Stars of tomorrow to ‘breakthru’ at community event
April 18. 2016
The competition – which will run over four weekends in May and June – has sparked unprecedented interest from primary and secondary students and teachers across the region, with event organisers having expanded the number of competition places to meet demand from schools.
Sunshine Plaza Centre Manager Michael Manwaring said now in its third year, the competition had grown substantially since its establishment in 2014, and would once again shine the spotlight on some of the region’s most skilled young performers.
“We’re looking forward to being treated to over 40 performances throughout this year’s competition with dance and music groups as well as solo acts taking to the stage,” Mr Manwaring said.
“I have no doubt the calibre of performances will be high, with one local school, Maroochydore State High School, going so far as to hold auditions to select their entrants due to the popularity of the competition amongst students.”
Maroochydore State High School Head of Department Creative Industries Steve White said more than 20 of the school’s students had put their hand up to participate in Breakthru, with auditions taking place on Tuesday, 19 April.
“We’ve had everyone from Year 7 dance groups, right through to senior solo musicians sign up for the auditions, so it’s a really diverse range of performers that are keen to be involved,” Mr White said.
“From our in-school auditions, we’ll be selecting one dance group or individual and one music group or soloist to represent Maroochydore State High School in the competition.”
If past years are anything to go by, the chosen acts will deliver some stiff competition. In both 2014 and 2015, students from Maroochydore State High School managed to take out second place for their musical performances.
“The Breakthru School Music and Dance Competition presents a fantastic opportunity to showcase local stars and we are incredibly excited to be involved in 2016,” Mr White said.
“The level of talent here on the Sunshine Coast never ceases to amaze me so I’m preparing to be blown away once again.”
“Regardless of whether our students secure a place on the podium, we value the opportunity for our dancers, singers and musicians to gain experience performing in public. It’s a great community initiative.”
As part of the competition, Sunshine Plaza will partner with youth-focused community organisations headspace Maroochydore and ZedTwelve to raise awareness of the importance of youth mental health and wellbeing.
Breakthru School Music and Dance Competition will be held at The Riverwalk Stage at Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore every Saturday between 28 May and 18 June, with members of the public invited to watch the performances. To find out more or view the list of participating schools, please visit www.sunshineplazabreakthru.com.
