Applications 2026

If you're interested in participating in the Schools Spectacular, several opportunities are available for you. You can perform, create, support, or be part of the production team. Below, you'll find the different ways you can apply and the categories you can apply for. 

Individual students

Applications closed

• Featured artist – instrumentalist
• Featured artist – vocalist and backing vocalist
• Featured dance ensembles
• Featured drama ensemble
• Featured specialist performer
• Boys hip hop ensemble
• Circus arts ensemble
• Core choir
• Orchestra and stage band
• Student co-host
• Student creative team – original student composition
• Student creative team – artwear design
• Student creative team – student choreographer
• Student creative team – others
• Student production team

School groups

Applications closed

• Aboriginal Dance Ensemble
• Boys hip hop 
• Circus arts ensemble 
• Combined choir (primary)
• Combined choir (secondary)
• Combined dance (primary)
• Combined dance (secondary)
• Combined signing choir 
• D’Arts ensemble
• Specialist ensemble
• SpecFest Flash Mob
• SpecFest ensemble

Schools Spectacular has a limited number of places it can offer in each ensemble. The number of spots that you apply for may not be the number of places your school is offered to be in the show. Please notify your students of this when applying. 

Staff production team

Applications closed

• Creatives/industry professionals (conductors, choreographers, and tutors)
• Ensemble manager
• Production group leader

• Production team member

If you missed our informative Q&A session about applying for your school to participate in the Schools Spectacular, don’t worry! You can access the session recording through the link below.

Schools Spectacular 2026 – Schools Q&A Session Monday, 9 March

In the Q&A session, we covered key details about the application process, selection criteria, and tips for highlighting your school’s talents. We heard from experienced educators who have successfully participated in the event to help schools gain valuable insights into what makes an application stand out.

Whether your school is applying for the first time or has participated before, this session provides useful information to help you navigate the process. Watch the recording to get inspired and prepare your application with confidence!

Who can apply to be a part of the Schools Spectacular?

The Schools Spectacular applications are open to all NSW Public School students from Kindergarten to Year 12. Some categories are limited to students in specific year groups. Check the application page for more information.

Which category should I be submitting my application into?

If you are unsure which category you should be applying for, visit each of the category application information pages, and read the description and audition process. Alternatively, submit your application to the specialist performer/specialist ensemble category. If the Schools Spectacular team believes your act is more appropriate for an alternative category, you will be informed.

When do applications close?

Applications close depending on the category. Unfortunately, if you submit your application after the due date, it may not be considered.

Closing date	Category
Wed 25 Feb	Featured artist (vocalist, instrumentalist, backing vocalist and specialist) and featured dance applications close
Fri 13 Mar	Staff production team leader applications close Staff creative team leader applications close
Fri 27 Mar	School group applications close Student creative team applications close Core Choir applications close Featured drama applications close Boys hip hop applications close Circus applications close
Fri 1 May	Staff production team applications close
Tue 28 Jul	Orchestra and stage band applications close
Fri 28 Aug	Student production team applications close SpecFest Flash Mob applications close SpecFest ensemble applications close

Do students who performed in the 2025 Schools Spectacular need to submit a video audition?

Students who were a part of the categories listed below in 2025, and are re-applying for the same category for 2026, do not need to submit a video with their online application. Students will automatically progress to the live audition.

• Featured artist – instrumentalist
• Featured artist – vocalist and backing vocalist
• Featured dance ensemble
• Core choir

How do I apply for multiple categories?

Click 'Apply' and enter your email address. If you have used this email address before, you will be resent the link to edit your original application.

What should I do if I am unavailable on a key date listed on the website?

If you are unavailable on a key date, the team encourages you to email: schoolsspectacular@det.nsw.edu.au outlining the date and reason you are unavailable, and the team will get back to you promptly.

What do I do if I'm trying to submit a second application but the other category I've applied for has closed?

Open your application (see above). Go to the 'Application information' tab. Click the blue 'Edit' button and scroll down the bottom to 'Category Selection' and add another category.

What do I do if my application is stuck on 'Draft' status and won't let me submit it?

In this case, it is likely that you haven't uploaded all of the required components of the application. The most common instance of this is when an applicant has not uploaded their headshot properly. Ensure that after you've selected the file and there is a green tick, you click the 'upload' button.

I've successfully made it through to the live audition round, and I'm trying to book an audition time, but can't remember the time I selected. (Featured artists only)

Re-select the audition time booking link and you will see '(Selected)' next to the time you have originally booked.