Liam McIlwain, a student of CQU's Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music, has been so busy touring with professional musical productions that he plans to complete his degree via distance education.

Liam has just completed the premiere season for the new Australian musical 'Dusty' (performances finished in Brisbane on September 30) and he is having a brief rest before his next commitment.

"It was great to be part of an original cast in a world premiere for 'Dusty'. That's pretty rare, and in an all-Australian show too, it was a privilege to be a part of that," Liam said.

"They're now talking about taking the show to the UK, which is the reverse of the usual flow of musical traffic. That means that performers on London's West End will be learning my track, that's pretty cool".

The Bachelor of Music Theatre student is due to start rehearsals in the role of Skimbleshanks for the musical 'Cats' in November ahead of an Asian tour in 2007 and 2008.

Liam's previous stage credits include 'Sunset Boulevard', 'My Fair Lady', 'Grease - the Arena Spectacular', 'McCubbin:The Opera', 'Saturday Night' (Australian Premiere) and 'Bye Bye Birdie'.

Originally from Brisbane, Liam moved to Mackay to study when he was 17, fresh out of high school.

While at CQCM, Liam performed in 'The Sound of Music', 'Chess' and 'Kiss Me, Kate'.

"I learn't a lot in these shows that helped prepare me for the professional world," he said.