Waiting in the Wings for a Spectacular Showcase: 20 Years of SAC Spectacular
Mercy Light: Connecting
There鈥檚 an end-of-year buzz reverberating through campus. The recent Primary Christmas Assembly, well-attended by families and friends of SAC, sparked the spirit of festivity and showcased the College鈥檚 youngest students鈥� talents, skills and pursuits both inside and outside the classroom. Even though much is winding down for 2024, excitement continues to build for the greatest showcase of all: the annual SAC Spectacular! Next Friday November 29, Students of all ages will grace the state鈥檚 biggest stage, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, for a much-anticipated variety night that鈥檚 sure to delight.
This year marks 20 years of SAC Spectacular, lending ripe opportunity to meander down memory lane, celebrating and reminiscing. With the growth of the College, the show too has changed over time. One person who鈥檚 seen it through many stages of development is Ms Eloise Griffiths, long-serving teacher and SAC Spectacular鈥檚 Director.
鈥淭he event began in 2003 as a whole-school alternative to what had previously always been our Primary community鈥檚 end-of-year Christmas concert. I was Stage Manager for the Whole School Production that year, and we thought it would be good to start including highlights from the show. From there, we saw the value in having a whole range of performing arts showcased, as well as other areas of the school featured,鈥� Ms Griffiths says.
鈥淔rom 2003-2012, SAC Spectacular was held at the Adelaide Festival Theatre, and then to increase our audience capacity, we relocated to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Part of the magic of Spectacular is that it gives the students an authentic theatre experience; they are not just walking onto and off of a stage. At venues like these, students are walking through hallways that have been graced by huge performers and world-class acts. It鈥檚 a classic example of the saying, 鈥榠f you see it, you can be it!鈥欌��
SAC Spectacular is also a showcase of community spirit; it really does take a village to keep the wheels in motion. Even during a time of global pandemic, the show went on. Although the 2020 Spectacular was unable to proceed due to Covid restrictions, in a truly spectacular demonstration of teamwork, the event went ahead in 2021 despite a snap-lockdown jeopardising the possibility of a performance just two days out.
鈥淲e rolled up our sleeves and soldiered on,鈥� Ms Griffiths says of that time. 鈥淲e had all the items ready to be performed but no certainty as to whether a show that year was possible, and when we learnt we were able to go ahead, albeit with some restrictions, we arranged for the show to be live-streamed and the students still had their moment to shine onstage. It was a phenomenal moment of resilience.鈥�
Resilience is a hallmark of courage, which is one of SAC鈥檚 Mercy Values. It takes great courage and vulnerability to stand onstage in front of others. Part of the theatre experience includes waiting in the wings side-stage; students, though jittery with excitement, must be quiet and patient as they wait their turn to perform. Year 8 student, Alyssa B, has participated in eight SAC Spectaculars and is eager for her ninth, in which she will entertain the audience as a comp猫re announcing what鈥檚 to come. Myf H, in Year 9, will join her, as will several senior students. The role of the comp猫res is vital; they are a thread, deftly weaving the showcase together and linking one performance to the next.
Alyssa shares that, 鈥渁 special memory I have was Year 6 Spectacular, knowing that it was my final year of primary school, I wanted to have fun during the performance and dance with all my friends. When waiting to go onstage for spectacular it is the most exhilarating and nerve-wracking time of the night, hoping that you remember the whole performance and don鈥檛 mess up in front of the crowd!鈥�
Pictured above: Front and center, Alyssa, performing in one of her early SAC Spectacular items at SAC
Myf says, 鈥淥ne of my favourite memories is sitting backstage at SAC Spectacular with the Drum Corps. We made a circle and called it ‘team bonding’. We played card games and chatted with one-another, and it was such a great way to connect further with students from different year levels. Before going on stage, we all encouraged each other to do our best and have fun. I think this is a great example of what SAC and the Spectacular is all about, getting to know new people and having a great time doing what we love!鈥�
Pictured above: Myf in action with the Drum Corps at SAC Spectacular 鈥� a moment of passion and teamwork!
Of managing her excitement levels, Myf recounts: 鈥淭here is such a strong energy backstage, everyone is buzzing and supporting each other. Of course I’m worried about making a mistake in front of so many people and letting myself or the band down. But I remember that I’ve done the work, and all I have to do is enjoy myself and relax.鈥�
The bubbling pre-show nerves are often forgotten as soon as the warmth of the theatre lighting prickles the students鈥� skin, and they see they are surrounded by their friends, performing just as they鈥檝e practiced time and time again with support from teachers and choreographers, some of whom are SAC Old Scholars.
As well as nostalgic glances at the past, audiences can look forward to a 2024 SAC Spectacular to remember for the ages; there鈥檚 so much on offer, from pre-show entertainment in the Adelaide Entertainment Centre foyer precinct to two acts of performances that will lead the audience on a vibrant theatrical journey鈥� without spoiling the surprises in store, there鈥檚 certainly something to suit every palette!
With just one week remaining until the big night, be sure to book your tickets, and tell your friends and family 鈥� you don鈥檛 want to miss out on this!
Ms Maddie Kelly
Marketing & Communications Team
Only a Snapshot of What Has Made SAC Spectacular Through the Years…
This celebration of talent, energy, and unforgettable moments has united generations of performers and audiences alike.
