Stagecoach Principals explore the important role performing arts plays in the development of children.

Recently, several of our long-term students have begun to get professional acting work. We are immensely proud of their achievements; however, we are just as proud of many of our other students for different reasons.

Every year, I'm asked the question, "My child is really shy, can a program like this help them be more confident?" The answer is always YES! For every child at Stagecoach who is booking professional jobs, we have a child who is afraid to speak in class.

At Stagecoach, children are divided by age not ability and watching them find their place in the group is always pleasurable. Some will step up as leaders and learn to place themselves front and center. For these children, the skills they learn at Stagecoach may even be the start of a career. For others, standing on the stage in front of hundreds of people or learning to feel comfortable expressing ideas in class is enough of an achievement.

At Stagecoach, while our staff and children look forward to showing off our work in presentations at the end of the session, we believe that the work that takes place in the classroom is the most important aspect of our program. The skills acquired while learning performing arts to do not disappear when they come off stage, they are skills for life.

Participating in arts related activities:

  • Stimulates and develops the imagination and critical thinking, and refines cognitive and creative skills.
  • Has a tremendous impact on the developmental growth of every child and has proven to help level the "learning field" across socio-economic boundaries.
  • Strengthens problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, adding to overall academic achievement and school success.
  • Develops a sense of craftsmanship, quality task performance, and goal setting-skills needed to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
  • Teaches children life skills such as developing an informed perception; articulating a vision; learning to solve problems and make decisions; building self-confidence and self-discipline; developing the ability to imagine what might be; and accepting responsibility to complete tasks from start to finish.
  • Nurtures important values, including team-building skills; respecting alternative viewpoints; and appreciating and being aware of different cultures and traditions.