News

Celebrating 30 Years: Neill Gladwin’s Vision for the Victorian State Schools Spectacular

The Victorian State Schools Spectacular (VSSS) has announced their upcoming auditions throughout November for their incredible milestone 30th anniversary performance on the 13TH September 2025 at John Cain Arena.

Since its inception in 1995, VSSS has provided invaluable opportunities and career pathways for tens of thousands of Victoria’s government primary and secondary school students to showcase their talent.

Participating in this annual arts event has become a cherished rite of passage for so many of Victoria’s brightest young talents, including the Tina Turner Musical star, Ruva Ngwenya; Singer, Vanessa Amorosi and winner of The Voice 2013, Harrison Craig.

The Spectacular program takes a professional approach with young students working alongside some of the most respected creative talent in Australia, including renowned Australian choreographer, Yvette Lee (Bridgerton, Dancing with the Stars, X-Factor Australia) and Musical Director Chong Lim AM (Musical Director on Dancing with the Stars, John Farnham band).

Creative Director Neill Gladwin:

Each year the students bring exciting fresh ideas to the Spectacular. As to the depth of their talent, my colleagues and I are in awe of them. Their leadership, their inspiration and their creativity will be the face of the next generation of artists.

The Department of Education encourages Victorian government school students to take part in this free initiative across a variety of roles that include:

Performance: Principal Vocalists, Principal Dancers, Mass Choir, Mass Dance, Orchestra
Musicians, Circus Artists, Acrobats, First Nations Performers, and Specialty Acts.
Production: The Spectacular also offers numerous off-stage opportunities, where students can
receive training from skilled industry professionals in essential roles such as stage management,
lighting, audio, vision, and production

Join the Spectacular cast to:

Perform at two major arena shows at John Cain Arena, culminating in a national television broadcast.
Showcase a diverse repertoire of music.
Connect with like-minded creative peers and industry professionals.
Gain valuable experience to enhance your CV.

Students can register to audition and submit their audition videos from the comfort of their homes via:

https://tinyurl.com/VSSS2025

The VSSS Creative Team for 2025 includes:

Creative Director Neill Gladwin (Edinburgh Perrier Award winner)
Creative Producer Simon K Patterson (White Night, Australian Open)
Musical Director Chong Lim AM (Musical Director on Dancing with the Stars, John
Farnham band)
Dance Director Yvette Lee (Bridgerton, Dancing with the Stars, X-Factor Australia, So You
Think You Can Dance).

VSSS Alumni – The Spectacular has launched numerous successful careers in the performing arts, including: