Campbell River’s growing film and television industry is about to get a boost.
After she moved to Campbell River two and a half years ago, former Coronation Street star Jackie Chadwick started teaching drama and musical theatre classes to children here.
She also had a casting agency and theatre company in the U.K., and is now expanding this part of her company to Campbell River.
“From what I can see here of the casting world is absolutely brimming,” said Chadwick.
“There’s a lot of movies being shot in the region and there’s just some great opportunities.
“If I let that pass by, then some of the kids and the adults that I work with would be missing out, so I want to get my teeth into there.”
Jacqueline Chadwick Management and Jacqueline Chadwick Theatre Company are opening in Campbell River today.
Jacqueline Chadwick Management accepts models and dancers, as well as actors.
While Chadwick does not charge fees unless a person gets work, children are encouraged to attend her drama classes for training, and the company has photographers who can take head shots.
Chadwick said she sees real talent in some of the Campbell River kids that she’s taught.
“I don’t think I’d have gone into this if I didn’t think there was some real potential, and maybe some wasted opportunities passing by some of the kids, and that’s the gap that I hope to fill here,” said Chadwick.
Adult actors must have about eight years of experience before Chadwick will take them on.
However, Jacqueline Chadwick Theatre Company is an option for adult actors with potential talent but no experience, as Chadwick said it’s hard for these adults to get auditions without the experience.
“It’s a difficult situation for someone who is an adult that hasn’t had training as a child…and they have talent and they want to break into the industry,” she said.
“Unless you have a professional CV, you’re not going to get the audition as an adult.” The theatre company is a profit share, so all actors receive a share of the profits the production makes, while gaining some experience at the same time.
For more information visit www.jacquelinechadwickmanagement.com