Excitement is building across New South Wales as talented students from the Hunter region prepare to take centre stage in this year's spectacular state production. The Schools Spectacular 2025 promises to be an unforgettable showcase of young talent, with hundreds of public school students ready to demonstrate their remarkable abilities.
Hunter Talent Takes Centre Stage
Among the 2200 performers set to dazzle audiences at Sydney Olympic Park on November 28 and 29, several Hunter students are preparing for particularly significant roles. Anya King, a Year 10 student from Hunter School of Performing Arts (HSPA), is returning for her fourth Schools Spectacular appearance, but this year with expanded responsibilities that include featured dancer, Aboriginal ensemble member, and student choreographer for the finale.
"Being one of the choreographers is amazing because it is almost introducing me into the professional world," Ms King shared with visible enthusiasm. The young dancer, who has been dancing for as long as she can remember, expressed particular pride in her role within the Aboriginal ensemble.
"I'm really enjoying being a part of the Aboriginal ensemble, being able to represent mob in the arena is such a beautiful and amazing thing I can do," she said. "I'm Gamilaroi, and I really love that I'm making my elders proud by dancing our culture which was lost and bringing that back into modern times."
First-Time Performers and Diverse Talents
Meanwhile, fellow HSPA student Phoebe Napper is eagerly anticipating her first Schools Spectacular experience as part of the circus arts ensemble. The Year 9 student, who began dancing at five and discovered circus arts at eleven, described the unique joy of aerial performance.
"I really like being up in the air on the hoop, it's a very unique style of art and expressing yourself," Ms Napper explained. She acknowledged that the audition process proved nerve-racking but ultimately provided valuable learning experiences.
The young circus artist also praised the supportive community atmosphere, noting "I really like the community we have and how supportive they are and welcoming to new people like myself."
Remarkable Theme and Student Leadership
This year's production carries the powerful theme "Remarkable," which explores what it means to stand out and speak up. Creative director Sonja Sjolander emphasized that the 2025 show focuses more than ever on student voice, featuring three original student songs in the program.
"This is a show about making your mark, about daring to live out loud and standing up for one another and our students are excited and ready to inspire others," Ms Sjolander stated.
The Hunter region representation extends beyond HSPA, with students from Irrawang Public School, Whitebridge High School, Warners Bay and Belmont High School also participating in the massive production.
For Anya King, the opportunity to dance alongside thousands of students from across Australia creates an unparalleled sense of community and achievement. "I was really proud of myself when I found out I got lucky enough to be in Schools Spectacular again this year," she said, describing the thrill of performing before thousands of audience members.
Tickets for the Schools Spectacular 2025 performances on November 28 and 29 remain available for purchase through Ticketek, offering audiences the chance to witness this extraordinary celebration of student talent and creativity at Sydney Olympic Park.
