Links to Other Shows

Southern Stars 2008

Starstuck

Schools Spectacular

Click here for the photo gallery of this year's show

Tricia Hamilton of Bluescope Steel responded to Graeham Kennedy, Regional Director who formally thanked all of the sponsors, with the following speech.

"Once again, BlueScope Steel is delighted to be Principal Sponsor of the Southern Stars Spectacular, and once again the show did not disappoint.

The calibre of the talent at this year’s performance was truly overwhelming, and what never fails to amaze is the energy and enthusiasm displayed by all the participants. I would like to make special mention of the standard of costumes this year, it’s as if the visual aspect of the show lifted a couple of notches, which made watching the show even more enjoyable. Each year you can see the show’s professionalism climb higher and this is all down to the dedication and commitment from the Department of Education and Training.

Southern Stars provide students with an opportunity to showcase their talents in a professional setting with a capacity audience and hopefully provide a springboard to a rewarding career in the arts for many of our young people.

But Southern Stars is not just for the few really talented but also for all the children who just want to be part of something fantastic. When you see their faces light up and look into the crowd hoping to catch their parent’s eye…..look at me….look at me. It’s this infectious warmth and pride that gives everyone involved such a buzz.

Congratulations to all the schools and students who were part of the show and to the NSW Department of Education and Training for their initiative in making it happen. BlueScope Steel is pleased to be working in partnership with our local businesses in support of Southern Stars."

New information about Southern Stars will no longer be posted here. Please change any links you have to the 2008 page.

We are looking for a talented singer/dancer/actor to take a featured role in the 2008 “Southern Stars” production. Follow the link to Regional Arts for more information.

There is some information about audition for the Regional Performing Company and Performing Ensemble on the Regional Arts site. Follow the link on the left.

As mentioned below anyone involved with Southern Stars this year is encouraged to download, complete and return an evaluation form.

The form is named Evaluation2007.pdf and can be found in a folder called Forms within Documents. Or it can be downloaded by clicking here.

Evaluation of this year's Southern Stars will not be done on line as was last year's. The evaluation will be based on a survey of smaller groups selected at random from various participant groups. eg 10 choir teachers will be invited to provide input on the choir activities this year and so on.

A survey form will be posted here soon for other interested parties to provide feedback as well. If you are keen to do this check back here in a few days.

For those who missed Idol last night there is a video clip of the school's performance segment on their web site.

http://www.australianidol.com.au and follow the link to Video

Congratulations and thank you to the 2500 students and 200 teachers from over 80 schools across the Illawarra South East Region who participated in Southern Stars this year. The hard work done by teachers and students in these schools is what makes or breaks an event of this magnitude. In 2007 the dedication and commitment of the teachers and students has been outstanding and we thank you most sincerely for your fantastic effort.

As you know WIN Television will be screening excerpts of MUSICA ..can you feel it? on Saturday 15th Sept at 2.00pm and more than likely there will be a repeat a fortnight later. Also on Monday 10th Sept at 5.00pm on SBS, Southern Stars will feature in a program called 'The Crew' and then on Monday evening 10th Sept some footage of the finale should feature on Australian Idol.

If any participating school missed out on the appropriate number of certificates for their students please do not hesitate to contact me on ph. 4284 4245 or by email southern.stars@det.nsw.edu.au <mailto:southern.stars@det.nsw.edu.au>

Thanks again for your wonderful wonderful effort

Kate Schmich
Producer Southern Stars 2007

Lost property from

Southern Stars 2007 – “Musica…can you feel it?”

is currently being held at

Unanderra Public School,
Derribong Drive,
Cordeaux Heights, NSW 2526
Ph: 42728730 Fax: 42728734

All lost property will be held at Unanderra Public School until the end of November,
then remaining items will be donated to a local charity.

Musica.......Can You Feel It

This year’s Southern Stars was another outstanding example of the wonderful work done in our public schools, every day, to develop the talents and interests of our young people in the performing arts. The variety was dazzling – circus, dance, instrumental and vocal – providing an absolute showcase of talent, enthusiasm and skill. This would not happen without the commitment of our teachers in schools and the parents of the students providing so much support. It could not happen without the wonderful team that creates Southern Stars and brings it to fruition. It is truly a team effort involving all aspects of putting on a show of this magnitude. And, last but not least, it would not happen without these wonderful young people being willing to give of their time and talent to entertain the audience.

The scale and professionalism of Southern Stars makes it a costly exercise and we are deeply grateful to our partners and sponsors who generously provide the backing to make it possible.

Southern Stars is an outstanding achievement by any measure and I thank everyone who contributes to it success.

Graeham Kennedy
Regional Director
Illawarra and South East Region
Department of Education and Training

The Life is Song segment filmed by WIN TV will not be on Idol tonight but it will next week.

Don't forget also Saturday 15th September at 2pm WIN TV will be televising the show.

24 August - Colour and Spectacle Starting to appear at rehearsals are some of the costumes the small army of parents, teachers and students have been creating. Go to the gallery for latest photos from rehearsals. A reminder about the show week organisation document posted here on August 3. This document contains much more detail than is shown in the calendar and is essential for all staff. It is called ShowWeekOrganisation.pdf and if you missed it you can download it by clicking here.

20 August - Gymnast Meets Circus Rehearsal at Batemans Bay HS

There are more pictures in the Gallery

20 August - Vocalist Costume Change for Senior Stage Medley 5f "Summer Loving" in Documents

Click here to download

19 August - Joanne Grace Rehearses Our Pas De Deux Dancers

There are some more pictures of the day's rehearsals in the gallery

14 August - T-shirt owners

Now that lots of you have your new black Southern Stars T-shirt you should think about wearing it about to promote your show. Wear it and let everyone know that Southern Stars

Musica ... Can you feel it? is on its way.

Not the white T-shirts the choir will wear in the show- keep them looking good for your performances.

8 August - Lincoln Hall Graduates from TDP

More information on the Regional Arts main page

7 August - Risk Assessment and T-shirts

A document to assist teachers preparing excursions to WIN Entertainment Centre is available. It can be downloaded by clicking here.

T-shirts should arrive in schools this week.

6 August - Vocalists Costumes

Featured vocalists, and parents, please note that detailed information on costumes is available in the documents area. This replaces earlier draft versions. You can download the document by clicking here.

5 August - Southern Stars Orchestra in Rehearsal. There are more pictures in the Gallery

3 August - Schools Spectacular and other information

Don't forget to check the Regional Arts site from time to time as that is where broader arts happenings will be mentioned. It is linked via the button on the left.There is some information just posted about opportunities in this year's School Spec and Musica Viva.

3 August - Show Week Organisation

Staff please note that the document detailing activities during show week is in the documents area. This document contains much more detail than is shown in the calendar and is essential for all staff. It is called ShowWeekOrganisation.pdf and can be downloaded by clicking here.

3 August - Drum/Percussion Workshops

Both workshops are listed on the calendar and will be 10am to 2:30 pm on the 6th and 15th August

Please note that the workshop on the 15th of August will now be held at the Citadel at Smiths Hills HS and not Oak Flats HS as previously stated.

30 July - Pianists Wanted for Audition Workshop

An opportunity has arisen in this year's Southern Stars show for a short featured piano solo. Students interested in auditioning should have at least grade 6, and be able to play in the style used to accompany silent movies in the early part of last century.

Auditions will be by way of workshop at Fairy Meadow Dem School on Sunday August 12* at 1pm. You must register an expression of interest before then with Merrin Ross by phoning 0402 992 897 or by email to Merrin.Ross@det.nsw.edu.au

Be sure to provide your name, school, school year and contact phone number. The successful pianist will be notified after the workshop.

(* Please note that this is a change. The date was originally incorrectly published as September 12)

25 July - Combined Dance Rehearsal at the WEC

Some more pictures are in the gallery

24 July - Workplacement Students Please Note - Message from Cathy Broadbridge

There will be a pre-interview meeting for all work placement students at:

UNANDERRA PUBLIC SCHOOL
on
THURSDAY AUGUST 2, 2007
at
4:00pm.
Information regarding requirements for the students work placement will be discussed at this meeting and it is essential that all work placement students attend.

23 July - Choir Rehearsal with Jonathon Welch

Renowned tenor and choir master Jonathon Welch rehearsing with the Southern Stars choir. Jonathon also worked over the weekend with Performing Company vocalists.

There are pictures of this and Friday's other rehearsals in the the gallery.

23 July - Stage Management Team Meeting

The first Stage Management Team meeting will be held at:

UNANDERRA PUBLIC SCHOOL
on
TUESDAY AUGUST 7, 2007
at
4:00pm.
Information regarding responsibilities and production issues will be discussed at this meeting. It is imperative that all Stage Management Team members attend this initial meeting.

18 July - Reminder - Next Wednesday - First Combined Dance Rehearsal Schedule

This is the schedule for the rehearsal at WIN Entertainment Centre on 25th July. It was posted here a few weeks ago. Relevant for all dance participants. Download by clicking here.

29 June - Seen at the Choir rehearsal last Wednesday

Thanks to all involved -see you next term - have a good break

28 June - Drummers/Percussionists opportunity

As part of Southern Stars 2007 we are putting together a Carnivale Street non- traditional percussion spectacular. We are looking for experienced drummers/percussionists from across the Region.

Teachers should download the information and application form for their students by clicking here.

Applications close 25 July

26 June - Gymnasts wanted

This years show is shaping up to be an exciting event and we would love to have the participation of Gymnasts.

We are calling for talented Gymnasts (Level 3 or above) to audition for this years Southern Stars.

You can download the information and application form by clicking here.

You will also need to click on the link to Forms on the right to download a publicity consent form.

Applications close July 19

25 June - All Company members please check Bulletins for updated information about photos this Saturday

25 June - School Ticket Orders for Students' Performance of Southern Stars on 31 August

The order form can be downloaded by clicking here

18 June - First Combined Dance Rehearsal Schedule

This is the schedule for the rehearsal at WIN Entertainment Centre on 25th July. Relevant for all dance participants. Download by clicking here.

June - Drama Auditions for Southern Stars on 20th June

We are calling for talented drama students, primary and secondary, to audition for this years show. You can download the information and application form by clicking here.

You will also need to click the button on the right labeled Forms and download a publicity Consent form to bring to audition.

Applications close on the 19th June.

7 June - Tap auditions and more dance information.

Primary tap dancers wanted

A primary tap item has been included in this years show and we need lots of you. The tap auditions have been extended to include both primary and secondary students. Times and venue are the same as for the secondary auditions. Download information and application form by clicking here

Applications close on 20th June

Senior ballet results will be sent to High Schools after 15th June and Primary ballet results will be sent to Primary schools after the 8th June.

6 June - Choir of hard knocks

A number of us have been watching the Choir of Hard Knocks on ABC TV (http://www.abc.net.au/tv/hardknocks/default.htm). Jonathon Welch, who has worked with Southern Stars before, is the choir master. Just letting you know that the last show in the series will be next Tuesday 12th at 8pm.

Jonathon will again spend four days working with Southern Stars choir and Company vocalists in July.

5 June - Important - photographs for the printed program

A day has been set to have photos taken by professional photographers for the Southern Stars program.

The date is Saturday 30th June, the first day of the school holidays.
All Company singers, dancers and Southern Stars band will need to attend at some time on the day as well as choreographers and staff working as tutors. You may not be required all day.

Further details of time and place and what you need to wear will be posted at a later time.

1 June - Some additions to the choir rehearsal schedules

Click the button labelled Dates on the right for more information.

28 May - Irish Dance Auditions

We are calling for talented Irish Dancers to audition for this years show. Information and application form can be downloaded by clicking here. You should also click on the button on the right labeled Forms to download a Publicity Consent form if you have not already completed one this year.

Registrations close on June 7

24 May -Correction to Ballet and Tap Audition form

The audition form incorrectly mentions Primary and High school Irish dancers. This reference should not be there and has been removed. You can download a corrected form if you wish by clicking here.

23 May - Corrections to the Teachers Information Package.

So soon? Of course!

If you are reading this on the web site you probably don't need this information but you may be able to help someone else who is having trouble. The correct address for this web site is;

http://southernstars.rasouth.net
or more simply; southernstars.rasouth.net

The addresses on page 4 and page 7 of the initial version of the Information Package are both wrong.

22 May - Teachers Information Package available - Click here to download a copy

The teacher's information package contains essential information for schools participating in Southern Stars 2007. It contains information about the event, dates and times, rehearsal information and it contains forms which must be completed and returned.

The 31 page document is in pdf format. Use Adobe Acrobat Reader, or similarly capable software , to open it.

21 May - Ballet and Tap dance auditions. Download information and application forms by clicking here

Please note that ballet applications close on 29th May and the tap applications close on the 20th June.

21 May - T shirt order form available. Download by clicking here.

The Choir Students and Teachers will be required to wear the White T-Shirt
as their costume for the show. Black T-Shirts are also available if ordered.

Orders, with cheque, must be at Balgownie PS by 29th June.

16 May - 2007 Stars Launch

At Wollongong City Gallery Regional Director Graeham Kennedy launched Southern Stars 2007 to an audience of media and sponsors.

The Regional Performing Company provided entertainment and refreshments were by Figtree High students.

There are pictures in the gallery.

11 May Stars Launch next Wednesday (16th May)

The media launch for invited guests will be held at Wollongong City Art Gallery. There will be performances from selected Performing Company students.

The Art Gallery has a prepared document to assist teachers in preparing risk management. It can be downloaded by clicking here.

17 April - Teachers meeting

A fax has been sent to schools informing those who have expressed interest in Southern Stars 2007 of a meeting in May.

"We will be holding a Teachers Meeting for all Choir, Dance, Instrumental and Vocal
Contact people in our schools. The purpose of this meeting is so you can all find out about the show, your part in it and meet with segment coordinators, musical conductors and coordinators, and stage crew - in other words putting faces to names!

This meeting will be held on Wednesday 23rd May at Shellharbour Workers Club in the Tasman Room from 4:30 - 6:30pm."

You can download a copy of the fax if you missed it by clicking here.

1 Apr - Music Arrangement Workshop for staff

Pictured are some of the participants in the music arranging workshop designed to improve the skills of local teachers. A few of these people will be producing music charts for Southern Stars. An essential role in a production of this calibre.

6 Mar - Date for Exresssions of Interest extended to March 23

The form mentioned below applies both to schools wishing to participate in the choir or massed dance items as well as teachers wishing to join the Southern Stars team. Download by clicking here.

19 Feb - Performing Company Meet and Greet March 3

Please check the RaSouth link and bulletins

5 Feb 2007 Expressions of Interest for Southern Stars 2007

Schools and teachers wishing to participate in Southern Stars can download the Expression of Interest form by clicking here

Completed forms should be submitted as soon as possible but no later than March 23rd.

Notes on using the Calendar. Click here to become an expert.

Click on the poster below to download a copy

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