HIGH school student Evan Johnson has spoken of his pride at being nominated for a major award by the National Operatic and Dramatic Association.

Evan,15, who attends The County High School, Leftwich, attended an awards ceremony in Crewe after being nominated for best male youth actor in an adult production and being included in best ensemble and best musical nominations.

Evan said: “I was completely over the moon as I’ve never been nominated for anything like this before.”

Evan didn’t win an award, but the experience was a memorable one for the teenager.

He said: “When our names were up we were all getting quite emotional. Even though we didn’t win anything we were still cheering everyone on like we were one big family.”

Preferring comedic roles, Evan said his main ambition in the acting world to be like Jim Carrey.

He said: “I’ve always grown up wanting to be Jim Carrey - it’s a great skill to make people laugh without even speaking.”

Evan is in year 11, and has his next steps figured out.

He said: “I want to go to Sir John Deane’s College and study theatre studies, performance arts and English literature.

“I can’t imagine doing anything else - I just love being on stage and performing.”

Evan’s family have supported him throughout his fledgling acting career.

His mum Jodie said: “We’re very proud of him. Evan was born to be on stage. All the logistical nightmares of getting him to rehearsals and castings are worth it now.”

It was clear to Evan’s parents from a very early age that their son would grow up with a tremendous passion for acting.

Jodie added: “When he was three he would watch TV and act it out in front of the mirror.

“His first acting role was when he was three years old as well, in a production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.”

Unfortunately for the budding young actor he will have to miss the next production by the Mid-Cheshire Musical Theatre Company.

Jodie said: “They’re doing Guys and Dolls next, and Evan’s upset because I’m not allowing him to do it because it’s just before his GCSEs.”

Evan said: “I’m still moaning about it now.

“Whenever I get the opportunity to do one of these shows it’s a massive boost for me, and having to say no is almost heart-breaking.”

Evan wants to be back on stage as soon as possible, and once his school work and GCSEs are finished he can again shift his focus to performing.