Today, over 700 students from schools across Darwin are taking part in a mass rehearsal for the annual Beat Festival at Marrara Indoor Stadium.

The rehearsal is the first chance students from a variety of schools have been able to come together to perform the show, ‘Stellar’, ahead of its opening night on 14 September.

Acting principal of the NT Music School, Bill Grose said ‘This is the first time we’ve held a mass rehearsal”.

“In previous years, students have spent all year learning their part in the Beat Festival but only see it all come together on the night of the performance,” Mr Grose said.

“This rehearsal enables us to give students and staff the opportunity to see the performance come together in advance and understand what they’ve really been working towards all year.”

Over 1000 students from right around the Territory will perform the 2016 Beat Festival ‘Stellar’ at the Darwin Entertainment Centre with three shows between 14-16 September.

Student MC of this year’s show, Drew Holloway of Nightcliff Middle School said “I’m excited to see the show come together this week”.

“The experience of becoming student MC for the Beat Festival has made this year of schooling interesting and exhilarating and I can’t wait to perform for a live audience”.

The annual Beat Festival is a large combined school production led by the NT Music School and showcases the many talents of Territory students in performing arts and music.

“I am proud of the dedication and creativity of Territory teachers and students to work together throughout the year and finally being able to see the finished product at today’s rehearsal,” Mr Grose said.

“The Beat Festival is an iconic event in the performing arts calendar and a show we are all very excited to perform next month.”

For tickets to the shows, visit the Darwin Entertainment Centre website.

Media contact: Kat Acampora – 0401 119 215