Now a professional actor, he began his involvement with the performing arts world by writing and performing in school musicals and acting at the Hills Centre for the Performing Arts.

His first job was a ``swing performer'' contract for Dirty Dancing (2004), which meant he had to understudy all the male roles. ``It was a very big job,'' he said.

``But I felt so happy stepping on stage for the first time [as a professional].''

The former Castle Hill resident recently received a Helpmann Awards nomination for best supporting male actor in a musical for his role in Avenue Q, which received six nominations.

``This was the biggest role yet that I've played and the most rewarding,'' Joslin said.

``Avenue Q is very well known worldwide and there was a bit of expectation there.''

In the musical one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history most characters are puppets operated by actors. It's a take on Sesame Street with jokes for big kids.

While Joslin said winning a Helpmann Award would ``mean everything'', he was happy just to be nominated.

``Helpmann is such a prestigious award, it's like the Logies of theatre.'' He has already snapped a Green Room Award for his role.

The Helpmann Awards winners will be announced at the Sydney Opera House on September 6.