‘Spectacular’ duo leads way

A father-daughter duo will lead Ararat College students as they make their mark ‘in the stars’ at one of Australia’s largest recurring productions.

VCE student Lauren Bowles has worked with industry professionals and behind the scenes of the Victorian School Spectacular since first taking part in 2015.

Now, she is teaming up her skillset with father and teacher Kevin Bowles for the September 14 event at Melbourne Arena.

Mr Bowles said Lauren’s backstage experience was ‘an advantage’ for the Ararat College team as it prepares to showcase student passion and talent in the performing arts.

“Because Lauren knows the ins and outs of how the show is run on a big picture scale, she knows what we can and can’t do,” he said.

“And we don’t actually have any arguments, we have discussions, and normally Lauren is right – I’ll even say that – because she has the most experience.”

The spectacular brings together more than 3000 government school students performing as a 64-piece orchestra, 1300 voice choir, 1200 mass dancers and 30 lead vocalists.

For Lauren, the event gave her the chance to not only perform, but to also fulfil her passion for work-stage management that developed into a love for working with students.

“Up until year 10 I worked backstage on the spectacular, and now I have taken on the role of dance captain at our school where I lead students through their rehearsals and performances,” she said.

“The spectacular gave me real-life experience working on a show that is basically run by children, for children.

“I would love to continue working with students. I am going on to study teaching at the end of the year and hopefully in a few years I can be involved on the teaching side of the spectacular as an official.”