Southern Stars performers gave a sneak preview of some of the talent that will be on display at this year’s UNLIMITED event. Photo: Zoe Cartwright.
The student performance extravaganza that is Southern Stars will celebrate its 25th birthday this year – and you’re invited.
Tickets for Southern Stars 2025 UNLIMITED are on sale and the show will feature performances by talented vocalists, dancers and musicians from the Southern Stars Performing Company (SSPC) and public school students from the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, South Coast, Southern Highlands, southern Sydney, southwestern Sydney, and greater NSW.
Executive producer Paul Roger, who is also principal of Corrimal High School, said the theme of UNLIMITED encouraged students to believe they could achieve whatever they set their minds to.
“This show spans across all ability levels,” he said.
“There are kids who are very talented who are given the opportunity to showcase their passion for the performing arts in front of an arena crowd.
“More than that it gives students who just want to get out there and dance or sing and be part of something that opportunity as well; it’s so inclusive.
“From our inclusive education Rising Stars ensemble to our Aboriginal ensemble and Southern Stars performing company and everyone in between, this really is the pinnacle of their year.”
Paul said the longevity of Southern Stars was a testament to the dedication of staff, performers and the wider community.
“This anniversary is not only a celebration of the past but also a promise for the future, as we continue to inspire and empower the next generation of performers,” he said.
“Each show, from the very first one in 2001, has been a monumental and rewarding effort by our talented public school students, their dedicated teachers, principals, other Department of Education staff members and volunteers.
“Every show has been a magnificent festival of talent and teamwork, of dedication and drive, aimed at giving students with a love of the performing arts a platform to shine.
“This show will take us on a journey through 25 years of unforgettable performances but presented in a fresh new way.”
More than 3000 students will take part in Southern Stars UNLIMITED including 2000 dancers, a 500-strong choir, 400 members of Yanggaa Garaba, an 80-member orchestra, featured vocalists, and audience favourite groups like the NSW Public Schools Millennial Marching Band, Circus, and the Rising Stars.
A riot of colour and classic tunes will feature as part of this year’s Southern Stars. Photo: Zoe Cartwright.
About 12,000 audience members are expected to attend one of four UNLIMITED shows at the WIN Entertainment Centre in August.
It might give some stage fright, but not seasoned performer Bella Wester.
The Year 12 student from Keira High School has performed in Southern Stars for the past eight years and been in the performing company for seven.
This is her final show.
“It’s been the most consistent thing in my life for this whole time, and it just feels like coming home,” she said.
“It’s beautiful to come back and see my Southern Stars family each year; the energy is phenomenal and the rehearsals are so much fun.”
James Marsley from Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts agreed.
Also a Year 12 student, this is his first year as part of Southern Stars after he took a turn from drama to singing.
“My mum always told me I was a good singer, but you can never trust your parents,” he said.
“A singing teacher told me I had potential in Year 10, and music is such a beautiful way to bring people together.
“Everyone in Southern Stars is so welcoming and pushes you to be better.
“Being able to perform in front of a crowd, rehearsals, costumes, routines, it’s really cool to have this first-hand experience of being part of a show.
“I haven’t even had the full experience and I’ve had so much fun already.”
Southern Stars 2025 UNLIMITED will play at the WIN Entertainment Centre on Friday 29 August for the 10 am school matinee, and at 7 pm, and on Saturday 30 August at 1 and 7 pm.
Tickets are on sale for Southern Stars 2025 UNLIMITED from Ticketmaster.
