HAROLD Phipps grew up in Port Stephens and has been surrounded by theatre since he was a child.

He has recently gained a position at one of Australia’s finest Drama and Theatre Schools, NIDA, the National Institute of Dramatic Arts in Sydney.

He will be studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting).

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Harold has been performing from a very young age, and has been involved in numerous shows around Newcastle.

“I did Oliver (The Musical) when I was in year three or four and that was what got me into theatre for the first time.

“And then in 2014 I was lucky enough to be in a production at Young People’s Theatre of Macbeth.

“Working on that text and working with the director, it ignited this passion in me.

“It was then when it clicked in my head that ‘this is what I want to do as a career’,” said Harold.

NIDA has provided training for some of the world’s greatest actors, with alumni including Mel Gibson, Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving and John Jarrett.

“Being accepted into NIDA is such an honour.

“To be around like-minded people that are on the same wavelength, whilst making these amazing connections and getting formally trained in an area I love, it’s something I don’t take for granted,” Harold said.

Harold will be saying goodbye to Newcastle with one final production as director for the Young People’s Theatre season of The Addams Family Young @ Part alongside his younger sister Bridget, who will be starring as Mortica Addams.

A representative from Young People’s Theatre said, “We are incredibly proud of Harold and this achievement and are thrilled to have him involved in The Addams Family as his final local production for a while.”

We congratulate Harold on this excellent achievement and wish him the best with his studies.

By Tara CAMPBELL