Josh Holloway now dreams of an acting career in the United States after an injury ended his football career.

But when a knee injury took him out of the competition, and doctors warned his ligament and nerve damage could leave him off his feet for years if he was injured again, he looked for another interest.

“That’s not something you want to hear when you’re 16, so I looked for something else I’d like to do,” he said.

He started studying drama in Year 11 and 12 at Francis Greenway High School, and after his first experience in the annual school musical he was hooked.

“I fell in love with it, it’s an amazing feeling being on stage, there’s a certain amount of safety being in someone else’s shoes for a short time,” Mr Holloway said.

“It gave me a sense of joy that I’ve never experienced.”

After two school musicals, and the HSC, Mr Holloway decided acting was his future.

He studied a Diploma of Acting at the Regional Institute of Performing Arts in 2013, and after being in several shows he has now set his sights on moving to Los Angeles next year.

His dream is to perform in theatres and break into television and films in the United States.

“Originally LA was a five year plan for me but then I thought why wait?,” he said. 

“Any time I walk into a theatre it gives me that drive.

“It gave me a sense of joy that I’ve never experienced.” Mr Holloway, 21, intends to perform in as many shows as possible before he leaves.

He said the key to success was going to as many auditions as possible, and that formula has landed him a lot of roles in the Newcastle theatre circles.

“Going around and grinding auditions is the best way, and learning to accept rejection in the hope that something better is around the corner,” he said.

Mr Holloway has played a range of characters including Smee in a Newcastle production of Peter Pan. 

He has the ability to learn lines quickly, which helps if he has to fill in for a role at the last minute. 

Acting doesn't pay his bills just yet, so he works at Steggles in Beresfield in the processing department.

“My work is a delight because it gives me the tools to be able to pursue my dreams,” he said. 

“You work so you can pursue your dream.”