An insight into a Vic SSS participant’s preparation

by Ana M, Jia Jia F.

Featuring Eva P, Maeva K and Izayah K from Years 7-9

Victoria’s State School Spectacular (SSS) is an annual performing arts program for Victorian government primary and secondary school students, featuring over 3000 students involved in Mass Dance, Mass Choir, orchestra, dance ensembles, specialty acts, as well as principal dancers and vocalists.

This year, three DSC students, Eva P, Maeva K and Izayah K from Years 7 and 9, are participating in the Victoria SSS 2025. We interviewed them about their role, the audition process and tips for aspiring Vic SSS participants.

Eva P: “I'm a principal vocalist and I'm in a trio, and we're doing a song called Violet, and I'm in two Ensemble pieces as well.”

Maeva K: “I am in the choir where we're learning 13-14 song,s and they're all different genres.”

Izayah K: “I’m a principal vocalist where I’m part of a rap and Moving Feet as well as duets.”

Getting the role

There were many audition rounds. Eva had passed five rounds, while Izayah had to pass six rounds to gain principal vocalist status.

The decision to apply for the Vic SSS varied between the three DSC students.

Izayah had played a part in the principal vocals and Mass Dance during primary school after seeing his friend’s brother participate. Afterwards, Izayah told us, “It was a big experience and I wanted to do that again, so I re-applied this year.”.

Maeva had been part of Mass Dance for three years during primary school, and as a Year 7, decided to try auditioning for a singing role. She mentions: “I sing a lot in the house with my brother [Izayah] and I wanted to like follow in my brother's footsteps.”

Eva was inspired after attending the Vic SSS 2023. Currently, she has participated in choir and is now a principal vocalist. “I feel like when you are going to watch the show, people feel really inspired because I swear it inspired me to do it.”

“...when you are going to watch the show, people feel really inspired”

Tips for Auditions

Maeva: “Practise your songs to make sure you don’t forget them during the audition. I didn't know that it was a day off the audition and I was still practising my song, but thankfully I remembered the lyrics.”

Izayah: “You can choose two songs, but they have to be from different genres. Prepare that your voice will change for the audition. On the day of the audition, my voice was not suitable for that song, so I had to relearn a song.”

Eva: “Make sure one of your songs sounds good with a piano backing track because you'll have to do it with piano in the second round. Also, interact with the people that are in front of you because in your second round, you audition in front of other contestants as well.”

Save September 13th for the Victoria SSS 2025 in person at the John Cain Arena or to watch, broadcast on Channel 7 and 7plus.

If you're a government school student with a passion for performing, keep an eye out for next year's registration information. There's room for everyone: singers, dancers, orchestra, production and more.

The Doncaster Secondary College community is bursting with pride for Eva, Izayah and Maeva. We can't wait to see them shine in the Victorian State School Spectacular!

More Info

Instagram: @vicschoolsspec

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