In 2021 the Schools Spectacular will be a composite of live and digital performances. If selected, you will be informed whether your performance will be live in the arena or part of the digital component.
In 2021 the Schools Spectacular will be a composite of live and digital performances. If selected, you will be informed whether your performance will be live in the arena or part of the digital component.
Featured Artists and Backing Vocalists of Schools Spectacular represent some of the best vocalists NSW Public Schools have to offer. This category is an excellent platform for developing and showcasing outstanding artistic new talent to the rest of the state as well as the whole of Australia. Included in this category are vocal soloists and backing vocalists.
If selected as a Featured Artist, students may be asked to perform as a soloist, as part of a small ensemble or as a backing vocalist.
Please note: This category is open to students in Kindergarten – Year 12 who currently attend a NSW Public School.
Students involved in the show as Featured Artists will be initially selected via an online video audition. Students are asked to present two contrasting pieces in their audition video.
An example of this could be a ballad and an up tempo piece in your chosen genre or pieces from two different music styles i.e. Rock and Musical Theatre.
Please read the tips below for more information about what the panel is looking for.
Following the online video auditions, successful students may be invited to attend live auditions in Sydney before final selections are made.
Students who performed as a Featured Artist in the 2019 Schools Spectacular or who are currently in the 2021 Talent Development Project graduating class are not required to send an online video audition however they must complete an online application form. These students will automatically be eligible for the first round of live auditions. All other TDP students are welcome to apply by completing the online application form and video audition.
Featured Artists must be able to attend rehearsals and performances on all the dates listed below.
Monday 19 April 2021 | Online applications open |
Tuesday 18 May 2021 | Online applications close & online video auditions due |
End of May 2021 | Students notified of acceptance into live audition |
Monday 7 June – Thursday 10 June 2021 | Live auditions at The Arts Unit, Sydney – First Round |
Tuesday 20 July – Thursday 22 July 2021 | Live auditions at The Arts Unit, Sydney – Final Round |
Friday 23 July 2021 | Backing Vocalist audition – Live audition at The Arts Unit, Sydney |
Late July 2021 | Students notified of their acceptance into show |
Friday 10 September 2021 | Featured Artist / Featured Instrumentalists Publicity Day |
Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 September 2021 | Featured Artist weekend rehearsals |
Saturday 18 September – Thursday 23 September 2021 | Featured Artist holiday rehearsal week |
Saturday 2 October – Sunday 3 October 2021 | Featured Artist weekend rehearsals |
Saturday 16 October – Sunday 17 October 2021 | Featured Artist weekend rehearsals |
Saturday 23 October – Sunday 24 October 2021 | Featured Artist weekend rehearsals |
Monday 25 October 2021 | First combined dance rehearsal |
Thursday 28 October – Sunday 31 October 2021 | Featured Artist rehearsals and styling |
Monday 1 November – Friday 5 November 2021 (TBC) | Featured Artist direction days – 3 days only |
Saturday 13 November – Wednesday 17 November 2021 | Featured Artists show week rehearsals |
Thursday 18 November 2021 | Full dress rehearsal |
Friday 19 November 2021 | Schools preview and evening performances |
Saturday 20 November 2021 | Matinee and evening performances |
Please note: Students wishing to be a Featured Artist or Backing Vocalist for the 2021 Schools Spectacular must be available for all dates listed above. The only exceptions will be for rehearsals that directly clash with students’ HSC examinations.
Featured Artists are required to pay a costume and prop fee. This may include the purchase or hire of elements for the production. The cost will be direct debited from the students school. Students will pay their school directly once they have been notified of their acceptance into the show.
The approximate cost for costumes in 2021 is $120 as a Featured Artist and $70 as a Backing Vocalist.