Night of nights for the next generation of stars

The glamorous event was attended by arts industry heavy hitters including delegates from Sydney Theatre Company, Sydney Dance Company, Brolga Dance Academy, and more.

It featured a star-studded line-up of performances including a musical piece from the Australian Chamber Orchestra, a performance from Brolga Dance Academy, and was hosted by Bump star, Carlos Sanson Jr.

The night was a preview of what is to come, as 122 of the state’s top young actors, dancers and musicians get set to share their show-stopping performances with the public from Saturday, 10 February to Monday, 4 March.

NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) CEO, Paul Martin, said he was in awe of the creative and performing arts students who were selected for Showcases this year.

“I am always so impressed by the raw talent, creativity and thoughtfulness of our performing arts students. Their talents are a great reflection of their own skills, but also that of their teachers and school community.

“Whether these young people continue in the arts, the skills they’ve honed and developed in their final years of schooling are setting them up for life,” Mr Martin said.

Now in his second year of hosting the illustrious Higher School Certificate Showcase Season launch, Sanson Jr said being selected for an HSC Showcase was no small feat.

“As someone who found their passion for acting in my HSC Drama class, I know what it is like to set your sights on massive goals, in school and in your career.

“Being nominated for one of these Showcases is a huge achievement – and should signal to all students that they are doing something incredibly powerful in their field.

“I encourage all the recent graduates who were nominated, to keep following your passions and honing your skills borne from your studies,” Sanson Jr said.

For some students, Mr Martin said, the performance showcase is the first opportunity to perform in front of a live audience, but it is also an opportunity to share best practice with the school community.

“Watching these performances, it’s easy to anticipate these young artists’ trajectory into the Australian arts landscape in the future. They’re inspiring, eye-opening and touching, and I’d encourage anyone interested in the arts to attend.

“I welcome schools to come along to see what a great performance looks like. Students who can’t make it in person, will have the chance to join online, later in the year too,” Mr Martin said.

This special event officially launched this years’ HSC Showcase Season, with ARTEXPRESS opening 7 February, performances from 10 February and SHAPE from 19 March.

See the full list of students selected for a creative arts showcases.

Media: Jennifer Connell 0410 659 954 or Lauren Grimson 0412 047 505