Festive fanfare for Stagecoach Performing Arts’ rising stars

The children's services franchise ends 2019 on a high, celebrating its students, franchisees, teachers and alumni

Stagecoach Performing Arts likes to end every year on a high and 2019 was no exception. At the famous Shaftesbury Theatre, on Sunday, 1st December, students from around the world were congratulated for their dedication to the arts at the second annual Creative Courage for Life Awards. Then 250 students took to the stage, dazzling family and friends with musical performances from a variety of shows, as part of a festive gala performance.

The Creative Courage for Life Awards were launched by Stagecoach in 2018, to honour those students who demonstrate compassion and dedication during their weekly performing arts sessions. Categories include Outstanding Singer, Dancer and Actor, Outstanding Teacher, Outstanding Alumni and the coveted Overcoming Diversity Award.

The awards ceremony was compered by Tarquin Shaw-Young, head of casting at the Stagecoach Agency. Eight students from across seven schools were recognised, with one student travelling with her family from Frankfurt, Germany, to receive her award. Teachers from Stagecoach Twickenham, Wokingham and Bath were also recognised for their commitment to students. Winners were chosen by an esteemed panel of judges, including West End star, Ben Goddard, award-winning choreographer, Daniel Todd, and director and actor, Garry Jerry. The judges watched hundreds of hours of recorded footage, submitted by franchisees, on behalf of their teachers and students.

After the awards ceremony, hundreds of students took to the stage to put on a special, festive performance for the audience of 1,000 guests. Nine schools were handpicked from regional and London showcases throughout the year to perform during the evening.

The children’s services franchise prides itself on the variety of professional opportunities available to its 50,000 students around the nation. Its events like the annual Charity Gala and Creative Courage for Life Awards keep student numbers on the rise, ensuring the franchise opportunity continues to appeal to entrepreneurs from all walks of life.

Sarah Kelly, CEO of Stagecoach Performing Arts, is proud to celebrate with the network of 350 franchisees. She said: “I didn’t think anything could top 2018, after we celebrated our 30th anniversary, but 2019 has proven to be just as incredible as last year. Our gala and awards evening, in aid of Young Minds, has always been a real highlight of our year but this time it felt particularly special. It’s a great opportunity for us to come together and give everyone a pat on the back for another incredible year. Thank you to the franchisees, teachers, support team and all the friends and family who joined us on the evening. But, most importantly, thank you to our wonderful students for putting on a fantastic show.”