TOOWOOMBA’s top young performers will take to the Empire Theatre stage for tonight’s inter-school Wakakirri Story Dance Festival.

More than 470 students from six schools will perform self-written and choreographed stories to a crowd of proud parents.

Twelve-year-old St Joseph’s College students Cade Banditt and Max Kaufmann are the leading men in their school’s rendition of “The Violin Man”.

“It’s about a violinist who busks on the street, then gets the opportunity to get into the big time,” Mr Banditt said.

“I get to play the lead — Oscar the violin man.”

Mr Kaufmann, an aspiring actor, said it was his first chance to play a central character in a public performance.

“It’s a great opportunity. I want to be an actor, so I’ve loved every bit,” he said.

Wakakirri state co-ordinator Tahnee White said the Toowoomba kids are at the top of their game.

She said the nation-touring festival is about promoting sustainability and storytelling to leaders of the future.

“Performers are judged on their sustainability in preparing for the show, including making their costumes,” she said.

“I’ve seen a caterpillar costume made from air-conditioning ducts that was truly brilliant — and there are plenty more.”