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Arena Spectacular

2026 Program

Students from ACT public schools are invited to participate in the Step into the Limelight Arena Spectacular in 2026.

Seize this opportunity to take a work of art from page to stage as a massed school performance group, audition to be a featured artist, gain work experience as a member of crew, help produce the event as a student ambassador, and that's only the beginning!

The Arena Spectacular is a variety style show delivering outstanding artistry in dance, drama, music, circus and media arts. The 2026 program includes performance opportunities for school groups and individual students.

1. School Performance Opportunities

School groups are invited to apply to perform in large-scale collaborative items as part of Step into the Limelight 2026. Teachers can select the type of performance opportunity offered to their students and determine which students will participate.

Performance opportunities are available for both primary and secondary school students, with learning materials (music, lyrics, choreography, etc) tailored to suit different age ranges and skill levels.

Participating schools can choose to be involved in:

All resources are provided — simply sign up to participate and be guided through the creative process from start to finish.

Further details on these opportunities can be found HERE.

📅Expressions of Interest are OPEN NOW via this LINK.

2. Individual Student Performance Opportunities

Individual students are invited to audition to become part of the Step into the Limelight 2026 Performing Company. These opportunities are pursued independently of schools and teachers, allowing students to showcase their unique talents and gain valuable performance experience.

Performance opportunities include:

Further details on these opportunities can be found HERE.

📅Expressions of Interest are OPEN NOW via this LINK.

3. Community Performance Opportunities

Following the success of the inaugural ACT Public Schools Community Choir in 2025, we’re thrilled to offer this experience again in 2026!

The Community Choir will prepare repertoire to perform side by side with students in the Step into the Limelight Arena Spectacular at the AIS Arena — a joyful celebration of music, connection, and community spirit on the big stage.

The choir is open to all ACT Public Schools staff and parents. No prior singing experience or music-reading skills are needed — just bring your enthusiasm, love of music, and willingness to have fun!

🕕 Rehearsals: Mondays, 6:00–7:00pm, at the Instrumental Music Program (IMP), UC High School Kaleen, starting Term 3, 2026.
📅 Expressions of Interest open Term 2, 2026.

Theme

The Step into the Limelight 2026 theme has been selected by our 2026 Student Ambassadors! The creative direction they have chosen for next year’s Arena Spectacular is … Break Through.

Event Details

Technical Rehearsal: The technical rehearsal allows performers to come together with all elements of production. Performers are introduced to the venue and stage, their entrances, exits and stage positions, as well as the sound and lights. Although performers are important at this rehearsal, the focus is on the technical team and crew. This rehearsal is used to ensure the creative vision is achieved on stage and all participants are safe. We ask that you put aside an hour for your technical rehearsal, however, you will need to consider transport to and from your school.

Dress Rehearsal: The dress rehearsal is the final run-through where everything is executed as it should for the evening performances. This includes wearing full costumes and makeup, performing lines from memory, executing choreography full-out, and integrating all technical elements like lighting, sound, microphones, props and set. The dress rehearsal allows the performers, production team, and crew to fine-tune every aspect of the show, aiming to resolve any remaining concerns.

Performances: In 2026 there will be three performances with identical programs - 1 matinee and 2 evening performances. This means your school will commit to perform three times!

Support the ACT’s Premier Public School Arts Event - Sponsorship

Step into the Limelight is the ACT’s flagship public school arts showcase, celebrating the talent, creativity, and diversity of over 1500 student performers and artists. With audiences of more than 2,000 each night, the Arena Spectacular is a powerful platform for community engagement and corporate visibility.

We invite businesses and organisations to partner with us as sponsors for the 2026 Arena Spectacular. Your support helps make this extraordinary event possible and contributes directly to arts education in ACT public schools.

Download the Sponsorship Prospectus to explore partnership opportunities, including bespoke and in-kind support options.

Questions or Suggestions?

veronica.thwaites-brown@ed.act.edu.au

6142 0477

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