Stagecoach Performing Arts celebrate a year of hitting the high notes

As the year comes to an end, Stagecoach Performing Arts is reflecting on a year marked by success. With 12 months brimming with new recruits, international network expansion and a myriad of stellar student performances, the performing arts franchise is also taking pride in securing a prestigious spot within the top 20 of this year’s Elite Franchise 100 (EF100) – the UK’s definitive franchise league table.

As the brand celebrated its 35th anniversary earlier this year, and with the final curtain falling on 2023, it is time for Stagecoach to raise a toast for more reasons than one.

Across the country, the network has witnessed 13 successful resales – welcoming new franchisees into the fold – along with the launch of three greenfields in Penarth, Urmston and Strood. This strategic expansion ensures that areas in the country previously untouched now have access to the exceptional offerings from Stagecoach – reinforcing the brand’s commitment to fostering creative talent and enriching communities nationwide.

Moreover, nine franchisees have seized the opportunity to invest in additional territories. This spirit of expansion has extended beyond the borders of the UK, with two franchisees investing in additional territories in Germany and Canada – effectively propelling the global footprint of the Stagecoach brand.

A testament to the remarkable achievements and expansion, achieving position 15 in the EF100, caps off a fantastic year of milestones for Stagecoach. The EF100 recognises the brightest businesses from across the franchising industry. A panel of 24 specialist judges meticulously assess franchisors across eight key criteria – from their growth and ambition to their contribution to their community and the way they embrace innovation.

“As the highest-ranking performing arts franchise in the EF100, this recognition underscores the incredible achievements and expansion that our network has experienced in 2023,” said Andy Knights, CEO of Stagecoach. “I’m grateful for the hard work and resilience of everyone at Stagecoach who has contributed to this success. Looking back on this amazing year, we are energized and inspired to continue our journey of growth in 2024 and beyond.”

In true festive spirit, Stagecoach are bringing a year filled with triumphs to a magical close with a Let’s Sing Christmas student performance in Disneyland Paris. “As I reflect on the opportunities our students across the country have been given through these showcase events, I’m immensely proud of the collective journey we’ve undertaken together. Our students have graced the grand stages of regional theatres, lit up the glittering lights of the West End and now, against the enchanting backdrop of Disneyland Paris, they continue to showcase their talents and passion in truly extraordinary ways.

“As we prepare for the upcoming festive performances over the holidays, it serves as a fitting conclusion to a year that has been marked by shared successes and the spirit of our Stagecoach community.”

To find out more about franchise opportunities with Stagecoach Performing Arts, visit https://stagecoachfranchise.com/

Notes to Editors

For more information, or to speak with Andy Knights, contact Charlie Milne at Rev PR on 07548 810658 or email charlie@revpr.co.uk
Images available: A selection of hi-res images taken during the Christmas showcase in Cheltenham


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About Stagecoach Performing Arts

About Stagecoach Performing Arts: Over the years we have seen more than one million students unlock their potential, which is something they will value for their whole life. At Stagecoach we teach our students so much more than how to sing, dance and act. We help them blossom into well-rounded individuals, ready to embrace life and all its opportunities. With nearly 30 years’ experience in teaching the performing arts, we understand how to get the best out of our young performers. We delight in seeing our students have fun, make friends, learn new skills and discover hidden talents. We encourage them to take ‘safe risks’ through rehearsals and performance, which brings out a willingness to take on new challenges. None of us know what the future holds, which is why it’s so important for today’s children to be resilient, brave and self-assured. Furthermore you can rest assured that your child is in safe hands as we adhere to the strictest child safety policies. About joining Stagecoach as a franchisee: With our 30th birthday in 2018, the Stagecoach model has been proven and refined to become one of the UK’s leading performing arts opportunities. Franchisees build a team of equally passionate and enthusiastic teachers, qualified to bring out the very best in their students. Stagecoach schools provide a thriving, nurturing and supportive environment for creative learning. That’s just one of the reasons why 40,000 children every week flock to classes nationwide. Today, a network of more than 300 franchisees operate over 680 schools offering 1,780 classes in eight countries. Through an exciting and varied framework of teaching and development, franchisees have helped to unlock the potential of more than one million students since it opened in 1988.


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