Stagepoint Studio, a fast-growing acting school built on confidence, creativity and community, has been named a finalist in the Rising Star category at the UK StartUp Awards 2026, one of the UK’s most prestigious celebrations of emerging businesses.
Selected from over 2,100 entries nationwide, the recognition marks a major milestone in Stagepoint’s journey from a single local workshop to one of the region’s most in-demand creative programmes.
Founded in Shildon by professionally trained actor and director Jarone Macklin-Page, Stagepoint Studio is built on a clear belief:
“We genuinely believe that when you get the foundations right, the environment, the support, and the focus, and you give people a real opportunity to succeed, they grow into the best version of themselves.”
What began as a one-off workshop as part of the Fun and Food programme, run by Jubilee Fields Community Centre in Shildon, has grown into a thriving creative hub delivering structured, professional-standard training to students aged 5 through to adulthood, with term-time classes now based at their regular home within the historic Railway Institute in Shildon.
Since that first project, Stagepoint has worked with over 80 people, helping them build confidence, develop skills, and find a place where they feel they belong.
With a focus on small class sizes, high-quality training, and a strong sense of belonging, Stagepoint has quickly built a reputation not just for developing performers, but for changing how people see themselves.
That impact is already being felt by those at the heart of it.
Students regularly describe Stagepoint as “like a second family”, while parents have highlighted the transformation they’ve seen at home.
One parent shared: “The difference in my child’s confidence has been incredible. After just a few weeks, they were able to perform and speak with a level of clarity and confidence we hadn’t seen before. It’s such a supportive environment and something they genuinely love being part of.”
Speaking on the announcement, Jarone said: “This is honestly one of the most humbling moments we’ve had. To be named a finalist in something like this so early in our journey… it means a lot.
“The truth is, we’re only here because of the support we’ve had. From families, from local businesses, from organisations, and from everyday people who have shown us kindness and belief from day one.
“Everything we’ve built has come from that support. And to now be recognised at this level… it just shows what can happen when a community gets behind something.
“First we’ll be competing in the regional finals this June for the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber. If we’re fortunate enough to win, we’ll then go on to compete against the other regional winners for the national title at Ideas Fest in London this September.
“This isn’t just our achievement. It belongs to everyone who has been part of the journey.”
That community-driven growth has led to overwhelming demand.
Classes are now fully booked, with waiting lists continuing to grow, a clear signal of both the need for what Stagepoint offers and the impact it is already having across the region.
Stagepoint Studio is now actively seeking partners, venues, and communities across County Durham as it begins its next phase of growth.
The long-term vision is ambitious: to establish 10 locations across County Durham within the next three years, before expanding to over 100 sites across the UK within 10–12 years through a franchise model, all with the aim of reinvesting into a full-time acting school in Shildon, offering a level of training comparable to leading institutions such as Sylvia Young Theatre School.
Unlike traditional performing arts programmes, Stagepoint blends industry-level training with a deeply supportive environment. Sessions focus on voice, movement, and creative devising, culminating in performances that showcase not just talent, but real personal growth.
The shortlisting places Stagepoint Studio among the most promising new businesses in the UK, with regional winners progressing to the national final at Ideas Fest in September 2026, widely regarded as the UK’s largest festival for entrepreneurs.
For Stagepoint, this recognition represents more than an award.
It represents what is possible.
From a single workshop to a growing movement. From one idea to a community that continues to expand.
And this is only the beginning.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
