Featured dance ensembles

The featured dance audition occurs in two parts:

• video audition round
• live audition round.

Students must be in Years 9 to 12 to apply for the featured dance ensembles.

Students are able to audition for multiple featured dance ensembles. If successful, students will be capped to perform in a maximum of three ensembles. Students should discuss the number of ensembles they wish to apply for with their teacher, prior to submitting an application.

Please note that the inclusion of an ensemble in the show will depend on the applications received and the creative direction taken. All ensembles may not proceed or may be amalgamated, and students will be advised should this occur.

Video audition round

1. Record video audition

Students are asked to present a short routine that demonstrates the student's strengths in the chosen style. Items should be no more than one minute in length. Students will be required to submit separate videos for each style they wish to apply for.

2. Upload video and submit an application form

Students who were a featured dancer in the 2023 Schools Spectacular need to submit an application form however, will not be required to upload a video audition.

3. Email confirmation 

Students will receive a confirmation email once the application has been submitted. The student's parent/carer and school principal will also receive an email asking them to endorse the application. Please note, endorsement from the student's principal and parent/carer is required to be considered for a featured dance role in Schools Spectacular.

4. Notification of results

All applicants will be notified of their video audition results by Term 1, Week 9.

Live audition round

1. Live audition

Successful applicants will be invited to attend the second part of the audition process, the live audition round in Sydney. For the live audition round, students will participate in a workshop and be taught choreography to present to the panel in small groups.

2. Notification of results

All applicants will be notified of their live audition results by Term 2, Week 9.

The costume and prop fee will be as follows:

• $150 per student, per ensemble (eg, tap, hip-hop and ballet ensembles = $150 x 3)
• $30 per student cost for a show t-shirt and finale prop. This fee only needs to be paid once, regardless of how many ensembles the student is selected for. 

Costume and prop costs will be direct debited from the student's school. Students will need to pay the costume and prop fee directly to their school once they are notified of their acceptance into the production.

Some assistance may be available for students with financial hardship in extenuating circumstances. Following discussions with the school, if students require further support, please email enquiries to schoolsspectacular@det.nsw.edu.au.

• Please audition as an individual, do not submit group videos as the panel will not be able to identify the auditioning student.
• Please do not submit a video of the students in a performance (such as a school performance or presentation night or dance festival). Please submit a current video.
• Audition videos should be filmed in a school hall or dance classroom with normal room lighting.
• Where possible, students should be dressed in form-fitting dance clothes – not in costume.
• Where possible, students should either dance in bare feet or be wearing proper dance shoes or sneakers – not dancing in school shoes.
• Students should discuss and review the audition video with their school dance teacher prior to submitting.
• Please film the video in a room that has the window or doorway covered so that light from outside doesn’t interfere with the quality of the video.

For more audition tips, visit Top tips for auditioning.