Entertainment
13 April, 2026
Nathan’s rising star
WITH ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ underway at the Port Douglas Clink Theatre, one young member of the cast is celebrating a number of years under the spotlight.
For Douglas local Nathan Kerr, aged 18, the stage is more than a place to perform, it’s where passion, discipline and community come together in a powerful celebration of musical theatre.
With an impressive list of roles spanning from childhood classics to iconic stage productions, Mr Kerr has steadily built a name for himself as a dedicated and dynamic young performer.
His journey in theatre began in 2019, when he took on the title role in ‘Oliver’ and appeared as Archie in the musical ‘13’, both with Douglas Theatre Arts Company.
From there, his repertoire quickly expanded.
In 2020, he brought charm and character to the Tin Man in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and took on the role of Professor in ‘South Pacific’.
By 2021, the young thespian stepped into the spotlight as Troy in ‘High School Musical’, a role that showcased both his vocal ability and stage presence.
Over the following years, he continued to grow, appearing in productions such as ‘Priscilla’ (ensemble), ‘The Addams Family’ (Lucas) and ‘Back to the 80s’ (Michael).
His recent performances highlight both versatility and commitment.
In 2024, he played Freddy in ‘My Fair Lady’ and Mark in ‘Popstars’. The following year proved especially significant, with standout roles as Sky in ‘Mamma Mia!’ and the beloved title character in ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’.
Mr Kerr describes his time as SpongeBob as unforgettable.
“Learning the iconic voice and ridiculous laugh was a challenge,” he said.
“But seeing the children’s faces light up as I stepped on stage made it all worth it.”
In 2026, he continues to push himself creatively, taking on the role of Farrah in ‘Priscilla’ with Cairns Choral Society (CCS) at Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) and is currently performing as Rocky in The Rocky Horror Show with The Clink Theatre.
Beyond these headline roles, Mr Kerr has been deeply involved in the performing arts community.
He has participated in all Douglas Theatre Arts Group (DTAG) productions since 2018, performed regularly with Creative Souls Studio choir and taken part in ‘Cram-It on Broadway’ showcases. Seasonal performances, including Carols by Candlelight events, have also been a staple of his calendar.
Offstage, the young actor is equally committed to sharing his love of performance. Every Monday, he teaches a junior song and movement class with his family business Creative Souls Studio helping inspire the next generation of performers.
His training has been guided by experienced mentors, including his mother Jennifer Kerr and Alteouise DeVaughn (2019-2024), both of whom have played a significant role in shaping his vocal and theatrical skills.
When he’s not performing, Mr Kerr can often be found in his home studio refining his vocal technique.
“There’s nothing more exciting than finally hitting those notes you’ve been working towards,” he said.
While he occasionally spends time gaming with friends online, singing remains his top priority.
For Mr Kerr, theatre is about more than personal achievement.
“I do musical theatre to make the audience leave feeling joy and excitement,” he said.
“Seeing their faces as the curtain closes, that’s what it’s all about.”
Much of that magic, he says, comes from The Clink Theatre itself, a venue that holds a special place in his heart.
Despite its modest size, the theatre is known for its ambitious productions, from constructing a 4.5m bus on stage for Priscilla to transforming the space into a vibrant Greek taverna for Mamma Mia!.
“It’s incredible what can be achieved on such a small stage,” Mr Kerr said.
“That’s what makes The Clink so special in this community.”
Grounded by family, driven by passion and fuelled by a love of entertaining, Mr Kerr continues to captivate audiences and carve out a bright future in the world of musical theatre.
With experience across 13 DTAG productions, multiple community performances and a growing list of lead roles, Mr Kerr hopes to continue pursuing a future in the music and entertainment industry.
“I’d love to do anything involving music, performing, writing, or teaching,” he said.
“It would be a dream.”
