A Sunbury boy who wowed crowds with a central part in Les Miserables is preparing for his second major role.
Jackson Rudge, 11, recently won a place in one of three alternating casts for the forthcoming Melbourne season of The Sound of Music, playing Friedrich von Trapp.
His mum, Donna, says Jackson, the youngest of five children, has always had a flair for the dramatic.
‘‘Even when he was little, he used to walk around singing and dancing all the time,’’ she said. ‘‘We enrolled him in classes when he was five and he’s taken it from there.’’
Jackson spends up to 17 hours a week at Sunbury’s FlashDance Performing Arts, where he trains in singing, acting and dancing.
‘‘We’ve never pushed him – it’s just what he loves to do,’’ Ms Rudge said.
Jackson, who will be involved in rehearsals for about a month before the show opens at the Regent Theatre in May, said he was excited about landing the role.
‘‘I’m really looking forward to it,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s going to be a little bit nerve-racking, I’m sure but at least I’ve been there before.’’
The grade 6 Sunbury Primary School pupil hopes to pursue a professional theatre career.
‘‘I really want to keep doing theatre,” he said. “I’d like to get involved in choreography, as well.’’
The Sound of Music will open on May 13 at the Regent Theatre. Details: www.soundofmusictour.com.au
