When Cameron Earl stepped onto the stage in balletLORENT's Snow White at Northern Stage in 2015, aged just seven, none of us imagined that more than a decade later he'd be heading to art college, inspired by the creative opportunities he discovered with us.
After being spotted during a workshop at his primary school, Cameron joined the young cast of Snow White. He went on to become a dedicated member of our Youth Academy and later Creative Studio, our free weekly programme for young people aged 13–18 in Newcastle.
Creative Studio gives young people the chance to explore creativity beyond dance, experimenting with filmmaking, music, costume, lighting, set design, performance and more. It's a place to develop new skills, collaborate with professional artists, discover creative interests and make work together in a welcoming, supportive environment.
For Cameron, it was through Creative Studio that he discovered a passion for set design. This September, he'll begin studying Set Design at the Northern School of Art.
Reflecting on his time with balletLORENT, Cameron said:
"Youth Academy is a very, very fun, creative way for young people to grow, learn and pick up skills for different parts of the industry, whilst being guided with all the support and help."
Speaking about Creative Studio, he added:
"Creative Studio is a way for people to express their creativity, explore, move and do things that bring them joy. I've been in productions and research and development, and it's been a very good experience being able to see everything from backstage."
James MacGillivray, balletLORENT's Education & Projects Manager, said:
"Cameron's journey shows the real impact that engagement in the arts from a young age can have. He has chosen a career path inspired by interests he discovered with us and has shown creativity, ambition and determination throughout his time at balletLORENT."
Looking back on the last decade, Cameron summed it up simply:
"I don't know if I would have gone down any of the creative routes that I have if it wasn't for balletLORENT."
We wish Cameron every success as he begins this exciting new chapter.
