Gemma Marinus

What does your company do?

Stageworx Performing Arts School is a dynamic creative hub that empowers young people through training in singing, dancing, acting, and performance. More than just a performing arts school, Stageworx is a space where students discover their confidence, identity, and voice—both on and off the stage. Through high-quality classes, industry opportunities, and a strong sense of community, Stageworx equips the next generation of artists and changemakers to thrive in the creative world and beyond.

What is your biggest success?

One of Stageworx’s greatest achievements has been the creation and growth of Born To Perform—a professional performance platform co-founded by Gemma and Matthew Marinus in 2015. This initiative offers talented young South Africans, regardless of background, the opportunity to perform in high-calibre productions alongside industry professionals. A standout moment was the 2019 production of SHINE at the Teatro at Montecasino, which featured over 450 performers, including students from the St Vincent School for the Deaf. The show was a celebration of diversity, ability, and unity through the performing arts. Born To Perform has become more than just a show—it’s a movement that unlocks confidence, builds connection, and inspires purpose in the next generation of creatives. It represents the heart of what Stageworx stands for: providing real-world, life-changing opportunities for young people to discover their power, both on stage and in themselves.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

One of our biggest hurdles has been navigating the balance between running a sustainable business and remaining accessible to students from all walks of life. Performing arts training is often seen as a luxury, and many talented young people simply don’t have the resources to access it. We’ve had to get creative—partnering with sponsors, developing scholarship programs, and building platforms like Born To Perform—to ensure that passion, not privilege, determines opportunity. The challenge of financial sustainability while staying true to our mission is ongoing, but it’s also been a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and community growth. It’s made us more intentional about who we serve and why we exist.