Eleven-year-old Avaleigh Rock was destined for a life in the music business and so much so is now appearing in the smash hit musical of the same name.
The talented Year 6 student from St Joseph’s Primary School at Oatley is appearing in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock, which is based on the iconic hit movie starring Jack Black.
She said the show – which follows a failed, wanna-be rock star who decides to earn an extra bit of cash by posing as a music teacher at a prestigious school and turning a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding rock band – was the most fun she’s ever had.
For Avaleigh, giving up her January school holidays to perform in the musical was something she’s very happy to do as it was “so much more enjoyable than going away with my family”.
“I love everything about being on stage, it’s just so great,” she said.
“Holidays are pretty good and in January we usually go camping but performing in front of everyone is the best fun ever.
“These holidays the whole family has to stay at home because I am doing School Of Rock and honestly I don’t mind at all, it’s so much fun.
“And the best part is I get to sing, dance and act as I really like doing them all.
“I get to perform in the show about three times a week but to be honest I’d do it every night if I could.
“It is a lot of hard work and fitting it in with all my school work can be hard but I honestly don’t mind, it really is a great experience.”
Taking up ballet at just 18-months-old, Avaleigh quickly progressed to different styles of dancing and added tap, jazz, hip hop and contemporary to her repertoire and has been competing in eisteddfods with All Starz Performing Arts since she was four.
A gifted student academically, Avaleigh has entrenched herself in her school community as an environmental leader, represented her school in cross country, athletics, and swimming school competitions and participated in the Pope Francis Awards.
Proud mum Candice said that despite her daughter’s many commitments and busy schedule her eyes light up when it’s time to tread the boards.
“She is a very busy young lady and will give pretty much anything a go,” she said.
“I guess the secret is to be organised, Avaleigh plans everything out and knows exactly how much time she needs to do her homework and then fits in all her other activities around that.
“She loves all of her pursuits but nothing compared to her enjoyment when she’s on stage.
“She lights up like a Christmas tree and really does spread so much joy to everyone watching her.
“I am so proud of everything she has achieved and how she carries herself at some a young age.”
School of Rock is now playing at the Capitol Theatre. New tickets have just been released.
To purchase go to https://au.schoolofrockthemusical.com/tickets/