Show Up!

SHOW UP 2025: What a ripper!

This year, SHOW UP 2025 came to the stage created by students, performed by students, and hosted by students. For the first time ever, the sound was produced by our VET music students with a true blue theme - 'Australiana'.

We spoke with the students about how their camaraderie backstage exemplified the Aussie Spirit - we saw courage, ingenuity, and mateship as they rehearsed and refined each act.

Their performances on the evening were a shining example of what it means to SHOW UP - and show up they did- for the arts, for each other and most of all for themselves. The performers gave the sold-out audience an evening to remember, full of True-Blue Aussie Spirit.

This year we saw a very new cast. Whilst some seasoned performers returned, many were taking to the stage for the first time, full of nervous energy but excited by the idea of showcasing their skills both on and off the stage. It is true that no matter how well rehearsed something is, the nature of a live performance teaches us how to dig deep when things don’t go to plan and work through it- a skillset that must be experienced to be earned. Fortunately, most things went to plan, and in the moments they didn’t, our students showed us that they knew how to handle themselves, they were prepared, and as a result, they maintained poise through the stickiness to come out the other side successful. This is the beauty of the arts, built on presence, and in our high-tech, fast-paced world, we tend to appreciate moments where we can stop to take in the beauty of someone’s talent and the vulnerability in them sharing it.

Our hosts jumped in and worked their scripts, timing, and costumes on the DAY - an incredible effort and reminder that courage and fun are infectious. As the ripple effect widened, it reached some brilliant staff members who jumped in and matched the vivaciousness of our students’ energy in their own staff performance, and they were excellent! 

20 staff SHOWED UP, rehearsing and refining their moves, costumes, lines and props to be part of the staff item - Strictly-ish Ballroom, and it was a cracker! They banded together to bring back some Aussie Icons, led by an excellent ‘not fake’ fake band, and the audience was in rip-roaring laughter.  

The top three acts were announced as the students and staff came together onstage for the final celebrations. Pricilla was awarded 3rd place for her beautiful performance of “Hopelessly Devoted to You.” Pisirina, singing a heartfelt “Don’t Dream It’s Over,” was awarded 2nd place. Cranbourne Secondary College’s champion circus performer and 1st place winner for SHOW UP 2025 was Birri!!

Congratulations to Birri, Rina, Pricilla, and all the cast and crew on the evening, including our exemplary judges, Mrs Bettin, Mr Taig and former Performing Arts captain Mackenzi Dando.

After the lamingtons were all eaten and the kangaroos were tucked into bed, we paused to reflect on the evening. We want to thank our community - the students, families and all the staff involved in a beautiful showcase of talent at Cranbourne Secondary College. Without you, these magical moments in secondary school don’t exist - so thank you. Keep SHOWING UP for the arts until next time - See ya later, alligator!

The Performing Arts Crew