DIANNE Kaye of Ramsgate thought it couldn't get much better — then it did.
The performer left Australia for New York City last September and scored a spot at the Apollo Theater, New York City, in early July.
This is the same stage which helped The Jackson Five, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, Stevie Wonder and Lauryn Hill on their way.
The next break happened for the Australian when she was cast in a new pop-rock comedy musical off-Broadway show called Single Room Occupancy.
The production is part of the New York International Fringe Festival, and will be showing from August 14 to 27 at the Lynn Redgrave Theatre.
Kaye will play the role of Kim.
"This is a huge honour for me, considering that I just graduated from my full-time musical theatre course in May, and was cast in a musical two months later," she said.
"I believe that my story has the potential to inspire young people, especially young women to follow their dreams, no matter how big or difficult they seem.
"My mantra is 'you get out what you put in', but I'm also very careful not expect too much from life, and make sure that I always enjoy the ride."
Kaye grew up at Ramsgate, went to Ramsgate Public School and lived in the suburb before moving to western Sydney.
The family moved back to Ramsgate when Kaye was at university in 2009.
"When I return from New York I will be living in Ramsgate," she said.
Kaye completed a degree in education at Sydney University in 2012, all the time fuelling her penchant for musical theatre.
"I'd been performing in community based and semi-professional shows as a teenager, and branched out into film, commercial work and did some modelling," she said.
Her Apollo appearance gave her the chance to show off her vocal skills.
"I decided on Oh! Darling by the Beatles after considerable tweaking."
