Arts & Culture
28 June, 2026
Southern Stars 2026 shaping up to be one of the most ambitious productions yet
This year’s Southern Stars is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious yet. This year’s production – to be held at the WIN Entertainment Centre on August 28 and 29 – will feature more than 3500 students
This year’s Southern Stars is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious yet.
This year’s production – to be held at the WIN Entertainment Centre on August 28 and 29 – will feature more than 3500 students from 135 public schools in the Southern Highlands, southern and south-west Sydney, South Coast, Shoalhaven and Illawarra.
There will be 3000 students participating in dance and drama ensembles, a 500-strong choir, 400-member Yanggaa Garaba indigenous dance group, an 80-piece orchestra and featured vocalists.
There will also be some crowd favourites back this year including the NSW Public Schools Millennial Marching Band, circus acts, a signing choir and Rising Stars.
Executive Producer Neal Reed used the recent launch of the 2026 production at the BlueScope Visitors Centre to unveil this year’s theme ‘TAKE FLIGHT’, with audiences being promised a “journey of imagination, exploration and discovery”.
“They will travel across the globe, from iconic destinations to distant worlds,” Mr Reed said.
“They will experience the excitement of departure, the joy of adventure and the wonder of discovering what lies beyond the horizon.
“They will journey through places both real and imagined, before ultimately returning home with a renewed appreciation for connection, belonging and the experiences that shape us.”
Creative director and veteran Southern Stars performer Zoe Steele said this year’s show would feature storytelling and “immersive visuals”.
“TAKE FLIGHT is about courage, growth and embracing new possibilities,” Ms Steele said.
“The idea came from the notion that every young person has the potential to soar when given the opportunity, support and confidence to step outside their comfort zone.
“Also, that every journey begins on the ground.”
Ms Steele said this year’s production would embrace the scale of the WIN Entertainment Centre “while creating moments that allow every performer to feel seen and valued within the larger production”.
The NSW Teachers Federation is the presenting partner for Southern Stars 2026 and President Henry Rajendra reaffirmed their commitment to arts education in public schools across the region.
“Southern Stars exemplifies public education at its best,” Mr Rajendra said.
“We proudly support access to a comprehensive curriculum that includes the arts, where students excel onstage and backstage, making their communities proud.”
More than 50,000 students have participated in Southern Stars since 2001, showcasing the outstanding dance, drama and musical talents of public school students from Kindergarten to Year 12.
More than 12,000 people are expected to attend the four performances at the WIN Entertainment Centre on Friday 28 August (10am and 7pm) and Saturday 29 August (1pm and 7pm). Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster, with early booking recommended due to high demand.
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