Real answers to the questions performers, parents, schools and businesses ask us most. Can't find what you're looking for? Drop us a line.
Stagebound is Wigan's first major youth talent competition for singers and dancers under 18. Launching with our headline live grand final in Summer 2027, we run a four-stage competition — registration, audition, semi-final, grand final — across five categories: Solo Vocal, Group Vocal, Solo Dance, Group Dance, and Duo.
Entries open in early 2027. Auditions and semi-finals run through spring. The live grand final takes place in Summer 2027 at a major Wigan venue. Register your interest now and we'll let you know exact dates the moment they're confirmed.
Head to our contact page and pick "Performer registering to enter" or "Parent / guardian registering a performer" from the dropdown. It takes about 60 seconds, costs nothing, and commits to nothing — but it puts you first in line for the entry pack when entries officially open.
No. Stagebound is built as an annual platform that returns every year. Summer 2027 is our launch year, but we're building Stagebound to back young talent from Wigan and the North West for the long term.
Stagebound is open to any singer or dancer under 18 living in or near Wigan and Greater Manchester. You can enter as a solo performer, a duo, or as part of a group. Age groups will be split fairly so younger performers compete against their peers.
Exact age brackets will be confirmed when entries open in early 2027, but the competition is designed for primary school age upwards. If you have a specific age question, get in touch and we'll let you know directly.
Absolutely. We have dedicated Group Vocal and Group Dance categories specifically for choirs, bands, dance crews, troupes, and dance schools. Duo categories are also available for two-performer acts.
Yes — for example, you might enter as a solo singer and also be part of a group dance entry. Each category has its own entry, and you'll need to be available for the audition and semi-final dates for both.
Yes. While Stagebound is centred in Wigan and the surrounding boroughs, we welcome entries from across Greater Manchester and the wider North West. If you can get to a Wigan audition venue (or submit a video audition), you can enter.
Definitely. Whether you train weekly with a coach or sing in your bedroom alone, you're welcome. We've built Stagebound to give every entry a fair shot, honest feedback, and a moment that genuinely matters — experience level isn't a barrier.
All of them. Pop, classical, musical theatre, R&B, contemporary, ballet, street, commercial, hip-hop, tap, jazz, lyrical, acro — every style welcome. Judges score on performance, presence, and skill within each style.
Group Vocal acts range from 3 to 20 performers. Group Dance acts can be from 3 upwards. There's no fixed cap — but groups need to be able to perform safely on the audition and final stages.
A Duo is exactly two performers. A Group is 3 or more. Duos have their own dedicated category so they're not competing against larger groups with more on-stage visual impact.
Yes — perform in any language you choose. Just bear in mind judges will be scoring on performance, presence and material choice, so make sure your song genuinely lets you shine.
Entry fees and full pricing will be confirmed when entries open in early 2027. We're committed to keeping Stagebound accessible — bursary places will be available for performers who would otherwise be priced out.
No. There are two audition options: a live audition day in Wigan, or a video audition you record on your phone and upload. Both are reviewed by the same judging panel and given equal consideration.
A single performance piece in your chosen category — a song, dance routine, or duo set. The full audition pack (released when entries open) will include duration limits, format guidelines, and category-specific guidance on what works.
No. Phone footage filmed in landscape, in a quiet room with reasonable lighting, is absolutely fine. We're judging your performance, not your production values.
Every entry gets watched in full and gets honest, constructive feedback. You'll also receive a Stagebound welcome pack and an invite to apply again in future years.
Yes — full parental consent is required for performers under 16. A parent or guardian must complete the entry form and sign the consent declaration. For 16–17 year olds, performers can complete the entry form themselves, but a parent or guardian's contact details are still required for emergency contact and safeguarding purposes.
Entry into the competition, attendance at auditions and rehearsals, performance at the semi-final and grand final, photography and video capture during all stages, and use of that footage in Stagebound's media and partner marketing. Parents can withdraw consent at any time before the audition date.
Safeguarding sits at the heart of how we run Stagebound. All sessions involving under-18s are supervised by DBS-checked staff, parents are welcome at auditions and rehearsals, and we follow industry safeguarding standards throughout. We have a named safeguarding lead and our full policy is available on request.
Yes — photos and video footage of auditions, semi-finals and the grand final are captured and used in Stagebound's media, social channels, and partner marketing. This is covered by the consent declaration that parents/guardians sign as part of the entry process. You can request specific photos be removed at any time.
Auditions and semi-finals will be staged at venues across Wigan. The grand final will be hosted at one of the area's largest live music and theatre venues — the confirmed venue will be announced once partnerships are finalised.
Yes. Tickets will be available for family, friends and supporters to attend both the semi-final rounds and the grand final. Pricing and booking details will be confirmed as we get closer to the event dates.
Exact performance durations will be confirmed in the audition pack when entries open. They'll vary slightly between categories but are designed to give every performer enough time to genuinely show what they've got, without dragging on.
The headline winner takes home the Star Prize — a curated package including cash, performance equipment, mentorship, and ongoing exposure. Every category winner receives a named trophy. Every finalist takes home a Stagebound finalist trophy and full media pack. Nobody walks away empty-handed.
The judging panel will be made up of working performers, vocal coaches, choreographers, music producers, and industry professionals based in the North West and beyond. The full panel will be announced closer to audition rounds.
Just tell us when you book your audition. We accommodate physical, sensory, and neurodivergent accessibility needs at all stages of the competition — auditions, semi-finals, and the grand final. We'd rather know early so we can make sure everything's in place.
We have a range of sponsorship tiers built to suit different business sizes and goals — from headline title partnership through to act and segment sponsorship. View the full sponsorship breakdown on our sponsor page, or get in touch directly and our director Lauren will be in touch within 48 hours.
Local Wigan businesses, regional brands, dance and music industry partners, and anyone who wants to be visibly associated with backing young talent in their community. Sponsorship is built around your audience, your goals and your budget — not a one-size-fits-all rate card.
Yes. We have dedicated single-purpose tiers (Goodie Bag, Judges' Lounge, Photography, Act Sponsor) for businesses who want a specific, focused presence without going for a full headline package.
If your question isn't here, we genuinely want to hear it. Our director Lauren replies to every message personally — usually within 48 hours, weekdays.
