Frequently asked questions

Schools Spectacular applications are open to all students who attend a NSW Public School in that year.

Unfortunately, due to the licensing agreements of various broadcasters, we are unable to supply a copy of previous Schools Spectaculars. A selection of videos is available via the Schools Spectacular YouTube channel.

P1 on Edwin Flack Ave is the closest parking station to Qudos Bank Arena. To ensure a quick getaway or punctual arrival, public transport is always the best option.

Various food and drink vendors are available within Qudos Bank Arena. SpecFest occurs on the forecourt of Qudos Bank Arena and has many food and drink activations available.

No, As there are over 5000 students and 500 staff backstage, we have limited space backstage during show week and we ask that parents and carers do not go beyond the northern foyer.

Yes, additional show shirts can be purchased via the SpecShirts online store and delivered to the school. These must be purchased before the end of Term 3. You can also purchase additional merchandise from the merchandise store.

Each performance is 2 hours and 20 minutes long including intermission. Due to the number of attendees of each performance, it is possible for the commencement of each performance to occasionally be delayed. 

Patrons of Qudos Bank Arena are subjected to a bag check upon entry. They are not allowed to bring in metal water bottles and bags larger than an A5 piece of paper.

Students will be dismissed at the Northern Foyer adjacent to Edwin Flack Ave. Parents are given 30 minutes free parking at P1 to allow for picking up their children. It is recommended that you enter the car park 2 hours and 20 minutes after the commencement of each performance.

Although the performance will be broadcast, the exact date is yet to be confirmed, however, it will be available for streaming after the broadcast for 6 months after the air date.

Every student performs in the Finale of each performance. Students are unable to leave until the conclusion of the show.

No, SpecFest is open to the general public to enjoy regardless of whether they are attending the Schools Spectacular.

Yes, everyone who enters the SpecFest zone must have their bag checked by Qudos Bank Arena security personnel at the entry points. Please note that if you are intending to go to the Schools Spectacular arena show after SpecFest, you will not be able to take any bags larger than A5 size into the venue and there is no coat check.

A full list of activations will be published in late October. Planning is underway for entertainment on a number of stages, other performances around the event, food trucks, covered eating areas, water and sanitising stations, and event sponsor activations.

The P1 parking station is the closest parking to the SpecFest event. Please note that Olympic Boulevard outside Qudos Bank Arena is closed to traffic from Wednesday 27 November to Sunday 1 December 2024.

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.

Students who were a part of the categories listed below in 2023, and are re-applying for the same category for 2024, 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

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.

Firstly, check that you have submitted the correct information and have filled in all mandatory fields. If issues persist, please email: schoolsspectacular@det.nsw.edu.au outlining the issue and the team will assist as best as we can.

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.

Students who are in the Talent Development Program can audition for Schools Spectacular so long as they are currently enrolled in a NSW Public School.