At Stagecoach we aim to bring out the very best in every child through our highly regarded network of performing arts schools. Founded in 1988, Stagecoach has grown to become one of the UK’s largest networks of part-time performing arts schools for children and young people. We operate in 8 countries around the world – with our first school in Australia opening 23 years ago.
It was her love of the arts that first attracted Principal Serena Kipling to Stagecoach. She says, “Whilst working at Stagecoach, I have also worked in the engineering industry. I hold Latin and Modern IDTA awards and have danced, acted, and sung for years. Both my engineering and performing backgrounds have meant I always function by satisfying two sides of my brain – my technical, scientific side and my creative side – I can’t have one without the other! My now-29-year-old son started Stagecoach in the UK in Yarm when he was four, and it was during these early years that I became inspired. The then MD received an application from me, and as a metallurgist applying to be involved in the performing arts, scenes from ‘Flashdance’ came to mind! My engineering management expertise and experience have assisted enormously in ensuring the smooth running of Stagecoach Perth, Western Australia. It has given me the organisational capability to ensure that our students are kept safe each and every week they are at Stagecoach.”
For over 35 years, the Stagecoach model has been proven and refined to become a leading international performing arts opportunity. Franchisees build a team of equally passionate and enthusiastic teachers, qualified to bring out the very best in their students. Through singing, dancing and acting classes, Stagecoach schools provide a
thriving, nurturing and supportive environment for creative learning. That is just one of the reasons why more than 55,000 children attend our classes worldwide, every week. Today, a network of more than 320 franchisees operates over 3,000 schools and classes globally.
Five years on from investing in her first Stagecoach franchise, Alison Tasker now runs three successful schools in her Perth South territory, with six teachers, two assistants and over 125 students. Alison says, “Now that I am a franchisee, I feel in control of my destiny. I’m already earning a great income and I know what I need to do to increase my turnover – even with ambitious targets – I have developed the skills to help me get there. I love that I don’t have to worry about leasing a shop front or taking on unnecessary financial risk, especially during these uncertain times. Owning a franchise has given me not only financial independence but the freedom to be my own boss – my self-esteem has really improved too.”