Stagecoach Performing Arts thriving through lockdown

The franchise's parent company, Trafalgar Entertainment Group, recently acquired the rights to operate one of Australia's oldest theatres, the Theatre Royal in Sydney

Stagecoach Performing Arts, the children’s performing arts franchise with a global presence in eight countries, has continued to adapt and thrive throughout the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown period. Stagecoach is one of nine companies owned by the Trafalgar Entertainment Group, who recently acquired the rights to operate one of Australia’s oldest theatres, the Theatre Royal in Sydney.

With a focus on expansion in Australia across the whole Trafalgar Entertainment Group, Sydney forms a major part of the Stagecoach international business development teams plans for growth. Since first launching on Australian shores, the internationally renowned franchisor has firmly established itself as one of the world’s leading brands offering performing arts education.

Sir Howard Panter and Dame Rosemary Squire, co-founders of Trafalgar, took over operations of Sydney’s 1,110 seat Theatre Royal in May, during which time both the UK and Australia were in varying stages of lockdown. With plans to reopen the completely renovated theatre by August 2021, a new Stagecoach school will be established close by, welcoming students aged four to 18 to take part in workshops and performances at the prestigious location.

“That’s going to be a truly special experience for our students,” explained Andrew Walters, director of international business development at Stagecoach Performing Arts. “Sydney is a real hub for performance talent, so to be able to nurture the skills of the next generation of Australian performers in such a historical venue is very exciting for us and our Australian franchisees. The last few months have been undeniably challenging for our international network, but this is a significant step towards the regeneration of the performing arts and franchising sectors. We’re looking for talented and passionate business owners to support us, as Stagecoach expands into Sydney, alongside looking into growth opportunities in other key regions across Australia.”

Across the other side of the world, Stagecoach has recently become the proud recipient of two awards from the 2020 Canadian Franchise Association – taking Silver in the Non-Traditional Franchises, 6-15 Franchisees category, and receiving the 2020 Franchisees’ Choice Designation for the second year running. The latter is an award given to franchisors who put the satisfaction of their franchise network at the heart of the business.

With plans for international expansion into new markets and an ongoing strategy for continuing the success of their franchisees’ existing schools, recent months have proven Stagecoach to be a truly innovative and proactive franchisor.

“We pride ourselves on upholding our market-leading status, so to receive recognition from the CFA is a testament to this commitment. Like many other franchisors, the last three months has seen us pivot and adapt our services for the benefit of our network. Whilst we’ve had incredible feedback from our franchisees in Canada, Europe, the UK, Australia, and South Africa, accreditation from a governing body proves we’re maintaining our values as a responsible and ethical franchisor. We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved so far this year and look forward to getting back to business as usual as soon as it is safe to do so,” said Andrew.