Talented students from Stagecoach Performing Arts in Swansea, Pontypridd & the Valleys, Bridgend & Cowbridge, Cardiff, Cwmbran & Monmouth, Carmarthen and Caerphilly took to the stage at the New Theatre Cardiff for a glamorous showcase on Sunday, 12th March 2023.
The students made the most of the fantastic opportunity to perform fan favourites from films such as ‘Wizard of Oz’, ‘Mary Poppins’, alongside heart-warming renditions of world-famous artists, from the likes of Queen, Elvis, and Tim Minchin to name a few. It really made for a night and experience that the students, their families and friends will never forget.
Coming just before Stagecoach take over the illustrious Shaftesbury Theatre at the end of the month for another annual showcase in the West End, the budding young stars of Wales were able to express their creative courage, and confidence through song and dance, with what they have described as “a fantastic opportunity to perform in a real theatre” and performing live on stage being a “dream come true”.
Kate Davies, Principal of Stagecoach Cardiff said:
“We’re absolutely ecstatic to perform in their hometown of Cardiff, with their families and friends filling the audience. They were outstanding and we are so very proud of them all.”
Stagecoach Carmarthen Principal Laura Morris added:
“The students performed their Wizard of Oz medley brilliantly and we couldn’t have asked them to perform any better. We are immensely proud of each and every one of them, they truly brought the performance piece to life in such a beautiful theatre.”
Stagecoach Cwmbran & Monmouth Principal Louise Albert also said:
“What an amazing evening! Extremely well organised, from the costumes to the endless hours spent in rehearsals with the pupils from Stagecoach Cwmbran, they should all be congratulated – it was a spectacular event!”
The value of performing arts training extends far beyond the opportunities for professional performance features. Recent Stagecoach survey research highlighted the incredible positive impacts the arts have on children’s happiness and creativity, with 85% of children citing singing and dancing with their peers as a major contributing factor to their happiness. Almost half (41%) of the nation’s parents are concerned that their children are less happy growing up than their generation had been. Encouraging participation in the arts will have undeniable benefits for the wellbeing of both children and parents.
In the nearly 35 years since launching, Stagecoach Performing Arts has seen more than one million students unlock their creative potential, which they will value for their whole lives. Provided with the support and dedication of such an outstanding Principal network, the students learn so much more than how to sing, dance and act. Stagecoach helps them blossom into well-rounded individuals, ready to embrace life and all of its exciting opportunities.
Stagecoach schools in Wales are part of a network of more than 3000 extra-curricular Performing Arts Schools worldwide. Stagecoach aims to make a difference in its students’ lives by teaching Creative Courage for Life and many children have gone on to study and work in Performing Arts from blockbuster films to countless roles in local theatre productions. Early Stages classes are available for children aged four to six and Main Stages classes take place for six to 18-year-olds every weekend during term time.
