Thrilled by the stage, Lambert took private voice lessons and later appeared in more musicals at local theatres, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Greaseand Chess. His voice coach, Lynne Broyles, along with Alex Urban, artistic director of the Children’s Theatre Network, were influential mentors for Lambert during this time.

Lambert attended San Diego’s Mt. Carmel High School, where he participated in theater, choir and jazz band. After high school, he moved to Orange County to attend college. Shortly after enrolling, however, he had a change of heart, and decided that his real desire was to perform; he left school after only five weeks.