Seventh-grader Tamblin Papendorp is starring in the Chattanooga Theatre Centre Youth Theatre's production of the musical "Seussical Jr."

In first grade, Tamblin Papendorp huffed and puffed his villainous way into the furry soles of the Big Bad Wolf in a class production of "Little Red Riding Hood."

He said the experience of acting for the first time was surprisingly thrilling, but it wasn't until recently that Tamblin, now 12, decided to take the stage again.

Last year, he auditioned for a role in the Chattanooga Theatre Centre Youth Theatre's production of "Seussical Jr.," a one-act play based on the full-length Broadway musical "Seussical" written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. The musical's opening night is Feb. 17.

Given his lack of experience, Tamblin said he didn't expect to land a role, certainly not one as central as Jojo, an imaginative boy who plays a pivotal part in the story, which brings together characters from many Dr. Seuss books.

"I didn't expect to get into the play," Tamblin said. "I was a little nervous, but I knew I was either going to get in or not get in. If I didn't get in, I'd just try again some other time."

Although he didn't participate in any theatrical roles after first grade, Tamblin has been in the Chattanooga Boys Choir for the last four years. This year, he entered the concert choir, the second senior-most group in the organization.

Singing and acting have proven to have a surprising amount of overlap, especially in a musical such as "Seussical," Tamblin said.

"Singing helps you get into the person you're trying to become because music can express way more than just words can," he said. "They really do reinforce each other.

"By learning to sing very loudly, you can learn to speak very loudly. It was definitely much easier transitioning back [to acting]."

Youth Theatre director Maria Chattin-Carter said Tamblin's abilities as a singer offset his lack of experience.

While it's unusual for someone without previous acting experience to receive a lead role, Tamblin exuded qualities during his audition that indicated he was the right choice, Chattin-Carter said.

"I don't have to give him a note twice because he takes a note and does the best he can, which is really great," she said. "We saw something in him that said that we thought he could handle it, and he has. He's done a great job."

Tamblin's mother, Deseri Papendorp, said Tamblin is somewhat introverted at home, so she was surprised when he announced his intention to audition for the show.

Despite his natural ear for music, the choice seemed an odd one for a child who was normally reserved, but Tamblin has opened up since taking up acting again, Papendorp said.

"It has improved his self-confidence and his ability to be himself in front of people he doesn't know very much," she said.

"It has given attention to his voice and how to use it to affect the people around you."

Tamblin said he would like to someday combine his interest in theater and vocal performance in the opera. He made inroads toward that goal last year as the understudy for the lead role in the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera's production of Gian Carlo Menotti's one-act opera, "Amahl and the Night Visitors."

As preparations continue toward the opening night for "Seussical," Tamblin said he is enjoying his time in the theater and would like to take on additional roles in the future.

In the meantime, he said, he's just happy to have been given a chance.

"I definitely wanted to get in," he said. "I did my best, and I guess that was good enough."