Applications 2025

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 

• Featured artist – instrumentalist
• Featured artist – vocalist and backing vocalist
• Featured dance ensembles – ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, jazz/musical theatre, tap
• Featured drama ensemble
• Featured specialist performer
• Boys hip-hop ensemble
• Circus arts ensemble
• Student co-host
• Student core choir
• Student creative team – artwear design, composition, student choreographer and more
• Student orchestra and stage band
• Student production team (opening Term 1 2025)

School groups 

• 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 FlashMob (opening Term 1 2025)
• SpecFest Performance Group (opening Term 1 2025)

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 (opening Term 1 2025)

• Creatives/industry professionals (conductors, choreographers, and tutors) (opening Term 1 2025)
• Ensemble manager (opening Term 1 2025)
• Production group leader (opening Term 1 2025)

• Production team member (opening Term 1 2025)

The Schools Spectacular production team may modify the categories or cast numbers depending on the number of applications received, and the creative direction or production requirements of the show. In the instance that any changes occur, schools will be notified.

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 I should 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 into 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.

Do students who performed in the 2024 Schools Spectacular need to submit a video audition?

Students who were a part of the categories listed below in 2024, and are re-applying for the same category for 2025, 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 and can not remember the time I've selected. (Featured artists only)

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