Not just any role, mind you, but as the lead performer “Oliver” in the 130 cast production being staged by Artes Christi Australia in association with Yalari Ltd which also features three indigenous students.

According to his mum, Jusinta, Zac has been performing one way or another since he was two years old. “He has been destined to be a performer since he was knee-high”, she said proudly.

His musical talents blossomed when he joined the Camden Haven Concert Band at the ripe old age of 10. Mr Iain Pole, family friend and music director for the band, said that Zac was an absolute joy to teach.

“He can play almost any wind instrument as well as the piano. In fact he can do anything he wants if he sets his mind to it”.

Mr Pole is also music director for five local primary schools including Laurieton Public where Zac attended lasy year. His musical ability was further recognised and he was supported by his teachers in his application for a Scholarship to The Armidale School (TAS) where there is a huge creative arts section available.

Zac won the Scholarship and he his been boarding at TAS since the beginning of this year. His talents have been further nutured at Armidale where the performing arts play such a vital part in the college curriculum.

Just recently, a teacher from the elite St Ignatius Riverview College in Lane Cove went to The Armidale School specifically to audition Zac for a performing role in the "Oliver" Production. He was successful and will now be living on campus at the college in Sydney where he will be rehearsing every day for six weeks. The production of Oliver starts at the end of October at the Seymour Centre Theatre under director Anthony McCarthy.

What a fantastic opportunity for this dedicated, talented teenager. Zac's parents Dave Widders and Jusinta Collins of Laurieton, together with The Camden Haven Concert Band are extremely proud of their son’s achievements so far. Some members of the band are hoping to go down to Sydney to see his performance.

After the Oliver season is finished Zac Collins-Widders will head back to The Armidale School to further his education.