Local theatre school students signed to professional talent agency

Five students from Rochdale’s Turners Theatre School have been signed to a professional talent agency.

Turners Theatre School, based at the popular Turners Dance Studios on George Street, Rochdale, held its annual Theatre Showcase on 19 January at The Riverside, Whitworth.

For the second showcase, since the theatre school was established two years ago, the school invited children’s talent agency LW Kids Casting, based in Manchester, to watch the performance.

Following the show, five of the students were offered representation and were informed on Thursday 20 February that they had been successful in auditions.

Alexander Craven, age 11, Carmela Coggin, 11, Xela Mills, 11, Sienna Brogden, 12, and Brook Debio, 15, now have the opportunity to be selected for a variety of professional work in theatre, television or film.

 

 

Paul Michael Jones, who trained at Laines Theatre Arts in London and began Turners Theatre School with his wife, Lizzie, said: “We’ve been running the theatre school for two years now. This was our second showcase, which we hold annually, and the kid’s acting, singing and dancing had all really improved for this year.

“This time, we invited a casting agent to come along from Manchester, not necessarily thinking that they would sign anyone, but Laura [the agent] was really impressed.

"All our theatre students worked so hard on this show, and Laura was blown away with the talent across the board, but there were only five places to be on the agency.

“She chose eight to audition depending on their age bracket, the image people are looking for and stage presence. They then got their headshots done and built a good relationship with the agency, as Laura came back and forth to see the kids.

“As the agency do lots of TV adverts and programmes, the kids also had to record self-tapes to send off as part of the audition. They acted a monologue, sang a solo and gave a brief description about themselves to send off to the agency. Five were then chosen.

“We can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.”

 

 

Laura Walker of LW Casting Agency said: “The showcase was absolutely brilliant and every single performer had so much confidence and clearly enjoyed themselves on stage.

“Several students caught my eye and I was delighted to be in a position to offer representation to five of them. They each had something unique to offer and had that certain 'sparkle' that I believe will help them secure professional work in an ever-competitive industry.

“Expressive eyes, natural acting styles and exceptional dancing and musical theatre skills caught my eye, and ultimately led to my decision in signing them. My job as their agent is to submit them for professional roles in theatre, television and film and to guide them at the start of their professional career.

“I believe that all of the children at Turners have bright futures ahead of them.”

Turners Theatre School has two sessions – one for juniors (ages 7 to 11) and one for seniors (12+) - running every Saturday morning at Turners Dance Studios on George Street, Rochdale.