The baby-faced 25-year-old Darlinghurst actor returns home this week from the13th Annual World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) with five gold medals and one bronze medal as well as being named overall champion in two categories.

Damien also scored an appearance in the internationally screened TV finals special (still to be screened on Fox News), an industry award, an offer to study at the prestigious New York Conservatory. He was courted with offers from countless Hollywood agents. Damien’s photo and resume even ended up on Steven Spielberg’s desk!

'It was truly an amazing experience!' says Damien. 'Everything moved at the speed of light – especially the semifinals which involved working from 7am through the day and night – virtually creating and performing an original variety show in one day!'

Damien nearly didn’t get there. Participating is an expensive business but through a glowing recommendation from Roland Peelman (Director of the Song Company) to legendary Aussie arts patron Rev. Dr. Arthur E. Bridge AM, Damien was supported by the ARS Musica Australis Trust along with some additional private donations.

Summary of the awards and medals he received:
• Special gold medal for selection as finalist/participant in WCOPA TV special;
Gold Medal Industry Award (one of 50 handed out from over 1000 contestants – a vote of confidence as being ‘highly marketable’ with a bright future;
• Overall Champion in Vocal Broadway 25 years and up;
• Overall Champion in Vocal Opera 25 years and up;
• Gold Medal for Male Acting Comical 25-29 years;
• Gold Medal for Male Vocal Broadway 25-29 years;
• Gold Medal for Male Vocal Opera 25-29 years;
• Bronze Medal for Male Acting Dramatic 25-29 years.

'Considering I only entered two sections in both the vocal and acting categories (while most entrants entered the maximum), I had an extremely successful run!'

The Australian team of brought home a swag of medals between them including a senior Grand Champion of the World (Joe Robinson), nine overall category wins and around 40 medals!

Damien now has the enviable problem of deciding his next career step; pursue his burgeoning stage and screen career in Australia or follow the dream in LA?

For more information including Damien’s bio and his own account of the LA experience, visit http://damiennoyce.com.au/blog.html.

For more information about the competition visit http://www.worldchampionships.tv/site2010/.