A steady stream of talent (From Penarth Times)

A steady stream of talent

A PENARTH acting studio is starting to produce a conveyor-belt of talent, according to course director Peter Ferris.

Peter Ferris, whose company Nutopia Chang holds weekly screen-acting classes in Penarth, said: "We have recently had a number of breakthroughs.

"Sarah Louise Tyler, who attends the class, has just appeared in a photo shoot for The Sunday Times Magazine as Elizabeth Bennett.

"Welsh screenwriter/director Dewi Griffiths, who worked on the X-Files, came to Penarth recently to work on the script of a new feature film project Borderland with actors from the class and is now looking to cast some of them.

"Kevin Pallister, who appeared as the murderous villain Graham Clarke in Emmerdale but also starred as Buddy Holly in the West End musical Buddy, gave a masterclass to the students on soap acting, and also the difference between singing on stage and in a recording studio.

"Last week we took eight 12- to 17-year-old students to perform a rap and dance track for Heart UK in London.

"Seven students were chosen from last week's class, when producer Hywel George (HTV) came to view them. They are filming this weekend in Cardiff city centre.

"One of our actors Rachel Sellers is now the Voice of Orange and can be heard when you ring to download music.

"We are about to begin dance classes and a new acting class for 8 - to 12-year-olds. We also hope to offer Lamda Exams.

"Recently Nutopia students have appeared in Grange Hill, The Bill and commercials for NatWest, Freeserve and Nissan."

Peter trained for three years at the Italia Conti Academy of performing Arts in London.

His own acting career included television roles in Heartbeat, London's Burning, The Bill and Grange Hill.

For the last ten years Peter has owned his own production company Nutopia Ltd. which incorporates Nutopia Personal Management (actors agency).

Nutopia runs two other acting studios - Nutopia Chang Actors Studio in London and Nutopia Performing Arts in Oxford.

Peter said: "Past pupils include, Gabi Anwar (Scent of a Woman, Things to Do in Denver When you are Dead), Martine McCutcheon (Eastenders), Louise Redknapp, Claire Goose (Casualty), Claire Sweeney (Brookside) and Sheree Murphy (Emmerdale)."

Peter explained: "This course is designed to give actors a greater understanding of what directors are looking for during auditions, of acting requirements due to the editing process and the different styles, expectations and time requirements for TV soap, drama, comedy and film.

"The course has been designed for professional actors and students interested in joining the profession.

"Throughout the course, the actors will have masterclasses with professional working directors, writers, camera operators, sound assistants and technical crew in order to understand, not only the role of each member of a film crew, but also what that crew member expects from a professional actor."

Nutopia charges students 12.50 per class.