Casting agent casts net on UCLan group

Ben Malkin from Lytham has been assigned to a casting agent as part of a new link up with UCLan

Ben Malkin, Amy Chung, Edward Kelly and Domante Riepsaite have been handpicked to star in a scheme which will put them on the books of a casting agent before they finish their degree courses at the University of Central Lancashire.

As part of the new partnership between UCLan’s BA (Hons) acting course and Janet Hampson Personal Management, the four students, including Ben from Lytham, will get 18 months’ industry representation.

Janet, who opened her agency in 2019 after working as a casting director on the programmes including Citizen Khan, Coronation Street and Class Dismissed, has taken on the role of Industry Liaison Officer for all UCLan’s final year acting students.

Domante Riepsaite has been picked to take part in the new UCLan casting agent initiative

She is already a leader in residence and will provide a unique link between university and workplace.

The idea had originally been for her to take on two students for a year, but she was so impressed with the talent she doubled it and has extended the time she will manage them.

Ben,23 attended St Bede’s High School and Cardinal Newman College in Preston before going to UCLan and said: “Janet’s experience and contacts in the industry will not only help expose me to new opportunities such as auditions, but also help further my personal approach as an actor.”

Course leader Terence Chapman, added: “This gives our final year students a real insight into all aspects of the industry along with very practical advice and career guidance throughout their last year at UCLan.”

Edward Kelly is among the group picked to take part in the UCLan partnership with a leading casting agent

The partnership has been funded through UCLan’s Innovation Escalator scheme. For the past nine years Janet has combined freelancing with working as a visiting lecturer, advising on casting and giving industry talks to UCLan students.

She says: “Since first coming to UCLan to work with students on the BA Acting course I have always championed their emerging talent. From casting former students in their first TV role to recommending them to agents, I’ve been delighted to see how they progress. Now by offering representation in my own agency, I’m delighted to support and guide these four talented young actors.”