Step into the Limelight is the major annual arts showcase event for ACT public schools and the largest youth Arts event in the ACT. Unique in its format, no other Australian state or territory has an event covering the five art forms of dance, drama, media, music and visual art.
Limelight provides quality performance, enriched learning and talent development opportunities for students studying the arts in ACT public schools. The production has been recognised by ACT Children’s Week and the Canberra Area Theatre Awards for the integral role it plays in linking schools with professional arts organisations and providing vocational pathways in the arts for ACT students.
More than 2000 students from all sectors of our system participate in these events, spending the months prior working closely with their teachers, professional artists, tertiary institutions and arts organisations to develop outstanding artistic works for the events.
Step into the Limelight comprises two events: an Art Exhibition and a Gala Showcase. The Art Exhibition runs for a month each August and showcases a wide range of student work in a variety of media. This exhibition will include work from students from pre-school to year 12 in painting, drawing, ceramics, lino-print, collage, photography, textiles, and wood and metal craft.
The Gala Showcase runs in early September. Over two nights, audiences are entertained with a variety show style performance from the ACT Senior Concert band, string, percussion, rock, jazz and choral music groups, dance, drama and musical theatre performances and works from student filmmakers.
Performance opportunities for school and individuals are below.
- Feature schools groups
- Feature artists
- Massed primary choir
- Massed junior dance
- Stage crew for VET and Work Experience students
- Senior dance ensemble
- Featured films
Further information regarding these events, including entry forms, can be accessed at the ACT Instrumental Music Program website.