Students from across the region and greater NSW celebrated the launch of Southern Stars 2018 ICONIC at the WIN Entertainment Centre on Wednesday.
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Daisy Pring from Kiama High School was among the performers to take to the stage for the launch.
“Performing makes me feel so amazing and alive,” she said.
“At the launch I just had a feeling inside of me where everything was perfect and I couldn't stop smiling – moments like this makes my love for singing even stronger.”
Miss Pring said she experienced a certain level of pressure and nerves, “but just the right amount to make the experience more exciting”.
“I feel so blessed to be able to share what I love doing with audiences at events like this and was so happy I was chosen to participate,” she said.
“I had been looking forward to the media launch and it was just as incredible as I hoped. ‘The Greatest Show’ felt so empowering to sing and I can’t wait to take it to the big stage.”
With more than 3000 performers from over 120 public schools, from as near as Wollongong Public School and as far as Norfolk Island Central School, ICONIC is aiming to be the biggest show so far in Southern Stars’ 18 year history.
Executive producer Ian Millard said the theme of the show - ICONIC – set high expectations for the creative team, the performers, and the audience.
“We have really set the bar high this year with our theme of ICONIC, and we aim to deliver a huge show,” Mr Millard said.
“I’m very confident that we can do the title, ICONIC, justice. We will look at iconic culture, iconic places, iconic people, iconic fashion, iconic times, and iconic music.
“Some elements of the show will be very obvious in following the theme, others will be quite subtle, but each and every item celebrates an iconic moment, concept or idea. I think our audience will be very pleasantly surprised and leave extremely enthralled by the creativity of the show.”
Mr Millard said this year’s show would include three circus troupes, the NSW Public Schools Millennial Marching Band, a rock band, 600 strong choir, 100 strong Aboriginal dance ensemble, a teacher’s choir, 50 member orchestra, didgeridoo ensemble, boy’s vocal ensemble, and signing choir to name just a few highlights.
“Of course we have another 2500 students singing, dancing too!” he said.
Mr Millard said approximately 12,000 patrons were expected to attend one of four Iconic shows taking place at the WIN Entertainment Centre on Friday, August 31 (10am school matinee and 7.30pm) and Saturday, September 1 (2pm and 7.30pm).
“Every year our audience leaves the show uplifted, and impressed by the talent of our public school students,” Mr Millard said.
“There is isn’t much that compares to 3000 students giving their all, particularly in the finale numbers that are the absolute highlight of the performances for the performers and patrons.”
Mr Millard said each year the show attracted new schools looking to give their students performing arts opportunities.
“We are so privileged and honoured each and every year to be able to showcase the musical and performing talents of our public school students and give them the chance to perform in one of the biggest performing arts events in NSW,” he said.
“Southern Stars is a high quality family show that has something for everyone. We always say you don’t have to know anyone in the show to go along and enjoy a great couple of hours of pure talent, fun, and entertainment.”
Tickets are on sale for Southern Stars ICONIC from Ticketmaster now.