The countdown is on for the Victorian School Spectacular, where some of Shepparton’s brightest stars will perform.
Year 7 student Riley Wooster is one of these talents.
With a flair for the dramatic arts and poetry, Riley has always loved the theatre, and this year’s school spectacular is no exception.
He’ll perform in a comic ensemble alongside other students from around the state.
This year’s spectacular’s theme is ‘Happy Travels’, and Riley’s ensemble is playing a group of travellers who travel around the world as speciality performers — Riley is playing the part of a clowning fisherman.
But that’s not Riley’s only contribution to the show.
One of Riley’s poems, titled My World, previously submitted in the Furphy Literacy Awards, has also been integrated into the school spectacular.
This is Riley’s third year in the event and he’s loved seeing what the performers have brought to the stage this year.
“I’ve liked meeting different people with different talents in different backgrounds and seeing what everyone can do,” Riley said.
“I like how I can express myself and be who I want to be in these shows, it’s really great.”
Across town in a noisy classroom filled with dancing and singing — another school is getting ready for the school spectacular.
Shepparton East Primary School is preparing to perform in a choir, which the students will perform in with the rest of the state schools.
The school has been doing the school spectacular for decades now, and its choir consists of Year 4, 5 and 6 students.
Leah Sanders has been in charge of the school spectacular choir at Shepparton East Primary since 2005.
She’s been impressed by the students’ dedication this year and said the school had been able to accommodate its largest group yet.
“We started with 31 or 32, and we had a few drop out, which has taken us to 25,” she said.
“We’ve probably got the best group of kids ever this year.
“They’re really into it and we have lots of boys too, which is really nice.”
Being in the school spectacular has shown Ms Sanders that it’s more than just a show.
She’s seen some of her students flourish in ways she didn’t expect.
“For kids who like music and dance and performing, it’s perfect for them,” she said.
“They’re not all going to be shining in academics or sport, for some kids this is where they shine, when they’re performing.
The Victorian School Spectacular is on this Saturday, September 9 at 1pm and 6.30pm. Tickets are still available at Ticketek.