A TALENTED local performer has started to take her next steps towards being a star of the stage.

Sapphire Beach resident Asha Khamis has just moved to Melbourne to spend 2017 studying musical theatre at the prestigious Victorian College of the Arts.

The 18-year-old is looking forward to further developing her dancing, singing and acting skills.

Asha discovered a love for performing arts when she first enrolled for dance classes at the local Harbour Performing Arts Centre studio in 2004.

"I can't wait for classes to start," Asha said.

"I'm very excited about the year ahead and being able to learn off some true professionals to help me broaden my knowledge of musical theatre."

Many locals will remember Asha's portrayal of Lil' Inez in a recent production of Hairspray at the Jetty Memorial Theatre, as well as her rendition of the national anthem at the Australia Day celebrations at the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden.

The Coffs Harbour Senior College graduate said her ultimate goal is to one day perform on Broadway.

"I've always loved being on stage and the feeling and exhilaration that it brings when I perform," Asha said.

"To be able to experience that feeling in such a famous arena like Broadway would be amazing.

"It was hard to choose between singing, dancing and acting until I realised I could combine all three arts in musical theatre."