A new association for children and young performer talent agents has been launched. 

  

The Agents Of Young Performers Association (The AYPA) is the brainchild of Adelle Moss, a former West End performer who now owns and runs her own talent agency AM Kids. At the beginning of the first lockdown when everything within the industry was so uncertain, Adelle brought together a number of like minded children's talent agents as a community to form a much needed support network and so formed the UK Network Of Children's Agents, a Facebook community that has now grown to involve over 130 agents of children and young performers. 

 

The launch of The AYPA is bringing together a network of skilled and highly knowledgeable professionals who have already pulled resources to make positive steps forward for children and young people. The association will continue to drive synergy, demonstrate best practice and to work together to highlight issues which all our members face collectively; including the much needed reform of the regulative framework. Membership offers agents professional acknowledgement of best practice, networking, working parties, professional community which includes relationships with other industry bodies including PACT, Equity, Spotlight, The CDG and The CDA. 

 

Adelle says 'Building the footprint of the association, which would withstand regulatory scrutiny, has been a labour of love only made possible with likeminded people coming together. We really hope you will join the team as there is strength in numbers and we really can make a difference.' 

 

For parents of children and young performers who work professionally and thus seek agency representation for their child, they are often left vulnerable to scams. There is an abundance of children's talent agents the association will assist in navigating what is often a confusing minefield for parents who have no knowledge of the industry or what to expect. The code of conduct for member agents is clearly set out and visible for all so that parents will be in a better position to understand what to expect from an agent. 

 

Founding members of The AYPA who are also on the executive committee for the association are  Kimberley Davies (ID Talent), Jo Wellings (PD Management), Heather Allen (Allen and Abel), Sarah MacDonnell (Ardent Talent) Warren Bacci (Top Talent Agency), Susie Blundell  (Goldman's Management) and Bonnie Lia (Bonnie & Betty). 

Adelle Moss (AM Kids) is elected Chairperson.