Our Story
Preparing young performers with the skillset, mindset and knowledge to go further.
01
WE'VE GROWN. THE REASON WE'RE HERE HASN'T.
Northern Prep Squad began with a simple belief: where a young performer lives shouldn't determine the level of training, knowledge or opportunity they can access.
What started as a way of bringing professional industry experience to young performers in the North has grown into something much bigger but the reason behind it remains exactly the same.
To prepare young people properly. To share knowledge openly. To create opportunities. And to help every performer who becomes part of our Squad discover what they might be capable of.
As our young people have grown, we've listened, learned and grown with them.
New programmes haven't been created simply to make NPS bigger. They've been created because we've identified another way we could support our performers in response to what our performers and the industry around them need whether that’s through training, professional materials, industry access, mindset, representation or simply a better understanding of the world they're hoping to work in.
As NPS grows, so do the ways we're able to support and inspire our Squad.
02
ONE SQUAD. INDIVIDUAL JOURNEYS.
NPS creates opportunities for our Squad to train, learn, connect and experience the industry collectively bringing people, knowledge and experiences into the room that might otherwise feel out of reach.
But no two performers need exactly the same journey.
As we've grown, we've become increasingly focused on understanding the individual behind the performer: where they are now, what they need next and where their potential could take them.
Sometimes that means pushing. Sometimes guiding. Sometimes creating an opportunity. And sometimes recognising that the best thing we can offer is time, honesty and space to develop.
The Squad gives us the power of a collective. Our size will never stop us seeing the individual within it.
03
DIFFERENT PATHS. SHARED PURPOSE.
As NPS developed, so did the needs of our performers.
Training could prepare them for the industry. But some were ready to step into it.
Management by Northern Prep Squad grew from that next question: how can we continue supporting them when preparation becomes profession?
Today, our training and management operate separately. A performer does not need to train with NPS to be represented by us, nor does training guarantee representation.
But philosophically, they will always be connected.
Both believe in preparation over shortcuts. Both value skillset, mindset and knowledge. Both believe in honest guidance, high professional standards and nurturing potential over time.
One prepares performers for what could come next.
The other helps navigate it when it does.
Different services. The same belief in the performer behind them.
04
AND WE'RE STILL BUILDING.
NPS today looks very different from the idea it began as.
Our reach is wider. Our Squad is bigger. Our industry relationships are stronger. And some of the young performers who started their journey alongside us are now achieving things we once only talked about.
That doesn't make us want to change direction.
It makes us want to go further.
We're continually asking how NPS can improve: how our training can become stronger, how our management can evolve alongside our clients, how we can create greater access to the industry and, most importantly, how growth can create more individual support rather than less.
We don't want to become bigger simply for the sake of being bigger.
We want to become better at what we set out to do in the first place.
Open doors. Share knowledge. Nurture talent. Raise expectations. Create opportunities.
And wherever possible, make the distance between “I'd love to do that one day” and “I did it” feel a little smaller.
We're incredibly proud of where NPS started.
But we're nowhere near finished.
FOUNDER
Jourdan Storey
PERFORMER. TUTOR. AGENT.
My approach to NPS has been shaped by experiencing this industry from more than one side of the room.
I started as a child performer myself before going on to train professionally in Musical Theatre at PPA and work across stage and screen. But somewhere along the way, I discovered another passion: developing the next generation.
Teaching has taken me across the UK and internationally, working with young performers at very different stages of their development. It was through that work that much of the philosophy behind Northern Prep Squad began.
I became fascinated not just by talent, but by potential. By recognising what might be there before a young performer can necessarily see it themselves, understanding that no two performers need exactly the same thing and knowing when to nurture, when to challenge and when someone simply needs more time.
I also realised very quickly that developing a performer couldn't just be about their craft. Young people need to understand the industry they're hoping to enter. They need knowledge alongside skillset and mindset because understanding builds confidence, and confidence gives them the tools to navigate both the opportunities and the inevitable knockbacks.
Today, as Founder of Northern Prep Squad and Head Agent of Management by Northern Prep Squad, those different experiences come together.
As a performer, I understand what it feels like. As a tutor, I understand how to develop it. As an agent, I understand how to navigate what comes next.
It's shaped the relationships I build with our performers and their families, as well as with casting professionals, production teams and the wider industry. I believe those relationships can be personable while remaining professional in fact, I think some of the best ones are.
I love finding potential. I love watching someone realise they're capable of more than they thought. And I'm not afraid to push when I genuinely believe there is another level there to reach. Equally, sometimes good development means being honest enough to say, not yet.
For me, success isn't simply about finding the next job. It's about helping young performers develop the skills, knowledge, resilience and professional understanding to build something that can last.
That same thinking applies to NPS.
As our performers have grown, my ambitions for what we can offer them have grown too. I don't believe in putting a ceiling on what our young people can achieve, and I don't intend to put one on what NPS can become alongside them.
There is always more to learn, more to build and another level to reach.
MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND NORTHERN PREP SQUAD
Chloé Pole
Musical Theatre Coach
Originally from Rochdale, Chloé began performing at the age of three and went on to train in all styles of dance, as well as acting and singing. During her teenage years, she competed nationally and internationally, achieving both British and European championship titles.
Chloé went on to study at The Urdang Academy in London, graduating with a BA (Hons) in Dance and Musical Theatre. Since then, her career has seen her perform across stage and screen, including dancing for Rita Ora, appearing on The X Factor, BBC Children in Need, West End Live, London Pride and Move It Festival. She also performed in the original West End workshop of Hamilton, played Serena in Legally Blonde in London, and joined the original West End cast of the award-winning Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
Recent credits include the UK Tour of Blood Brothers, Miracle on 34th Street, and playing Skylar in Bring It On: The Musical. Alongside performing, Chloé is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation of young talent, bringing both professionalism and enthusiasm to every session.
Chloé is now taking on her latest role as Mum to be, so will be popping in and out of NPS for the next year. We have a space saved on the mini's course already, pending audition ....
Lucy
Minis Singing coach/TA/Admin Assistant
Lucy has trained in theatre from a young age, both onstage and backstage. She holds a distinction grade 8 singing qualification with London College of Music and also holds a Diploma in teaching from the London College of Music which she uses in helping our Minis grow strong foundations. Her love of theatre led her to complete a BA Honours degree in Theatre, Acting and Performance from the University of Hull, for which she received a first. Lucy also works backstage too in local theatres and for events in the tech department.
"I attended the first ever NPS workshop in 2019 and I’ve been part of the Squad ever since! When struggling in lockdown I asked to volunteer for the rescheduled summer intensive and I’ve since become part of the furniture. From Summer Intensives to monthly Associates I have the pleasure of regularly working alongside Northern Prep Squad and watching new Squad members develop and grow."
Joshua Hayes
Acting Coach
Joshua Hayes trained professionally at ArtsEd and has built a varied career working extensively across film, television and theatre.
Alongside his work as a performer, Josh is also a director and experienced workshop leader, working with young and emerging performers at drama schools across the country.
His experience both in front of the camera and behind it gives Josh a valuable perspective on performance, helping young people understand not only their craft, but how to make confident, truthful choices and respond to direction.
Josh brings a wealth of professional experience to NPS alongside a genuine passion for developing young performers, encouraging individuality and helping them discover what they are capable of. Even if he is a Sheffield Wednesday fan … booo!
Jessy
Minis Mentor and MT Teaching Assistant
Jessy is a young creative and performer who has trained in dance her whole life. She learnt to dance at Bodyrockers Dance Studio which she is now the proud owner of. At the age of 16 she trained at CAPA College and successfully gained her A-levels before moving onto the leading dance university ADDICT Dance Academy furthering her craft.
"My journey at Northern Prep Squad was some of the best years! I participated in the MT and Acting Associate programmes where I gained so many skills from Jourdan that I continue to use in my professional and teaching career. Northern Prep Squad gave me the tools to go onto professional training and be accepted into my dream colleges and universities."
Olivia
Teaching Assistant
For Liv performing arts has always been a huge part of of her life. Liv trained in all three disciplines from a young age, studied at CAPA College from 16 to 18, before continuing her training at The Urdang Academy, where she graduated with a First Class BA (Hons) degree in Musical Theatre. Liv is now professionally auditioning for stage and screen as well as working as a model for well known retailers.
"My journey with Northern Prep Squad began back in 2019 with a FAME masterclass, and since then I’ve learned so much from the incredible performers and creatives I’ve had the chance to work with. I later went on to be part of the Musical Theatre Associates programme, which gave me invaluable skills and confidence leading me to secure a place at my dream drama school! Now alongside auditioning in the professional world, I’m excited to bring my enthusiasm, energy and passion to this role! "