With her confidence on stage and beautiful singing voice, it's surprising to learn 2014 will be Erin Hand's first time performing in Southern Stars.
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The year 10 Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts student has been singing and playing guitar since primary school, but a solo stint in this year's production will be her first before such a big audience.
"I'm a little nervous, because it's my first time performing on this scale," she said.
"But I just enjoy the way you get to meet different people and the people you get to perform with."
Erin was one of 60 students who gathered at WIN Entertainment Centre on Thursday to launch Southern Stars for 2014.
The vocalists and dancers performed three numbers from the upcoming production, giving a taste of what to expect when the annual showcase hits the stage in August.
This year's theme is #webelieve 2014 , an exploration of how beliefs change throughout our lives.
"If you don't know what the hashtag represents, don't worry. Your children do," joked executive producer and Keira High School deputy principal Barney Ellevsen.
"It's the way they connect and will share moments from the show with each other."
Nearly 3000 students from nearly 90 public schools across the region will descend on Wollongong when the show begins, with 10 schools taking part for the first time this year.
Southern Stars will stage four performances at the WIN Entertainment Centre on August 29 and 30. Tickets through ticketmaster.com.au.