With rehearsals in full swing, excitement is building among the region’s youngsters ahead of Star Struck Ignite 2023 next month.
The Newcastle Entertainment Centre will shine brightly when more than 3,500 dance and drama students from the Hunter and Central Coast take to the stage on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 June.
Also joining the extravaganza are 100 featured dancers; a 500-plus combined choir; 100 music pupils including vocalists, backing singers, orchestra members and rock bands; and more than 30 VET entertainment students gaining first-hand professional experience.
For the uninitiated, the annual NSW Department of Education performing arts event showcases students from Kindergarten to Year 12 in the disciplines of dance, drama and music.
“The program brings together pupils from very small primary schools to large comprehensive high schools from diverse backgrounds,” Star Struck operations manager Casey Horner said.
“They have the chance to participate as part of combined dance, drama or choir with their school groups or, if successful at audition, can partake as featured vocalists or instrumentalists.
“In addition to these on-stage roles, students also contribute as members of the stage management, choreographic and props design teams.
“That allows them to gain valuable experience across a range of vocational areas in the arts and the opportunity to work with industry experts while working towards a nationally-accredited qualification in events.”
Ms Horner said 2023, with the theme Ignite, would not disappoint anyone.
“The show is set to wow audiences with a carefully selected mix of music, dance and drama from across the decades and the genres,” she explained.
“I’m sure it will spark a smile in everyone’s heart and get those toes tapping.”
Dance and drama rehearsals began on Thursday 26 April at the Newcastle Basketball Stadium with schools from throughout Newcastle, the Hunter and Central Coast coming together to learn their items.
The first combined preparations start on Wednesday 24 May (Cast A) and Thursday 25 May (Cast B) at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre.
“This is where schools join forces at the venue to practice as a collective, including transitions on and off the floor,” Ms Horner said.
“For those new to Star Struck, this is the first time they’ll experience running onto the arena and feeling what it will be like on show night.
“The pandemic saw many school choirs fold, so it is very exciting to see them back with great enthusiasm.
“And, as a result, we will have our biggest choir in many years with more than 500 students participating.
“Rehearsals are taking place at the Exhibition Centre at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre on Friday 9 June.
“We’ll also have a strong team of featured vocalists and musicians in 2023.
“Rehearsals for singers are conducted at Lambton High School over several weekends throughout May and June, culminating in the final practice session, known as the Sitzprobe, on Saturday 10 June at Hunter School of the Performing Arts.
“This is the day the vocalists and musicians unite for the first full rehearsal of all the musical elements.”
Ms Horner admitted Star Struck would not be possible without the continued support of its sponsors.
“A big thank you to Glencore for their continual backing, which includes many specific programs such as the student direction team,” she said.
“This initiative enables students to be mentored by our choreographers and to produce an item in the show themselves.
“Then, we have our media partners: NEWFM 105.3, 2HD, Newcastle Weekly, Newcastle Herald and Graphika.
“In 2023, we welcome a platinum sponsor, the NSW Teachers Federation, too.
“Their support is made up of contributions from the following associations: Bulahdelah, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Lake Wallis, Maitland, Newcastle, Port Stephens Raymond Terrace and Singleton, as well as the NSW Teachers Federation as a whole.
“Our gold sponsors are Newcastle Video Solutions and Kinetic Creations, the silver sponsor is Newcastle Stevedores and the bronze sponsor is Wests.
“The megastar sponsors consist of Cabarrus, Mango Shake and Cappuccino Monkey.
“Plus, in 2023, we’ve secured a grant from the Port of Newcastle.
“This has been used to build a connection with NAISDA (National Aboriginal and Islander Skills Development Association) and to enable our Aboriginal dancers an opportunity to work in a professional space and to see first-hand the possibilities that exist for Indigenous students beyond the classroom.
“So, we thank everyone involved in making the magic of Star Struck accessible and an experience for so many.”
Star Struck Ignite 2023 will take place at 11am and 7pm on Friday 16 June and 1pm and 7pm on Saturday 17 June.
However, the show has been “double cast”, with Cast A performing at 11am on Friday and 7pm on Saturday; and Cast B at 7pm on Friday and 1pm on Saturday.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketek via https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=STARSTRU23
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