From calculus and physics to tights and capes, Reporoa College Year 13 student Robert Millar was an unlikely candidate to perform at the Shakespeare Festival.
Not having studied the playwright's work before, Robert may have entered the competition with a disadvantage, but he made waves with his powerful performance.
Robert played Oberon, the Fairy King, from A Midsummer Night's Dream at the regional Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand University of Otago Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival at Rotorua Lakes High School last month.
Judges could award up to one "direct entry" per region if they felt a student's performance was worthy to bypass the national competition.
Robert's interpretation of Oberon's conflicted character saw him receive the only direct entry for the Rotorua region.
"I like acting and always found the psychology of anti-heroes interesting," Robert said. "Playing Oberon gave me the chance to explore his motives and internal conflict which I enjoyed."
Robert is invited, along with about 40 other students, to the week-long Shakespeare intensive workshop in September by National Shakespeare Schools Production.
From there, between six and 12 students will be selected to perform at the Globe Theatre in London, early next year.
Reporoa College drama teacher Semu Filipo said he knew when he met Robert he would be great in Shakespearean theatre because of his unusually deep voice.
"The first thing I noticed was how deep his voice is. With the right character and direction, he has the potential to be a really compelling performer to listen to."
Mr Filipo said it was important students were taught the classics.
"It's great because we teach a combination of classic and modern plays but students need to learn the classics like Shakespeare and Greek theatre so they know where it all comes from."
Mr Filipo was selected to perform at the Globe in his youth and said he was in awe of the whole experience.
"I don't think Robert realised how big an achievement he had made in gaining direct entry.
"He was coming up against students who have been studying Shakespeare since Year 9," he added.