AN agency which provides opportunities for children and young people in a variety of top TV and theatre productions has moved into the USN Bolton Arena.

Lucia Victoria Agency Management Ltd is owned and run by Kymm Conway and has had young cast members in everything from musical Chitty, Chitty Bang Bang to iconic TV series Game of Thrones.

Kymm based her business in Chorley but chose to come to the Arena and join nine other companies there “because it’s just so handy for the train and the motorway – and the parents love being able to go shopping at Middlebrook!” she explained.

She started her own company after her daughter, Lucia - who attended the prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School for Children in London and is now 22 and having a gap year before studying drama - was involved in acting as a youngster. “I went to all the auditions and got very involved so I do understand it from the children’s and parents’ perspective,” she said.

Her small business grew into a thriving agency with youngsters aged from four to early 20s on its books. Kymm thinks they definitely have to want to perform – “they need to be confident and competent when they go to auditions” – and that parents have to understand the large commitment involved in travel and availability.

If Kymm believes a child fills an available niche, she will meet them with parents and, if the child is successful, an offer letter is sent. Photographs are taken and the child’s professional c.v. is prepared to go out to casting professionals.

There is certainly work available for youngsters. “Every day I’m inundated with briefs from casting professionals,” stated Kymm. Experience, however, has shown her which child will suit which role.

The agency runs monthly workshops and offers acting classes from beginners to advanced. She also plans masterclasses with experienced actors.

The agency has local children and those from a wide area and “loves” regional accents, especially Bolton’s. “The first thing I tell them is not to get rid of their accent as casting professionals really like them,” stated Kymm. “There’s also a lot of call for siblings.”

• For more information go to www.lucia-victoria.co.uk

Caption: STARS OF TOMORROW – Kymm Conway with some of the youngsters she manages in her agency