After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, the Schools Spectacular is back with 4,700 public school students ‘Creating the Magic’ on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 November 2022 with students coming from as far away as Ballina, Bourke, and Bega to star on stage at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena.
This year’s show will feature students and teachers from more than 350 NSW public schools: a 2,100-voice choir; 2,200 dancers; a 100-piece symphony orchestra; 45 featured artists plus more than 250 students involved in signing choirs, stage bands, VET entertainment crew and specialist ensembles.
Schools Spectacular executive producer, Richard Spiewak said the ‘Spec’ was an extraordinarily high-calibre event that showcases public education’s creativity and performing arts.
“This year the show is aptly named ‘Creating the Magic’ as the Schools Spectacular is the embodiment of the magic and inspiration of the arts and education”.
In terms of size, scale and scope, the Schools Spectacular is unrivalled in the world. The Schools Spectacular delivers outstanding youth dance and musical performances and incorporates state-of-the-art sound, lighting, and staging.
Over the years, hundreds of Schools Spectacular participants have gone on to professional careers in the arts. Recent alumni are currently performing in hit musicals Hamilton, Jagged Little Pill, An American in Paris, and Phantom of the Opera.
Featured Artist Imogen Mumberson
One of the 46 featured artists is Lane Cove’s very own 16 years old Imogen Mumberson.
Imogen attended Birrahlee Preschool, Lane Cove West Public School and is currently a student at Riverside Girls High School.
When Imogen was four, she started learning dance at the Lane Cove Dance Academy. She told ITC that her dance teacher Kristy Larcher’s positive and nurturing energy has played a huge role in developing her love for dance and performance. She has studied classical ballet, jazz, and contemporary at the Lane Cove Dance Academy.
Her vocal coach for the last seven years has been Vicki Watson. Vicki is located in Artarmon and works with vocalists of all ages.
Imogen recently finished 1st place for vocal performance (17 years) at the Sydney Eisteddfod 2022. She also successfully auditioned for the NSW Department of Education’s prestigious Talent Development Project. This project will further develop her songwriting skills, while enabling her to collaborate with other young artists and music industry consultants. Her ultimate dream is to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
Imogen told ITC:
“This is my first Schools Spectacular. I’ve dreamed of performing on the Schools Spectacular stage since I saw my first show at 9 years old. At the end of the show, I turned to my mum and said “I wanna be up there singing with those kids”.
From then, I’ve practised so hard developing my performance skills and auditioned every year. It feels like my hard work has finally paid off and my dream has come true!”
Imogen’s Lane Cove Life
We asked Imogen a few questions about her Lane Cove life.
What’s Your Favourite Lane Cove Eatery?
Sushi Maru
What’s Your Favourite Lane Cove Place?
I love The Canopy vibe.
Where Have You Performed Recently?
I recently played Elle Woods in City Kids Theatre’s production of Legally Blonde.
I recently starred in a social media campaign for the Public Education Foundation playing a young Jennifer Robinson (International Human Rights Barrister) which has over 56K views.
Where Can Lane Cove Locals See You (other than at the Schools Spectacular)?
I have a feature role in Lane Cove Dance Academy’s production of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ in December 2022.
I’m now creating my own music and will soon release my new song “I’m Free”.
You can also follow me on Instagram here.
If you would like to see Imogen, you can buy tickets to the School Spectacular here:
QUDOS BANK ARENA, Sydney Olympic Park
Friday 25 November 11:00am & 7:00pm Saturday 26 November 1:00pm & 7:00pm
Platinum: Adults $60.00 | Concession $50.00 Family Pass (2 adults + 2 children) $186.00 Gold: Adults $46.00 | Concession $36.00 Family Pass (2 adults + 2 children) $131.00
www.ticketek.com.au or phone 13 28 49
Website: www.schoolsspectacular.com.au
Facebook: @schoolsspectacular
Instagram: @SchoolsSpec
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(PHOTO CREDIT ANNA WARR)
