Learning to walk in five-inch heels is just one of the challenges Kinky Boots has thrown at Gunnedah's Steven Hopwood.
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The 10-year-old has been cast as the young Charlie Price in Tamworth Musical Society's production.
Charlie Price inherits his father's shoe factory on the verge of bankruptcy and with inspiration from entertainer Lola, develops a line of stilettos and saves his family business.
It's a part his mother Nat Walters didn't expect him to land after turning up to the audition without a prepared song.
It's a part his mother Nat Walters didn't expect him to land after turning up to the audition without a prepared song for the audition.
"I said, 'What music? Do I need music?' ... I thought I'd blown it for him," she said. "I just didn't think about it."
They persevered and Steven sang Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star "but I couldn't remember all the words".
His passion for performance must have won out because he was given the role.
"I was speechless," Steven said. "I thought there'd be other people who'd get the part."
The local lad has never starred in a musical but has been receiving singing lessons at Gunnedah Conservatorium since he was six-years-old.
After another music teacher suggested he consider auditioning for Kinky Boots, Steven said, "Sure, let's give it a go".
And he's glad he did.
"It's been a great experience," Steven said.
"Everyone's nice in the production and they've always got your back."
Steven opens the play and said at first he stuttered but after "repeating, repeating, repeating" his lines and lyrics, "I'm used to everything now".
One thing he didn't expect in his costume wardrobe were high-heeled boots.
"They're high and I'm only just getting used to them," he said.
His mum said he had been "doing some speed-learning" out of sight at home.
It's a far cry from the DIY world of construction, which is his greatest passion.
Steven received the most votes out of 165 entrants in Mitre 10's Kids Challenge last year and is keen beans about building and fixing whatever he can get his hands on.
However, performing is fast becoming another passion and he recently won the singing section of Gunnedah South Public School's S factor talent competition.
"I just want to be on stage and perform for everyone," he said.
Despite the travel and long hours of rehearsal, Ms Walters said Steven was juggling school and theatre life well.
"He has a lot of fun. He absolutely loves it ... He sleeps in that [Kinky Boots] shirt," she said.
