Creative Generation - State Schools Onstage

Identical twins Belinda and Keren have spent their teaching careers in different schools, different cities, and different corners of Queensland. ♊

For most of the year, they work apart. But each year, Creative Generation - State Schools Onstage (CGEN) brings them back together.

CGEN is Queensland's largest youth performing arts event — an arena-style production where more than 2,000 young singers, dancers and musicians from Queensland state schools perform alongside some of the state's leading professional artists. 🎭

Currently teaching at Cairns School of Distance Education and Chancellor State College, the sisters reunite as tunnel managers, helping coordinate the cast backstage. It's work that takes strong collaboration, sharp problem solving and the ability to thrive under pressure.

Belinda says the experience has shaped what she carries back into the classroom.

‘This experience has deepened my understanding of rehearsal processes, expectations and the collaborative nature of large-scale productions, insights that are difficult to fully replicate online,’ Belinda said.

‘CGEN provides authentic exposure to current industry standards and trends while also developing practical skills in production and performance direction. These experiences are highly transferable to the classroom.’

But for Belinda, CGEN has become far more than supporting students as they take the stage.

'Experiencing rehearsals, challenges and the final performances together has strengthened our professional partnership and deepened our personal bond,' she said.

'It has been a true highlight of our careers.' 💜

🎟️ Come and see what Belinda, Keren and the team bring to life, 16–18 July. Tickets for CGEN are selling fast, so secure yours today: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=CREATIVE26

Calling all young creatives across Queensland. 🎨

A chance to turn imagination into something unforgettable is here.

The 2026 Queensland Day Art Competition is now open, inviting children aged 4-18 to share what Queensland means to them. From drawings and paintings to photography and digital art, every entry is an opportunity to express their unique perspective.

Selected artworks may even be featured at Brisbane Domestic Airport Terminal. ✈️

Entries close 22 May 2026, so now’s the time to get creating.

What does Queensland look like through your child’s eyes? ❤️

👉 Enter now: www.qld.gov.au/qldday

CGENers, it’s time! Tickets for CGEN 2026 are officially on sale!
Secure your seats now for 16 to 18 July at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. The shows sell out fast, so don’t miss out. Grab yours today via Ticketek.
Link in bio.

Welcome back, CGENers! Term 2 is here and CGEN 2026 is already shaping up to be something special… so what better way to kick off the term than with our theme reveal.
DREAM BIG – A Brighter Future
We can’t wait to meet the full cast over the next 12 weeks as we head towards Show Week and bring this vision to life.
Don’t forget to secure your tickets from this Wednesday at 9am via Ticketek.
Let’s dream big together for a brighter future!

We’ve made it through Term 1! 🎉
Wishing everyone a relaxing break, you’ve earned it. We can’t wait to see you all back for Term 2 as rehearsals get underway and we start dreaming big. ✨
Enjoy the holidays!

A huge congratulations to CGEN alum Jake Lyle! 🌟
Tonight, he takes to the stage as the Phantom in Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour’s spectacular production of The Phantom of the Opera. What an incredible milestone!
Here’s a sneak peek of Jake back in CGEN 2021, where he wowed the audience with his rendition of “Music of the Night” — a moment that clearly foreshadowed something special.
Jake is living proof that when you dream big, amazing things can happen. 🎭✨

A huge congratulations to CGEN alum Jake Lyle! 🌟 Tonight, he takes to the stage as the Phantom in Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour’s spectacular production of The Phantom of the Opera. What an incredible milestone! Here’s a sneak peek of Jake back in CGEN 2021, where he wowed the audience with his rendition of “Music of the Night” — a moment that clearly foreshadowed something special. Jake is living proof that when you dream big, amazing things can happen. 🎭✨

🎶 Today is the last chance to nominate for an instrumental category CGEN 2026 🎶

Please reach out to the CGEN team or visit creativegeneration.education.qld.gov.au/ for more information.

Calling our instrumental superstars! 🎶🎻🥁🎹

Drumline, big band, massed string orchestra and symphony orchestra nominations are due this Friday 13 February.

For more information visit creativegeneration.education.qld.gov.au/.

🎶 Celebrate your instrumental students and the teachers who inspire them!

Instrumental Fanfare 2026 showcases the dedication, musicianship and teamwork of Queensland state school instrumental ensembles. It’s an opportunity for students to perform with pride and for teachers to see their hard work and guidance celebrated on a statewide stage.

Nominations close Friday 27 February. Learn more and nominate your ensemble today → https://creativegeneration.education.qld.gov.au/instrumental-fanfare

In partnership with Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University
Open Conservatorium

Calling all vocal, choral, dance, drama, signing choir, musical theatre, stage and media crew teacher coordinators! Friday 6 February is your last opportunity to nominate your students for these categories for CGEN 2026. 🩰🎤🎭 🎥

For more information visit creativegeneration.education.qld.gov.au