Going for theatre gold

The stage has always called to Lower Hutt teenager Jackson Gray.

‘‘When I was young I always wanted to sing and I would harp on and on about getting singing lessons until my mum said ‘all right’,’’ the 14-year-old said.

His determination has paid off and the Hutt Valley High School student is heading to California this month to take part in the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA), often called the ‘‘Olympics’’ of the performing arts world.

Jackson is one of 20 Kiwis selected for the Black Stars, the national performing arts team.

‘‘It’s an amazing opportunity and just to represent New Zealand, it’s a great feeling,’’ he said.

He first auditioned for WCOPA in Auckland two years ago – the judges loved him, but he wasn’t old enough so they held his place for him.

‘‘I never thought I would go to Hollywood and compete in this competition but it’s just an amazing opportunity.’’

Jackson has been practising non-stop to compete in three categories: singing, acting and modelling.

For WCOPA, he will perform two jazz songs, one contemporary, one gospel and one Broadway.

To practise, he puts on small concerts in his living room, with mum Melody French providing feedback – good or bad.

But he’s used to the bigger stages as well. He’s played the Artful Dodger in the Upper Hutt Musical Theatre’s version of Oliver

Twist and said he came close to being cast in a West End version of The Sound of Music.

He reached one of the final rounds for the West End show, sending a video of himself performing to producers in London.

While he was a bit nervous to compete alongside performers from 50 other countries at the WCOPA, he knew it would be all right once he stepped out on stage.

‘‘I just see all the people and all the nerves rush into my body but when I start singing I just get into the song and tell the story.’’

French said she was extremely proud of her son and how disciplined he was with his performing arts practice.

She said she never had to ask Jackson to practise – he was always there and was always willing.

Lower Hutt’s Jackson Gray, 14, will sing his heart out on the stage in California as part of the World Championships of Performing Arts. Three years ago, he took part in the 2015 Rockshop Bandquest Wellington and Hutt regional competition.