The students from schools in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens and the Upper Hunter will will join a 5500 person strong cast, not including the musicians and bands set to take part, who will perform four shows on Friday, November 22 and Saturday, November 23.

Schools Spectacular creative director Sonja Sjolander said that this year's theme, STARS, is a tribute to everybody involved in the entertainment extravaganza.

"In the Schools Spectacular, everyone is a star," Ms Sjolander said.

"We are recognised as the biggest performance of its kind in the world, and to attain this success everyone has to shine in their role. Together we shine brighter.

"We are all stars, whether we are the performers on stage, backstage, crew, the dedicated teachers who make everything happen for their students or the parents who devote countless hours ensuring their children have this wonderful opportunity to star in the Schools Spectacular."

The galaxy of talent involved in Schools Spectacular includes 40 featured performers, a 100-piece symphony orchestra, stage band, 2700 voice choir, 2300 dancers, the D'Arts Ensemble disability program, the Aboriginal Dance Company, puppets and an indispensable behind-the-scenes team.

In the true spirit of variety, the fast-paced show will transition through a colourful choreographed kaleidoscope of music from pop and hip hop to the classics, from a crescendo of massed voices to stunning solos, and a full spectrum of dance styles.

Tickets, available through Ticketek, are already selling fast.

The Hunter schools who will be contributing stars to this year's Schools Spectacular:

Aboriginal Dance (AD), Combined Choir (CC), Combined Dance (CD), Featured Ensemble (FE), Puppets (P) or Signing Choir (SC).