A former Kiama resident is living her childhood dream of being a cheerleader - at least vicariously.
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Lauren Lofberg is a member of the ensemble cast for Bring It On: The Musical, which will be performed in Sydney next month.
Bring It On: The Musical will have its Australian premiere at NIDA Theatres, Kensington from Saturday, June 27 to Thursday, July 9.
Inspired by the hit film, it features an original story by Tony Award winner Jeff Whitty, music and lyrics by Tony Award-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda and was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Musical.
A cast of 27 bright young performers, including Campbell, captain of the Truman High School cheer squad, are suddenly forced to spend her final year of high school at the neighbouring, hard-knock Jackson High School.
Campbell befriends the dance crew girls and, alongside their headstrong and hardworking leader Danielle, manages to form a squad for the national championships.
Bringing this Australian premiere to life will be director Rod Herbert, musical director Anne-Maree McDonald, choreographer Tracey Rasmussen and stunt choreographer Melissa McKenzie.
Lofberg grew up in Kiama, spending much of her time either singing and dancing at Dance Sensations Kiama, or swimming and surfing.
"I've been performing on stage since I was eight," she said.
"I have always loved it and have always wanted to make a career out of it.
"Straight after I finished school, I packed up and moved to Sydney, away from my family and friends to pursue my life-long dream."
The 20-year-old currently lives in Wolli Creek, having moved there aged 17 after completing her studies at Kiama High in 2012.
She still regularly visits her parents in Kiama.
Lofberg said she had been rehearsing for the upcoming production since March.
A fan of the film, she believed the production was a "really funny show" featuring songs that were upbeat and poppy.
She said playing the role of a cheerleader helped, if somewhat indirectly, to realise a long-time dream.
"I always thought I would move over to America to go to college and be a cheerleader," she said.
"I always wanted to do it when I was little.
"We don't really have as much cheerleading over here, and thought it was cool. I love that I get to be a cheerleader."
Having previously studied performing arts full-time at Village On Broadway in 2013, she hoped to study again in the future at a school such as NIDA.
She's currently working as well as dancing, singing and acting, and said nothing compared to the thrill of performing.
"It's that feeling I get right before I go on stage, and while I'm on stage," she said.
"Any performer will know exactly what I mean."
■ For bookings, phone 132 849 or visit the ticketek.com.au website.