Hot on the heels of the announcement of featured performers this week – that includes dancers from Bathurst and Cowra – the NSW Department of Education has revealed that Bogan Gate Public and Peak Hill Central schools have successfully auditioned for the iconic state-wide event.

Eugowra Public, Cowra High, Blayney High and Orange High schools were also among the 28 schools so far to successfully audition.

The schools have been chosen for the combined choir, combined dance, D’Arts Ensemble and Aboriginal Dance Ensemble.

The 2017 Schools Spectacular is back to showcase the best singing and dancing talent from public schools across NSW and will take place on Friday and Saturday, November 24 and 25 at QUDOS Bank Arena at Sydney Olympic Park.

The event is a massive co-operative venture as thousands of talented students and their dedicated teachers join with industry professionals to stage an unparalleled entertainment extravaganza of massive proportions.

Auditions are continuing for other performers, including bands and orchestras and drama ensemble, and schools with representatives will be announced closer to the event.

The rigorous selection process chooses schools and performers that meet the exacting standards that huge audiences have grown to know and love.

Last year marked an iconic chapter in Schools Spectacular history when their annual arena production broke the Guinness World Record for the Largest Variety Concert in the world at its new home QUDOS Bank Arena.

Now in its 34th year, the popular live-and-televised extravaganza will star over 5700 students, including a choir of 2700 voices, 2400 dancers, a 100-piece symphony orchestra, world-class stage band, 44 solo singers and 145-featured dancers from public schools across NSW.

Hosted by much loved musical director John Foreman, performances will feature the greatest musical hits of past and present including the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Disney’s Moana, Ariana Grande, Stevie Wonder, Annie Lennox, Bruno Mars and the hottest musical theatre numbers direct from Broadway, including Dear Evan Hansen.

Choreographers Kelley Abbey (So You Think You Can Dance), Xanthe and Gregor (Dance Academy), Bangarra Dance Theatre and direct from NYC ‘Rockette’ star Sophie Holloway will work with dancers to create innovative and energetic numbers.

In a Schools Spectacular first, a 150-strong drama ensemble will perform with custom-made larger than life dragon puppets.

Creative Director Sonja Sjolander said that this year’s theme, ‘Own The Moment’, inspired young artists to step up and discover their potential.

“There are so many incredible stars in this year’s show, it’s mind-blowing, and each of them has a unique story and talent to bring to the arena stage,” she said.

“This is their moment to show themselves and their nation just what they are capable of.

“I have never witnessed a line-up quite like this. It’s terribly exciting!”

Hundreds of Schools Spectacular participants over the years have gone on to become professional musicians, singers, dancers, designers, producers and musical directors.

For a taste of the quality and diversity of performances, visit the Schools Spectacular Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/schoolsspectacular/