A trained opera singer and former Crompton House drama teacher is preparing to celebrate the first birthday of her expanding theatre company.
Linzi McCoy formally launched her North Stars group at the end of October 2016 and 12 months on it continues to go from strength to strength.
With more than 40 students regularly attending classes, a staff team of five and a pathway from tots to an adult musical theatre company, North Stars has become a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication.
New classes will be offered in November as part of the company’s growth strategy.
And in an exciting development North Stars have now linked up with The Casting Emporium to offer budding models or actors and actresses a chance to pursue their dreams. The Agency offers monthly signing and head shot sessions.
The North Stars team together with the adult musical theatre group, New Music, recently held a successful fundraising concert for Dr Kershaw’s Hospice at St Herbert’s Parish Centre in memory of Linzi’s mother-in-law, Anne McCoy.
Linzi already has three major productions lined up for 2018, including the Broadway Rocks musical theatre concert in February, with plenty more scaled down performances in between.
“I started working with an adult musical theatre company but wanted to offer it out to younger people as well,” explained mum-of-four Linzi, whose 18-year-old daughter Darcey has played a leading role in North Stars’ growth.
“So, we take them from four up to 18. From the junior class they graduate into the senior group with the added progression into the adult company.
“We operate out of Heyside Cricket Club and our children come from a wide base including: Rochdale, Middleton and Chadderton.
“It’s word of mouth recommendations plus we are a family run business and that is part of our success.”
Darcey, who is studying musical theatre at Pendleton College, Salford, added: “We don’t audition. All abilities are welcome.
“Some come to us because they perhaps don’t have many friends at school and they want to come somewhere where they are more accepted.
“We have a wide range of children from diverse backgrounds who all get on. There is no snobbiness.”
The final sum of money raised for the Dr Kershaw’s show has yet to be confirmed but Linzi admitted it was an emotional evening.
“We wanted to give something back because they looked after Anne,” she said.
“It was a fantastic night even though it was hard for the family.”
Running a family and business isn’t easy but Linzi said: “I am never not busy! But I am lucky to be doing what I do and to be able to combine all the things I have done over the years into one business.”
North Stars are already working on a Christmas performance and continue to organise workshops in schools, nurseries, churches and with Rainbows and Brownies.
Now Linzi and her team are excited to have linked up with the Casting Emporium to help budding models or actors and actresses to follow their dreams, and to also be expanding to offer new classes starting in November.
If you would like more information about North Stars contact Linzi on 07952 224865, through Facebook or email: northstarstheatreco@outlook.com