Hands were waving in the air at rehearsals for Schools Spectacular as students performed the Auslan sign for clapping.

Made up of more than 20 students from across NSW who are Deaf, hard of hearing or adept at sign language, the Schools Spectacular Signing Choir has spent the past few weeks in online practice to rehearse for the showcase.

This year, the choir is joined by two special guests: Emma Memma and Elvin Melvin.

Known for their work in children’s entertainment and performances that are communicated via sign language, dance, and song, Emma and Elvin have choreographed the Auslan sign language for the choir’s performances.

The 2026 Schools Spectacular feature song is ‘You Can be an Inventor’, which celebrates Australian inventions and will feature the Signing Choir, a drama ensemble, circus performers and puppets.

Emma and Elvin have joined the Signing Choir as they are eager to support children and emerging artists in the Deaf community.

“It’s so important to have a signing choir as part of any performance; it gives children the opportunity to be able to show the song visually and sometimes that can be forgotten,” Emma said.

“We are blending Auslan and gesture with our beautiful song to visually illustrate it. We’re looking at not just thinking about the music or the words that are being sung, but how we can also show what that looks like with our bodies.

“Elvin and I have met a few of the students over Zoom and the [in-person] rehearsal is already such a blast being able to see the children learn from our resource videos and put it into practice.”

The rehearsals will culminate in one of the world’s largest variety shows with public school students coming from all over NSW to be part of Schools Spectacular at Afterpay Arena at Sydney Olympic Park.

Schools Spectacular Creative Director, Sonja Sjolander, said having Emma and Elvin on board had been an exceptional experience for students to be mentored by two of the best performing artists in the signing space.

“It’s extraordinary to see the young students’ faces when they meet Emma Memma and to have her inspiration," Sonja said. "If it’s like that now in rehearsals, I can’t imagine what it’ll be like when they get to perform alongside her in November.

“The Schools Spectacular is an amazing platform, not just showcasing excellence in the creative and performing arts but being really inclusive of all students so they can all feel like they belong and have a place in the show.

“It’s reflective of the public school system and the diversity that exists there and we’re really proud to have a platform where Deaf students can showcase their abilities.”

Woolooware High School’s Ezra is hard of hearing and joined the Signing Choir with his sister, Valerie from Caringbah North Public School.

“My favourite sign is ‘school holidays’ and my favourite sign in the song is ‘inventor’ because you’re pulling thoughts out of your mind,” Ezra said while demonstrating the signs.

Valerie is a big fan of Emma Memma and is thrilled to be working with her on a song that is about being yourself.

“I’m really excited and it’s so special to work together and I cannot wait," she said.

Schools Spectacular is the NSW public education system’s premier celebration of artistic excellence, forward-thinking creativity and collaboration.

The 2026 Schools Spectacular is proudly supported by Sponsors: Telstra, the NSW Teachers Federation, School Bytes, Smart, Teachers Health, The University of Sydney. Supporters: Woolworths, Foundation Theatres,, Hertz and Billy Hyde Music; and Event Partners: Afterpay Arena, Seven Network, Gravity Media, Ticketek and LA Services.

Tickets to the 43rd Schools Spectacular, ‘Original’ at Afterpay Arena (formerly Qudos Bank Arena) on 27 and 28 November 2026 are available through Ticketek.