A romantic lead in a pro-am production of 'Fiddler On The Roof' is the next career move for Cilla Slack, a recent graduate of the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (CQCM) in Mackay.

Cilla, aged 23, has won the role for the production which will be staged by the Orpheus Choral from October 12-26 at the Ipswich Civic Centre.

 She hopes this will be a stepping stone to "making a break" in the industry, while she is in her prime years as a performer.

Cilla has already put more effort than most into developing her career, as she had to travel many thousands of kilometres to attend dance, drama, piano and singing classes throughout her school years.

 She was was raised on a cattle property in the Gayndah area and was home educated thoughout her primary and secondary school years.

"My interest in performing started at 8 years when I began dance class, for which we had to drive up to 2 hours to the rearest dance teacher.

"Then later I became interested in all other forms of performing arts and began piano, singing, and drama classes as well; again having to travel great distances to find suitable teachers.

"After I finished school I became a dance teacher myself and taught in the local town for 3 years before I auditioned for the Conservatorium in Mackay".

Cilla recently joined CQCM second-year student Kathleen Campbell to fill 2 of the 3 soprano spots for an Opera North tribute to Dame Nellie Melba (in Mackay on May 19).

She is also due to return to her home turf to take a lead role in a production called 'Our Low Flying Careers' - which tells the story of 2 young nurses in Gayndah during the 50s - which will be staged at the Gaynah Town Hall on Wednesday, August 22. She will be accompanied by the Gayndah Arts Council Choir.