Riley is making a Splash at the State School Spectacular

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Details: Published: 16 August 2024

In less than a month, Year 8 student Riley Wooster will be performing on stage alongside the state’s top young talent, as part of the Victorian State School’s Spectacular.

The annual event brings together around 3000 primary and secondary school students in a musical extravaganza, with this year’s spectacular titled ‘Splash.’

Riley was casted into the Spectacular earlier this year and has been attending rehearsals in Melbourne most weekends, ahead of the big event on September 14.

“The Spectacular is a 12-month-long project held each year that involves around 3000 government school students from around the state,” Riley said.

“The principal cast, singers, dancers, orchestra and specialty performers make up approximately 120 students and for these positions, you must be selected in an audition.

“In the eight days prior to the event, I am at John Cain Arena with 8 to 10-hour rehearsals each day.”

This is Riley’s fifth year participating in the Spectacular and fourth year taking part in the principal cast and as a speciality performer.

My roles have included features such as a robot boy, puppeteering a circus elephant, a fisherman travelling the world and this year I am showcasing my poetry, that is interwoven into the theme of the show, ‘Splash,’ Riley said.

A highlight this year for Riley has been the opportunity to work with the Creative Director Neill Gladwin, the Music Associate Kai Chen Lim and the Music Director Chong Lim.

I was commissioned to write a series of Haiku poems and a 3-minute free verse poem celebrating acceptance and difference with water-themed literary devices, Riley said.

“My poetry has been put to classical music to be played by the orchestra and I have already recorded my own voiceover - that was very exciting.

“I will appear onstage along with a Cellist.”

Riley said he has loved the chance to work with industry professionals who have become great mentors to him.

“Sometimes I'm in awe of just how talented the students performing in the show are,” Riley said.

Outside of school, Riley is involved with the UCanDance Studio and acts, dances, sings, plays the piano and trombone and writes poetry.

“While I would love a career in the Arts, it's a very competitive industry and I'm keeping my options open and trying really hard with my academics subjects,” Riley said.

“Who knows what the future will bring!”

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