School holidays mean little to the students and teachers preparing for this year's Southern Stars showcase - the show must go on.
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This week's rehearsals bring together students from schools across the state. They have slightly more spring in their step thanks to a state government cash injection.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra and South Coast Gareth Ward handed over $1500 on behalf of Premier Mike Baird on Thursday to ensure the stars continue to shine.
Southern Stars executive director, and principal of Nowra Public School Ian Millard described the funds as "very generous", saying donations, sponsorship and ticket sales were the group's main sources of funding.
"It's a combination of those things that keeps the show healthy and afloat," he said. "[The show] has been running for 15 years now and I think its future is very, very strong."
Mr Ward said volunteers worked hard finding funds to keep the show going, on top of the investment already made teaching students.
"We really need other businesses, that may be looking for a great group to sponsor, to come forward and support Southern Stars," Mr Ward said.
"It's a great outlet for the awesome amount of talent we have, even looking at the training this morning [Thursday] you could see the excitement on the faces of the kids that they're doing what they love. For many of them, it may lead to bigger things."
Southern Stars 2015 will run at WIN Entertainment Centre on August 28-29.
Students rehearsing at Albion Park High School this week are with about 40 teachers, who have given holiday time to help perfect the performance.
"It's one of those shows that I think will be around for a long, long time, because ... you're talking about public schools getting together. It's too valuable," Mr Millard said.
A celebratory event is planned for about a week after the show finishes.
"During dessert we'll be thinking about next year's show," Mr Millard he said.
Tickets are on sale now at ticketmaster.com.au.