News: A Bold New Stage – Arts North Studios Brings West End-Level Training to the North East

 A Bold New Stage – Arts North Studios Brings West End-Level Training to the North East

🎭 Launching at The Fire Station, Sunderland – 2025

A new era in North East performing arts education is dawning in Sunderland. Arts North Studios, in collaboration with Culture Quarter and Sunderland College, is set to redefine what’s possible for young creatives dreaming of a professional career on stage or screen.

Housed in the heart of the city at the stunning Fire Station arts hub, this state-of-the-art training facility brings a fusion of elite teaching, cutting-edge resources, and meaningful local access to world-class opportunities. It's a game-changer for the region and a powerful cultural investment in the next generation of performers.

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A Vision with West End Pedigree

At the helm of Arts North Studios is Annie Guy, a celebrated West End performer, choreographer, and director, whose professional credits include Hairspray, Bonnie & Clyde, West Side Story, Joseph, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. With appearances on Sky1, CBBC, and international stages from Canada to the West End, Annie brings decades of experience and energy — and she’s returning to her North East roots with a clear mission:

“I have a huge passion for bringing top-quality West End training to young people in the North East. Arts North Studios is about building a creative home where talent is nurtured, individuality is celebrated, and dreams are within reach.”

 

The curriculum has been designed with this philosophy at its heart — pairing technical excellence with personal development, mindset training, confidence-building, and the space to develop as an artist and changemaker, not just a performer.

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Elite-Level Training, Right at Home

The facility itself is one of the most advanced in the region:

• Fully equipped dance and rehearsal studios

• Changing rooms, showers, and lockers

• Study and co-working spaces

• Access to the 550-seat auditorium at The Fire Station for rehearsals and live showcases

These resources provide a professional environment that’s on par with conservatoire-level institutions — right here in Sunderland.

This launch is the next step in a journey already marked by extraordinary success. The MTS College team, now at the core of Arts North Studios, boasts a 100% progression rate to elite drama schools such as RADA, ArtsEd, Mountview, GSA, and more. Graduates have gone on to perform in major productions including Clueless, Cabaret, and Matilda in the West End and beyond.

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A Powerhouse Creative Team

Joining Annie Guy is an exceptional team of established artists and educators:

• Lori Smedley – Renowned choreographer and North East creative leader

• Luke Maddison – Acclaimed actor with credits on Netflix, BBC, Live Theatre, Northern Stage, and The Royal Court

• Dr. Robin Harrison – Internationally recognised musical director and vocal coach

• Caren Rowe – Multi-award-winning dance educator and Carl Alan Award winner, celebrated for over 44 years of service through Lumsdale Theatre Arts

Students will also benefit from guest tutors and masterclasses led by professionals from West End, Broadway, and TV/film industries, giving them a well-rounded and industry-relevant foundation.

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Courses Designed for the Future

Launching in 2025, Arts North Studios will offer:
🎭 BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Musical Theatre
🎭 Advanced 1-Year Intensive in Musical Theatre

And in the pipeline:
🎓 BA (Hons) Degree in Musical Theatre
🎭 Future expansion into Acting for Stage and Screen and Technical Theatre

These courses are delivered in collaboration with Sunderland College, rated Ofsted Outstanding, and fuse academic discipline with real-world performance experience.

Mike Chapman, Principal at Sunderland College's Bede Campus, said:

“Arts North Studios will transform performing arts education in the North East. It empowers creative talent to thrive locally and globally. This is a changemaking collaboration, and we’re proud to be part of it.”

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The Fire Station: A Cultural Home

More than just a college, Arts North Studios becomes part of a thriving cultural hub. Its base at The Fire Station — already home to leading events, concerts, and productions — ensures students train in an environment alive with professional performance energy.

The studio’s Musical Theatre Summer Camp launches next week as the first taste of what's to come, setting the stage for what promises to be a transformative new force in the UK arts education scene.

Rhys McKinnell, CEO of Culture Quarter, summed it up:

“Arts North Studios embodies our mission — blending elite arts education with cultural investment and local opportunity. It’s the beginning of something truly special.”

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🎟️ Interested in Training with Arts North Studios?

Applications are now open for 2025 entry.
For course details, visit 👉 artsnorthstudios.com

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📍 A Stage Built for the Future

With a powerhouse faculty, world-class facilities, and a bold regional focus, Arts North Studios isn’t just launching a performing arts college — it's launching careers, building confidence, and putting the North East firmly on the national stage.

This is more than a studio. It’s a movement.