A Saddleworth teenager is urging other young people not to dismiss a career in the arts as ‘an impossible dream.’
Alex Lane, 18, a media and performance student at Salford University, says that the industry is larger than people realise – and that behind every ‘big name’ actor or musical artist, there are many hidden roles behind the scenes.
The student speaks from personal experience, as he is already a paid crew member with Tameside-based Carnival arts crew Global Grooves alongside studying for a degree.
Alex was recently invited to help deliver some sessions on a free course for young people run by Global Grooves. Despite having only completed the course, called Creative Careers, himself the previous year, Alex was brought back in to inspire this year’s participants.
Alex spoke about how he built a network of like minded young people he met on the course, and together, they successfully fundraised to put on a show. Called Between Earth and Voice, the group staged the multi-artform performance at Stalybridge Civic Hall last October, selling over 100 tickets.
The group now hopes to raise further funds to hold a week long arts intensive for young people at The Vale in Mossley. They will be presenting their idea at the Mossley SOUP crowdfunding dinner on Thursday 19 February 2026.
Alex said: “Working in the arts is not easy, and it’s perhaps even harder for young people who don’t live in a big city like London, or even Manchester.
“But it’s about grabbing all the opportunities you can in your local area and making the most out of them.
“You’ve also got to be flexible in what you’re prepared to do. I’ve always loved acting, but the more I’ve learned about other related jobs, like producing and technical roles, I can see there are greater opportunities to work within performing arts than I initially realised.”
Alex says that although his parents don’t work in creative or arts-based jobs, they are fully supportive of his career aspirations.
“I’m dyslexic,” he said, “and so I’ve always favoured speaking over writing.
“So I naturally gravitated towards performance. Since completing a performing arts CAMTECH at Oldham Sixth Form and taking part in Creative Careers, I’ve had my eyes opened to the breadth of career opportunities that are open to me.”
Holly Prest, artistic director, Global Grooves, who oversaw Creative Careers courses in Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside, said: “Alex is such a good role model to have introduced to this year’s students.
“He grabbed the opportunities that came his way with both hands and I have no doubt that he has a promising future in whatever he decides to explore.
“We are lucky to have him as a Global Grooves crew member and look forward to seeing him produce some more work of his own during his degree course.”
Find out about opportunities for young people with Global Grooves
