Maddison Ridley, 23, is currently performing in the National Theatre/Headlong’s production of People Places and Things, in Brooklyn’s St Ann’s Warehouse in New York.

Born in Gunnedah, the young star spent the first few years of her life just outside of Carroll on their family farm Kibah.

Moving to Tamworth when she was four years old, Ms Ridley began speech and drama lessons with Robyn Christmas at age seven.

She said it was during her teenage years that her love of storytelling and public blossomed more and she really knew she wanted to live her dream.

“By 14, I knew working in the theatre was what I wanted to pursue, so I begged Mum and Dad to send me to boarding school in Sydney, so I could be closer to all the opportunities of the entertainment industry,” she said.

“I trained at NIDA  (National Institute of Dramatic Art) whilst completing my HSC, and then I trusted this instinct I had telling me to pack up and move to London for a 'gap year'.”

Ms Ridley said her one year in London turned into four and within a year of living and working in the UK city, she was performing in a play on the famous West End.

“I felt like I made the right decision in choosing to adventure abroad and pursue acting,” she said.

And for the young actress the hard work and dedication didn’t stop there.

 She soon found herself in New York where she attended drama school at the  American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

“New York is a very overwhelming city at first, even compared to London, but after a little while, you find your groove and settle in, and now it is absolutely home,” Ms Ridley said. 

“I guess this has always been my dream, but especially since moving to London and realising that with a lot of hard work and tenacity, doors will open and opportunities will arise. 

“I have a few fun projects lined up for the beginning of 2018 once 'People, Places & Things' wraps up, and I'm looking forward to heading out to LA for pilot season, but after that, who knows.

“Part of working in this industry means you have to embrace a certain level of uncertainty about your career. 

“I feel like now I've left drama school, I'm just starting to hit my stride here in the New York industry, so I want to stay here.”