Public performances of the retro-themed show Hairspray begin on Wednesday night, although organisers said they only had a sprinkling of seats left over the span of 11 shows.

Director and drama teacher Janet Cunningham said all the school’s musicals were totally self-sufficient, relying on ticket sales to pay the bills.

‘‘We’re very proud that we’ve built up quite a following in the Wollongong theatre community,’’ she said.

Set in Baltimore in 1962, with tons of hairspray and silk shirts, Hairspray follows the adventures of teenager Tracy, who strives for stardom on a local television dance show.

The musical also touches on deeper issues like racial segregation.

‘‘We wanted to do something fairly contemporary, we like to mix up our musicals and that gives us a diversity ... last year we did the Pirates of Penzance, so you go from [the Victorian era] to the 1960s,’’ Ms Cunningham said. 

‘‘It gives ...  the different perspectives that a well-rounded performing arts student needs to have so they have an understanding of what goes on in the world.’’

For more information or tickets, visit wollongong-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/news/hairspray-book-your-tickets-now.