Staff production team

The Schools Spectacular Leadership team are a core feature of the production team as they lead various departments of students and teachers for the event.

These positions will require the team member to:

• lead a team of staff in the specific department
• communicate schedules, policies and procedures to the rest of the team
• contribute to the production process
• attend meetings and possible rehearsals outside of show week.

Cast Management Team Leader

Key responsibilities

• Liaise with the Show Caller, Stage Manager and Tunnel managers regarding the show call and pass on relevant information as needed.
• Liaise with the Operations Manager regarding any operational updates or changes.
• Maintain calm and confident communication with all team members, teachers and cast.
• Communicate any changes in the show that arise to key personnel.
• Lead the cast management team.
• Monitor holding rooms and support staff in organising stacking orders and calls to stage.
• Troubleshoot solutions for issues in tunnels if they arise during shows.
• Assist with the movement of cast watching the show to and from dressing rooms and arena seating.
• Assist in preparing relevant documentation to support the organisation of the event.

Costume Coordinator

This role sits across at least 2 personnel to manage the volume of costume coordination required by the show. The role liaises with all stakeholders to ensure the effective collection of data, construction and supply of costumes for this year’s production.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor the progress of design, construction and delivery condition of costumes and support the process to meet key milestones.
• Coordinate and manage a team in the lead-up to the show for the construction and delivery of costumes and hand held props required for components of the show.
• Coordinate with the other Costume Coordinator(s) effectively.
• Facilitate and use a central database to collect and maintain student measurement data, ensuring team access to data.
• Generate templates for choreographers to use for correspondence with vendors.
• Maintain consistent and clear communication, inclusive of the creative and production team to ensure all personnel are aware of progress and developments with a shared mutual understanding.
• Communicate with students and teachers in a timely and courteous manner.
• Coordinate the transportation and storage of costumes and hand-held props prior to, during show and post bump out from the venue as related to the components of the show in consultation with the Creative and Production team.
• Investigate costume suppliers, attain quotes and check availability to meet key milestones.
• Facilitate the engagement of costume suppliers and monitor the deliverables in conjunction with choreographers, through the management of letters of agreement.
• Work with the Props and Puppets Team Leader in the delivery and coordination of any additional props required for the component of the show.
• Work within budget requirements, maintain financial accountability and provide accurate reports and updates to the Creative and Production team.
• Attend relevant rehearsals (where necessary) to support choreographers and costume segment coordinators with costuming including sizing, ordering and distribution and hand held props.
• Collaborate with the Creative and Production team to establish and realise the creative vision for the components of the show.
• Maintain oversight of hand held props and costumes including storage throughout the show.
• Coordinate any costume laundering required post-event and the return of any costumes to the Turella costume store.
• Coordinate and manage teachers and staff associated with the costuming and hand held for the relevant component of the show, in collaboration with the dance team.
• Additional duties may be assigned, specific to your skillset.

Front Desk Manager

This role is located at Spec Central at Qudos Bank Arena during rehearsals and performances.

Key responsibilities

• Set up the front desk and allocating responsibilities for the front desk team at the First Combined rehearsal and during show week.
• Manage student sign-on and dismissal processes.
• Liaise with sponsors, lead production team, volunteers and venue staff to develop procedures for the smooth running of the event.
• Communicate with the front desk team regarding procedure and scheduling.

Props and Puppet Team Leader

This role will be ongoing throughout Terms 3 and 4 in the lead-up to the show and show week.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage a team in the lead-up to the show for the construction of props and puppets required for the event.
• Work in conjunction with the Costume Coordinators, coordinating the transportation, storage and subsequent bump-out from the venue, of all props and puppets for the show.
• Liaise with the puppets team to develop puppets that align with the creative vision of the production team while meeting budget requirements.
• Source materials for the construction of props and puppets.
• Mentor students who are a part of the student production team as well as student performers using the puppets.
• Coordinate the distribution of props and puppets for staff and cast.
• Maintain oversight of the props and puppets, including storage throughout the show.

Wellbeing Team Leader

This role will have some participation in the process from April, either online or in person, with an increasing role leading into and in show week. Participation details will be negotiated with the successful candidate.

Key responsibilities

• Provide oversight across both the Schools Spectacular and SpecFest regarding the wellbeing of students, teachers and staff.
• Contribute towards the wellbeing aspects of the creative production development of the show.
• Coordinate the wellbeing team for both the arena production and outdoor event.
• Work with the Schools Spectacular Executive Producer and Leader, The Arts Unit, to implement wellbeing initiatives across the show.
• Manage wellbeing matters as they occur across the show process and during show week. Support the management of issues as they occur.
• Work in conjunction with external First Aid providers.

The Schools Spectacular production team is on the ground during show week, following instructions from the leadership team and playing a pivotal role.

These positions will require the team member to: 

• follow instructions from their team leader and/or the lead production team
• communicate with all staff and students politely and courteously
• attend performances of Schools Spectacular as well as rehearsals during production week (24–30 November) and First Combined Rehearsal (4 November).

Audio Team

Key responsibilities

• Manage microphone distribution of audio equipment during the show.
• Set up and packing away audio equipment.
• Politely communicate with all staff.
• Follow instructions of the team leader.

Call to Stage/Cast Management Team

Key responsibilities

• Provide support and guidance in the safe movement of students and staff around the venue.
• Support teachers in the management of student behaviour.
• Provide students and staff with clear and precise instructions.
• Have a clear understanding of the show schedule and the ability to communicate that to staff and students.
• Politely communicate with all staff.
• Follow the instructions of the team leader.

Catering Team

Key responsibilities

• Work with the catering team from the venue in the food service areas.
• Support the coordination of meal distribution during the event.
• Communicate with all staff on how they can access their meal allocation.
• Politely communicate with all staff.

Comms Distribution

Key responsibilities

• Work with the external provider of the comms system to maintain and track communication equipment
• Support and supervise VET students allocated to the team
• Support the coordination of the distribution and collection of audio communication system during the event
• Communicate with all staff and students politely and courteously
• Follow instructions of the team leader.

Costume Segment Leader

This role is suitable for an individual who can attend all rehearsals for a specific segment. This may include a teacher of a school group in the segment or a parent or helper.

Key responsibilities

• Attend all rehearsals for the designated segment/s
• Liaise with the Costume Coordinator for the facilitation of costumes and hand held props pertaining to a segment of the show.
• Liaise with teachers and choreographers to acquire student sizes and quantities
• Facilitate the distribution of costumes and hand held props for the segment
• Communicate effectively, timely and courteously with the Costume Coordinator, choreographers, staff and students
• Provide active leadership at rehearsals to ensure there is a clear understanding of process and outcomes for the costumes and hand held props.

Costume Team (Textiles)

Key responsibilities

• Assist in the creation and repair of costumes. (sewing abilities required) 
• Attend various rehearsals and performances to be available to assist with any costume repairs or alterations
• Communicate with all staff and students politely and courteously. 
• Follow instructions of the team leader and communicate with the segment choreographer on the design of the costumes for a particular segment
• Work with the Costume Coordinators regarding costuming issues or budget needs.

Costume Team (General)

Key responsibilities

• Assist with the collection, transport and distribution of costumes
• Support the repair and coordination of costumes (non-sewing)
• Communicate with all staff and students politely and courteously
• Follow instructions of the team leader.

Choral Team (Supervision and rehearsal support)

Key responsibilities

• Oversee prop bag distribution and prop replacement.
• Troubleshoot combined choir
• Manage the specialist ensembles in the show
• Attend relevant rehearsals
• Liaise with the wellbeing officer to always ensure student wellbeing
• Assist in the set-up of rehearsal spaces
• Communicate with all staff and students politely
• Follow instructions of the team leader
• Cooperate and liaise with the cast and stage management team regarding student movement during the event.

Front Desk Team

Key responsibilities

• Assist with the setting up of the front desk and manning the desk according to the schedule
• Manage student sign-on and dismissal processes.
• Communicate with all staff and students politely and courteously. 
• Follow instructions of the team leader.

Production Assistant

Key responsibilities

• Complete various administration tasks as required
• Transportation of equipment to different departments
• Communicate with all staff and students politely and courteously. 
• Follow instructions of the team leader
• Work across various areas of the production of the show.

Props and  Puppets Team

Key responsibilities

• Assist in the construction and assembly of props and puppets (this may occur on weekends and times outside of production week)
• Liaise with the Props and Puppets Team Leader for the maintenance and transportation of props and puppets during show week
• Communicate with all staff and students politely and courteously
• Manage the use and storage of the props and puppets in collaboration with student performers during rehearsals and performances
• Skills involving small-scale construction, craft making and assembly are preferred.

Staging Team

Key responsibilities

• Set up the performance space for rehearsals and pre-show procedures
• Support the movement of props and sets on and off stage in collaboration with the Student Production team, following instructions from the Props and Staging team leader
• Communicate with all staff and students politely and courteously
• Maintain workplace health and safety practices in the movement of props and sets.

SpecFest Activations Team

Key responsibilities

• Liaise with event partners and the SpecFest production team to manage and facilitate areas of the event
• Communicate with all staff and students politely and courteously
• Follow instructions of the team leader work with the SpecFest Producer to facilitate performances and schedule
• Liaise with the wellbeing officer to always ensure student wellbeing.

SpecFest Performances Team

Key responsibilities

• Support student performances and VET student opportunities
• Manage various production requirements required for the event
• Communicate with all staff and students politely and courteously
• Follow instructions of the team leader
• Work with the SpecFest Producer to facilitate performances and schedule
• Liaise with the wellbeing officer to always ensure student wellbeing.

Styling Team

Key responsibilities

• Support the styling team in fulfilling the creative vision of the production team
• Assist with the supply and transport of costumes for performers
• Assist in the measurements and styling of student performers
• Support the movement of the cast during rehearsals and performances in alignment with styling requirements.

Tunnel Manager

Key responsibilities

• Support the Stage manager and the show caller in the cueing of cast on and off the stage
• Support teachers in the management of student behaviour
• Provide students and staff with clear and precise instructions with regard to the movement on and off the stage and in the tunnels 
• Have a clear understanding of the show schedule and the ability to communicate that to staff and students politely communicate with all staff
• Follow the instructions of the team leader.

Wellbeing Team

Key responsibilities

• Provide oversight across both the Schools Spectacular and SpecFest regarding the wellbeing of students, teachers and staff
• Work with the Schools Spectacular production team to implement wellbeing initiatives across the show
• Support with the management of issues as they occur
• Communicate with all staff and students politely and courteously
• Follow instructions of the team leader

The role of Schools Spectacular Leadership Ensemble Managers is crucial for the well-being, and attendance of our students.

These positions will require the team member to: 

• be responsible for communication with their assigned ensemble in regards to rehearsal dates, attendance and requirements
• manage student wellbeing and attendance for rehearsals and performances
• attend and assist in preparing the setup of rehearsal spaces.

Ensembles requiring a manager

• Aboriginal Dance Ensemble
• D'Arts Ensemble
• Featured Artist
• Featured Dance
• Orchestra and Stage Band
• Specialist
• Signing Choir
• General Ensemble Manager (any ensemble)

Applications are now closed.

Please contact schoolsspectacular@det.nsw.edu.au with any questions.

Roles include: 

Vocal tutor (Core Choir, Featured Artist)

Key responsibilities

• Attend auditions and rehearsals as required.
• Run vocal workshops for groups and individual students.
• Run vocal warm-ups.
• Assist with scheduling to ensure the best use of time and resources.
• Support students with vocal health and wellbeing throughout the rehearsal and show period.
• Collaborate with the Schools Spectacular Creative and Production team.
• Attend allocated rehearsals.
• Maintain regular communication about the progress and development of students and the show with the Schools Spectacular Creative and Production team.
• Liase with the team leader regarding specific responsibilities.

Creative Director's Assistant

Key responsibilities

• Be a communication channel between the Creative Director, key stakeholders and the cast.
• Assist the Creative Director with implementing changes and amendments to the show.
• Collaborate with Schools Spectacular Creative and Production Team.
• Attend allocated rehearsals and performances  as required.
• Support a calm, solution-driven, productive environment.
• Proven capacity to maintain and promote the core values and profile of public education. with a wide range of stakeholders.

Choral Director

Key responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Creative and Production team to develop the choral components of the show.
• Communicate with and manage the choral team regarding choir selection process, rehearsals and performances.
• Attend, administer and prepare choir rehearsals.
• Develop resources for teachers to run rehearsals with their choirs.
• Collaborate with the choral team to develop the choir movement and choralography.
• Attend meetings to provide information to teachers and the rest of the production team regarding the choir.
• Support the development and revision of the arrangements and printing of vocal scores.
• Develop vocal teaching tracks with the rest of the music team.
• Assist in the integration of choir props within the performance.
• Provide support for choir staff during rehearsals and performances.

Choral Conductor

Key responsibilities

• Attend, administer and prepare Core Choir auditions including the revision of audition videos and leading the audition panel at live auditions.
• Attend, administer and prepare Secondary Choir and Core Choir rehearsals.
• Liaise and support tutors in the administration of duty of care responsibilities.
• Liaise with the creative team regarding the specifics of content taught.
• Assist with vocal teaching across the cast where necessary.
• Assist in the development of resources for auditions, rehearsals and performances.
• Conducting for all performances and rehearsals for the Core Choir.

Assistant Choral Conductor

Key responsibilities:

• Conduct sections of the Schools Spectacular mass choirs of Secondary and Primary Students.
• Collaborate in the development of choralography for the production.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, the creative and choral teams to teach the choral material and manage school choirs.
• Attend the rehearsals for the section of the choir that they are conducting as well as planning meetings with the choral team. 

Stage Band Director

Key responsibilities:

• Work alongside Schools Spectacular Musical Director to rehearse, develop and conduct the music of the selected stage band.
• Attend and run stage band rehearsals.
• Maintain consistent communication with the music team regarding requirements.

Professional rhythm section

Key responsibilities:

• Work with the Schools Spectacular Musical Director, Orchestra and Stage Band to deliver and perform a high-quality performance of the chosen repertoire.
• Be available to work in accordance to the rehearsal and performance schedules developed for the show.

Instrumental Tutor

Key responsibilities:

• Provide guidance and support for students that best serves their development and wellbeing.
• Be available to work in accordance to the rehearsal and performance schedules developed for the show.
• Work with the Schools Spectacular Musical Director to develop the skills of the orchestra members to deliver a high-quality performance of the chosen repertoire.

Dance Choreographer

The Dance Team is comprised of NSW Public School teachers and industry professionals who work collaboratively to provide the choreography and segment direction for the vast majority of segments in the Schools Spectacular.

Members of the Dance Team can take on roles including Segment Director, Choreographer, Assistant Choreographer and Designer.

NSW Public School teachers who have skills in dance and design are encouraged to apply. We encourage applications from experienced teachers as well as teachers who have not been involved in the team in previous years.

We also encourage industry professionals with extensive dance and choreographic skills to apply for this category.

New applicants are required to submit an online video audition showcasing their choreographic skills with a group of dancers. This video needs to be uploaded to YouTube. The link is submitted with your online application.

The video should be no longer than 2 minutes in length and may include excerpts.

The Arts Unit will cover the cost of casual release for current school staff. This will be paid to your school for the schools days you are at the Schools Spectacular. The Arts Unit does not cover accommodation or travel. Teachers will need to arrange their own accommodation while they are participating in the Schools Spectacular and organise their own parking and transport to and from the performance venue.

The Arts Unit will provide payment on a half-day or full-day rate for work completed by industry professionals. Industry professionals will need to complete all department onboard processes and mandatory training in their own time to comply with the department's policies and guidelines.

Below are the key dates for this year's event. Although not all production team members will be required for every day, every role will be required during show week.