A local theatre school has taken their mantra of ‘encouraging young people to shine’ one step further by launching the first ever independent acting agency in the Hull and East Yorkshire region.
Northern Lights Drama provide professional training and industry experience to give the highest quality of teaching and opportunities to young people in the area.
Over the years Northern Lights Drama have supported pupils to secure leading roles in Film, TV and Theatre including Disney, Netflix, BBC, ITV, Amazon Prime, Channel 4, Apple TV, RSC and in London’s West End. They have now taken this success and launched NLD Management, a bespoke acting agency for young performers in the region.
‘Growing up, there was absolutely nothing like this in the area’ said Tilly, principal and founder of the school and agency. ‘As a child I would watch my favourite films and TV shows and ask my parents repeatedly, ‘How do I get to be on TV?’ My parents didn’t have a clue and there was nowhere to guide or represent children like me who aspired to break into the industry at a young age. It was only when I went off to train at drama school in London that I really learnt how the acting industry works.’
In December 2021 NLD Management became an official Spotlight registered agency; a first for the region. ‘Having Spotlight approval is key’ said Tilly. ‘It means the agency is connected to the industry’s best casting professionals and direct access to the roles they are casting in theatre, television and film productions around the world’.
NLD Management clients are not only represented and managed by the agency they are trained in house through Northern Lights Drama classes and advised, nurtured and supported every step of the way to help them thrive as individuals and succeed in the industry.
‘We have the full set up at our offices in Hessle’ said Tilly ‘from taking headshots to filming self-tape for auditions. We have everything in place to give our clients the best possible chance of landing the role’.
Oliver Sweeting (10) says ‘I’ve just finished filming for an exciting project, being on a film set was the best experience ever!’
‘I got the chance to work on a major Netflix film’ added Phoebe Hornby (12). ‘Being on a massive set and working with some big name actors was so exciting and I hope I can make a career from performing’.
‘I’ve had some brilliant auditions through the agency and have been seen by some of the top casting directors’ said Dylan Humphrey (16) ‘I’m very excited for the year ahead!’
Lillie Babb (9) said ‘I would love to be a professional actor one day and am so excited to have an agent. I’ve had lots of auditions and recently got to star on CBBC!’
Tilly said ‘We have so much talent in our region and I am really passionate about opening doors for children and young people which is why I decided to launch the agency. Our region has needed this platform for a long time. I hope the agency will bridge the gap so that local children can be seen by the top UK and international casting directors and secure professional work. I am really looking forward to showing some of the industry heavyweights what Hull has to offer!’
If you know anyone who would be interested in joining our weekly classes or finding out more information about the agency please contact NLD Management on 01482 655656 email office@nldmanagement.co.uk or visit the website for more information www.nldmanagement.co.uk.