Founded in the UK in 1988 by Stephanie Manuel and David Sprigg, Stagecoach Theatre Arts operates the biggest part-time performing arts schools network in the world. Nurturing and developing young people aged between 4 and 18 years, through drama, singing and dance classes Stagecoach has over 40,600 students world-wide.
Manuel and Sprigg launched the first three Stagecoach schools in Surrey, England in rented rooms. Just as it is now, the formula was small class sizes, three-hour dynamic sessions and equal attention to singing, drama and dance.
By 1993 Manuel and Sprigg the business had expanded to 24 schools, and with growing demand for schools they began a Franchise. The franchise model worked so successfully that in 2001, the company was floated on the Alternative Investment Market, raising almost £3 million to expand the business.
Stagecoach now has over 600 schools in the UK and Ireland, 20 in the USA and Canada and many more around the world.
NOTABLE DATES
2011
Stagecoach opens in South Africa (Somerset West)
Stagecoach and RADA collaborate to bring the first Vocational Training Preparation Course for 16 - 19 year olds.
2010
Stagecoach Awards recognises inspirational children in their first Awards ceremony
Stagecoach Launches Stagecoach.TV
2008
On Saturday 6 December 2008 at 4.15pm GMT, Stagecoach schools created a new World record with 500+ performances of a modern myth "Glad Rags", written to celebrate Stagecoach's 20th anniversary performed at Stagecoach schools in the UK, Ireland, Germany and the USA.
Stagecoach Celebrates its 20th Anniversary
Stagecoach opened in Greece (Athens)
2007
More than 40,000 students worldwide
Stagecoach on-line Shop opened
2006
Stagecoach opened in Canada (Vancouver)
2005
First Foundation Course in the Teaching of Performing Arts for Children
2004
First two franchises opened in Germany
First three franchises opened in USA
2001
Stagecoach floated on the UK Stock Exchange (AIM market)
First SportsCoach school opened in Esher
2000
Stagecoach opened in Australia (Perth)
First InterAct workshop opened in Walton on Thames
1999
Stagecoach opened in Germany (Nurenberg)
Stagecoach opened in Spain (Costa del Sol)
1998
Stagecoach opened in Malta
1997
Stagecoach opened in USA (Minneapolis)
1996
First Early Stages Class opened in Derby
1995
Stagecoach opened in Ireland (Dublin)
1994
Stagecoach Montessori School Opened
First three franchises opened in Guildford, Kensington and Beckenham
1991
First Joint Venture Partner opened in Peterborough
1988
First three Stagecoach schools opened in Surrey
