Schools Spectacular
Enquiries
Featured drama ensemble
Applications for this category are now closed.
The featured drama ensemble showcases the exceptional dramatic talent of NSW Public School students from Years 5 to 12. The ensemble will be made up of select high-potential and gifted drama students from schools right across NSW. As part of the featured drama ensemble, students will work to master the elements of drama including rhythm, timing/pace, space, and filmic elements. Students will also develop skills in voice, movement dynamics and the ability to create and sustain a character/role.
Audition process
The drama ensemble audition occurs in two parts:
- video audition round
- live audition round.
Students must be in Years 5 to 12 to apply for the Drama Ensemble.
Video audition round
1. Record video audition
Students are asked to present a 90-second self-devised video based on one of the following situations:
- the holiday
- a day in the life of a dog
- ski life
- the practical joke
- the rocky climb.
Some of the concepts you may consider are: Who am I? What do I want? How do I feel? Why do I feel that way? What is happening in the scene and how can I show it? Ensure that your piece allows the audition panel to assess movement skills, expressive skills, characterisation skills and narrative/storytelling skills. Other people may appear in the video as additional characters or props, but the student applying should be the main focus and be clearly identifiable.
All videos must include:
- a clear beginning, middle and end
- avoid dialogue where possible
- expressive face and movement
- a clear and engaging character
- some sort of tension, either comic or dramatic.
2. Upload a video and submit an application form
View the audition tips below for the selection criteria which all successful applicants must include. Use these tips when creating the audition video.
3. Email confirmation
Students will receive a confirmation email once their application has been submitted. The student's parent/carer and school principal will also receive an email asking them to endorse your application. Please note, that endorsement from the student's principal and parent/carer is required to be considered for a role in the drama ensemble.
4. Notification of results
All applicants will be notified of their video audition results by Term 2 Week 2.
Live audition round
1. Live audition
Successful applicants will be invited to attend the next part of the audition process, the live audition round in Sydney on Monday 3 June 2024. For the live audition, students take part in workshops and drama activities that will assess playbuilding, collaboration and acting skills.
2. Notification of results
All applicants will be notified of their final live audition results by Term 2, Week 9.
Key dates for featured drama ensemble
| Date | Time | Details | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 29 Jan | Applications open | ||
| Mon 8 Apr | 5:00 pm | Applications close | |
| Mon 6 May | Video audition results sent | ||
| Mon 3 June | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm | Drama ensemble live audition | |
| Fri 21 June | Live audition results sent | ||
| Mon 16 Sept – Fri 20 Sept | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm | Drama ensemble rehearsal week | |
| Mon 23 Sept – Fri 27 Sept | TBC | Filming (Select students only) | |
| TBC | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm | Item rehearsal 1 | TBC |
| Mon 4 Nov | TBC | First combined rehearsal | |
| TBC | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm | Item rehearsal 2 | TBC |
| TBC | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm | Item rehearsal 3 | TBC |
| Wed 27 Nov | TBC | Second combined rehearsal day 1 | |
| Thu 28 Nov | TBC | Second combined rehearsal day 2 Dress rehearsal |
|
| Fri 29 Nov | 11:00 am and 7:00 pm | Schools Spectacular performance | |
| Sat 30 Nov | 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm | Schools Spectacular performance |
Cost
The costume and prop fee will be $150 per student.
Costume and prop costs will be direct debited from the student's school. Students will need to pay the costume and prop fee directly to their school once they are notified of their acceptance into the production.
Some assistance may be available for students with financial hardship in extenuating circumstances. Following discussions with the school, if students require further support, please email enquiries to schoolsspectacular@det.nsw.edu.au.
Audition tips
- Be sure to include:
- a clear beginning, middle and end
- avoid dialogue where possible
- expressive face and movement
- a clear and engaging character
- some sort of tension, either comic or dramatic.
- Audition videos should be filmed in a school hall or drama classroom with normal room lighting.
- Where possible, students should be dressed in form-fitting drama clothes or something appropriate for their character.
- Students should discuss and review their audition video with their school drama teacher before submitting it.
- Students should act for camera and ensure that their expression can be clearly seen.
