Start spreading the news – our Joe's making it big in New York

When I was three years old, I'd invite my family into the living room and perform for them," laughs Joseph Hayward.

"I must have driven them all mad! But I've honestly wanted to act for as long as I can remember – the desire has always existed in me."

It's a desire that's taken him from performing in front of his parents at their Tettenhall Wood home to the bright lights of New York City, complete with lead roles, Tony Award-winning directors and huge productions in Times Square.

Joseph, 21, made the move when he was just 19 after being accepted into the oldest and one of the most prestigious acting schools in the world, The American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Its name and influence are legendary in the acting world, with former students including Kirk Douglas, Anne Hathaway, Grace Kelly and Robert Redford. All in, its alumni have been nominated for 96 Oscars, 245 Emmys and 86 Tonys. Not too shabby.

Oh, and its staff include The Young and the Restless actress Karen Hensel, English playwright Ian Ogilvy and actor and screenwriter David Dean Bottrell.

So how did Joe feel about being accepted into such a renowned and historic institution?

"The academy's history is unrivalled, it was the first drama school in the English speaking world and has an iconic alumni list," he says wide-eyed. "I never imagined I would be accepted into such a prestigious institute, so the news came as a complete shock. I had only just turned 19, and my life was about to change forever."

Acceptance into the AADA was testament to Joe's talent – a talent that was nurtured in the years previous at Tettenhall College.

"It wasn't until I attended Tettenhall that I decided to pursue acting as a career," he says. "I got involved in every production. My first standing ovation was on the Tettenhall College stage and it is still one of my most cherished memories.

"I owe so much to their drama department, who really nurtured and refined my talents. They instigated my love of musical theatre and introduced me to an array of acting techniques which continue to serve me well."

Since being in New York, Joseph has played the lead Arlecchino in The Three Cuckolds and also starred in The Flight of the Earls and as Elmer in Felt Left Out – a role, rather brilliantly, inspired by Elmo from Sesame Street.

"Life on the New York stage really gets the blood pumping," says the former Christ Church Infant and Junior pupil. "American audiences are a lot more responsive than the Brits: the reactions and feedback I've received from them has been really overwhelming and it keeps me motivated and passionate. Playing the lead in The Three Cuckolds was the most challenging and rewarding experience in my career to date. The play demanded highly physical actors and I was on stage for about 80 per cent of the time. In addition to all my physical scenes, I had about 10 monologues and also had to learn some Latin!

"But I'm proud to say the show was a great success and was recorded for archival and educational purposes."

So what's next for Joe, who's got his sights firmly set on Broadway?

"Well, last month I starred in a new play in Times Square, which was wildly successful and as a result I was offered a place in their acting company and we've just started rehearsals for the next show.

"I'm also assisting Tony Award-winning director Jack Hofsiss on a new play, which we hope will transfer to Broadway soon. And, of course, I'm auditioning as much as possible and hoping to produce work with my best friend, who is an incredibly talented playwright. "

But despite all the excitement and success in the Big Apple, home – and his parents Nigel and Jacqui and sibling Alex – is never too far from Joe's mind.

"My family and friends are never from my thoughts. Christmas has become extra special because it's the only time we're all together.

"But I am beyond thankful for their love and support, and I hope I make them proud."

By Elizabeth Joyce