production of Cats.
“I'm waiting for my golden ticket to complete my HSC and get my life going, I know where I want to go,” said the teenager who wants a career in the performing arts.
Also making the most of the opportunity presented by Schools Spectacular was Chelsey-Lee Asovale from Katoomba.
“Singing is my passion,” said the 17-year-old who joined Winmalee High in 2016 and makes her Schools Spectacular debut in a moving Islander ensemble newly introduced to the concert this year. “Schools Spectacular is inspiring me to go further with music.”
Chelsey-Lee and her family moved from New Zealand to the Blue Mountains eight years ago, as they thought there would be more opportunities in Australia.
“It’s [Schools Spectacular] is a massive achievement for me and my parents are very proud,” Chelsey-Lee said.
Fellow Winmalee High student Adam Cameron was thrilled to gain a vocalist role.
“I’ve been singing all my life in the shower and around the house, wherever I go,” the 17-year-old said.
Training at a vocal camp in January has done wonders for his performance on stage.
“The workshop gave me a lot more of a stage presence. It brings out the best of you when you’re in the spotlight.”
Three Mountains teenagers – Laura Crambrook from Blaxland, Verity Hall from Faulconbridge and Nadi von der Schulenberg from Glenbrook – all attend Newtown High School of Performing Arts and have gained featured dancer roles.
There are 5700 student performers taking part in Schools Spectacular.
