Nathan Pavey’s successful audition for the role as one of the ‘Jets’ members in the popular West Side Story musical still hasn’t sunk in.
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The 18-year-old, who only recently graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS), was recommended the audition by jazz teacher and mentor Tanya Mintford.
It was his first professional audition for a music theatre role.
“She said the auditions were coming and thought I should do it,” he told The Free Press.
“At that time and finishing Year 12, I knew I wanted to dance and do something within the performing arts industry but I was really torn – I had a bunch of different places I could’ve gone.
“This was something else I could look at. I did it, wasn’t really expecting anything. I went and did the audition then had a call back, got on a shortlist and then I got it.
“I still haven’t had that ‘it’s actually happening’ moment yet. I don’t think I will until I’m actually in rehearsals.”
It’s a dream for Pavey, who has bravely had to overcome high school bullying to achieve his goals, to get to do what he loves doing whilst getting paid for it, as well as travelling the world.
“To get to do it so young and straight out of school is insane,” he said.
“I know (the musical) quite well, it’s one of the most iconic pieces of musical theatre, Jerome Robbins the choreographer - he’s insane, and it’s crazy to think that I’m going to be a part of it,” he added.
Robbins is a well-known American choreographer, director, dancer and theatre producer who has worked in classical ballet, on broadway and in films and television. He has also received multiple Academy Awards.
Pavey is specifically Jets member Snow Boy – a late teen bespectacled, self-styled expert with a baritone voice, who fancies himself the smart one of the Jets gang.
He is also understudying for character ‘Action’, who is seen to be the most aggressive member of the Jets group.
West Side Story will premier in Melbourne this April with an all-Australian cast, also performing at the Sydney Opera House and New Zealand.
It will be Pavey’s first professional role since graduating at VCASS.
“He’s obviously got the talent but he doesn’t let it go to his head. He treats people so well.
“From a people point of view and the adversity that he’s gone through with the bullying – (which) was really quite bad – and with the help of David Williams and Judy O’Malley he did go to quit at one stage.
“We just talked about doing what you love to do and in the long run it’ll work out the best for you. “Thanks to David from our perspective, he was a big influence on Nathan continuing.
“For a kid to be going through what he was going through to turn around and continue on and say ‘go away’ to all the bullying, (I’m) very proud, because it was really hard.”
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