Gunnedah youth Steven Hopwood is just buzzing after five days at the National Musical Theatre Summer School in Melbourne.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Steven received a half-scholarship for tuition last week from five tutors who do everything from acting to directing musical theatre.
The 11-year-old learnt how to audition, gained new skills in dancing and singing, and met other youth who love the stage.
Read also:
Steven said they did a lot of dancing, all of which was new to him.
"I worked hard ... it was very fun and I can't thank my mum enough for letting me to go," Steven said.
"It was one of the best five days I've ever had. It just made me shine a little bit more and I really want to live in Melbourne. It's so cool in Melbourne. It's cool and cold and that's how I like it."
His mum, Nat Walters, said when she picked Steven up each day, "he was just so happy".
"Stevo's been lucky. Opportunities have come at him ... he's had great tutors," she said.
"I sort of realised if he really wants to do this - and he says he wants to - he is going to have to learn to dance.
"You have to be dedicated and you have to want it. Stevo walked in and from the first moment, he was dedicated and confident."
Ms Walters said it was "a magical week" and "the kids just thrived".
"I think everything we do opens your eyes more," she said.
While the summer school isn't something Stevo can do every day, Ms Walters said regional towns like Gunnedah and Tamworth were still "great places for kids to learn".
"The opportunities are there as long as you can get into those opportunities," she said.
"He's looking for opportunities himself."
