Producer sets up school for young talent in North Wales

Cameron Williams, from Bagillt, saw a gap in the market, considering North Wales to be lacking in options for young people pursuing the fields of acting, dance and music.

He is clearly doing something right, with the likes of entertainment industry stalwart Simon Cowell reaching out for casting help with projects.

The 27-year-old is well placed to guide the youngsters joining Creative Avenues Performing Arts, with his own extensive background in show business.

After studies in musical performance and TV and radio, Cameron has spent several years as a producer and researcher, working for the likes of the BBC, ITV, Netflix and MTV. Credits include Four In A Bed, The Voice UK, The Circle UK and USA, and Celebrity Coach Trip.

Performing arts session with Cameron Williams.

Having hired two talented and experienced staff members, Cameron is looking to grow Creative Avenues, which has now started in Mold. He hopes to branch out across the region, including Wrexham, Chester and Denbighshire.

He said: "I went to performing arts school myself and I've spent almost 10 years working in the TV industry.

"I'd been involved in lots of professional productions over the years and I've taught performing arts but then I took more of an interest in the behind the scenes stuff.

"I've always been quite passionate about developing young talent, in theatre directing, TV producing, I've always enjoyed working with the younger members.

"There's just so much potential there with them."

It was a shift in the way people view their TV content that helped give Cameron the push to create the new business.

He added: "With TV in particular the work has sort of slumped massively, so I thought as I'd finished my last job, now's the time to jump into setting up the performing arts school full speed."

Cameron Williams in action.

Creative Avenues currently meets twice a week in Mold, focussing on drama, dance and singing. Classes on a Thursday are for ages seven to 18, from 4.30pm-7.30pm, at Ysgol Glanrafon, with the younger group of four to six-year-olds meeting on Saturday mornings at Parkfields Community Centre in Mold. Summer workshops will also be taking place. Once classes are full, the plan is to add more sessions.

Cameron said: "The main reason to want to set up the school was I think there's just not a lot of opportunity here for children to develop those sort of skills.

"It's about us giving our experience to the kids, so they can use it later down the line.

"One of the boundaries I'm trying to break is the elitism of the performing arts. It's about opening the doors for young people.

"As well as the three main core elements, we're also offering something for those with a bit more interest in the behind the scenes elements of things.

"This includes light and design, sound engineering, set design, directing, camerawork and costume-making."

For more details visit creativeavenuesperformingarts.com or call Cameron on 07500 007 559.