Gunnedah's Steven Hopwood has added another passion to his ever-growing list of pursuits.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 10-year-old is catching up on sleep after playing the role of the young Charlie Price in Tamworth Musical Society's production of Kinky Boots.
It was Steven's first musical and he performed in 11 shows over two weeks, often arriving home around midnight.
Read also:
He said he was sad when the final show wrapped up on the weekend because he enjoyed it so much and formed new friendships.
"At the end, I was going to Mum, 'I don't want this show to end. I want it to go on forever.'," he said.
"I made some really good friends I keep in touch with."
Steven said he didn't get stage fright but it did take a few goes before he had his performance down pat.
"The last performance, that was my best," he said.
His confidence was bolstered when a big group from Gunnedah came to see him in the second week
"They were screaming ... it was amazing," he said.
He received a further surprise when two of his cousins from Wagga Wagga and Cowra travelled to catch a show.
His mum, Nat Walters, said the cast and crew really looked after him and he "worked really hard".
"His endurance surprised me ... He didn't get home before midnight and still went to school," she said.
Now that it's all over, Steven has taken up drama classes in Gunnedah in addition to his singing, drama and piano lessons in Tamworth. He also has vocal lessons with local Jamie Brown at the Gunnedah Conservatorium.
"I just wanted to do more," Steven said.
The youth is now waiting for another musical to come along so he can audition.
"He loves being on stage. I think he's found his tribe. He's found what he loves," Ms Walters said.
"All he wants to do is be on the stage," Nat said - "and be a footy player," Steven said - "and fly planes," Nat said.
Let's not forget his love of DIY as well.