To Australian Robert Vicencio, finding a job you love is the key to success and happiness.

"I do many different things but one thing that is consistent throughout is that everything I do, I have an absolute passion and love for," says the Sydney native.

With a long-standing career on the stage and screen, the 31-year-old expat says a musical theater career virtually chose him.

"I was always interested in performing, dreaming of one day being bigger than Michael Jackson," he says.

After completing his first school musical, Vicencio's dream started to come true.

"I was 'discovered' and encouraged to audition for 'Miss Saigon.' After getting into the original Australian cast at 18, my musical career took off from there," he says.

In a 12-year acting career, his roles have included Thuy, a northern Vietnamese army general in "Miss Saigon;" Bartholomew, one of the 12 apostles in "Jesus Christ Superstar;" and Toe Boy, a tribal leader in "Arachnid."

They were incredible experiences and now he is using them to advise others. For him, Vicencio says, the power of performance is the most appealing side to the musical theater industry.

"Being able to take on a role and make it your own is always a rewarding process. Also, being able to travel and tour with a show and meet people from all different walks of life is an amazing experience and adventure.

"When performing live, there is no 'take two'," he says.

Many a time things have gone wrong such as sets not moving, lines being forgotten or people not arriving.

"But in all honesty, from the perspective of a performer who has done long-running shows, it is these impromptu errors that actors actually enjoy the most. It keeps us on our toes."

After performing the lead role in the musical "Miss Saigon" all over the world for 8 years and appearing in Hollywood films ("Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Aracnid"), Vicencio decided to settle in Shanghai three years ago and help develop the local musical theater scene.

"I was flown in by David Yeh, the very first Chinese man to put a company (Matchbox) on the New York Stock Exchange. He is an avid supporter of the arts and I was privileged to meet him through my travels with 'Miss Saigon'," he says.

He was also supported and guided by his "self-appointed godmother," Cheng Pei Pei (Jade Fox from the movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"), who helped him settle into Shanghai life.

Vicencio says what makes a good theater actor is confidence, truly understanding the text and a positive attitude. Having mastered this himself, he is about to publish a book advising others on the pitfalls of breaking into the industry.

Called "The 9 Invaluables to Auditioning," the book reveals secrets for any prospective auditionee on what to do and not to do.

The book draws on more than 10 years of his experiences and includes suggestions, quotes and tips to help calm the nerves of aspiring performers.

"I decided to write the book after realizing there are not many books on auditioning, let alone from the perspective of an actor. Most books in the market are written by casting directors and are all from their singular perspective. I try and give both sides of the story."

Vicencio's book will be published next month but officially launched in October. It will appear in both in English and Chinese and be available for order online and in most international bookstores in Shanghai.

Robert Vicencio

Nationality: Australian

Age: 31

Profession: Producer, director, entrepreneur

Description of self in three words: Positive, visionary, global.

Motto for life: Reach for the stars. Even if you miss, you'll eventually land amongst them.

Worst experience in Shanghai: None. Taking everything in stride, every experience is a learning curve.

Strangest thing in Shanghai: Certain clubs completely filled with Westerners. Feels like I'm back in London.

Things that could improve Shanghai: No smoking in public places and getting visas.

Advice to newcomers:

Learn the basics of Mandarin. TO truly understand the culture of China, you must be able to understand the language.

(Shanghai Daily May 23, 2008)