Stagecoach Performing Arts Frome opened its door in April 2018 and it now attracts 50 students aged between 4-14 years and sixprofessional performing arts teachers.
During its first year, the school broke a Guinness World Record, performed “Cinderella” at The Frome Memorial Theatre, enjoyed a professional ‘circus’ workshop and students gained all Merits and Distinctions in their “Performance Arts Awards” exams.
Now they are preparing for a talent show in front of an audience of approximately 600 people and an exciting ‘parents do Stagecoach’ event to raise money for the charity Young Minds.
It has been an action-packed year! The excitement doesn’t stop there as two of the students will be performing in London’s West End next month.
As well as all these wonderful achievements, the school, which is run by husband and wife team, Chris and Freddie Underwood, ran a scholarship workshop in March this year. The workshop was open to all youngsters in the local area who demonstrated potential and great enthusiasm for the performing arts, but might not be in a position to fund the Stagecoach courses. Chris and Freddie are determined to bring the performing arts to as many young people as possible, as they know first-hand, the transformative power of singing, dancing and acting skills. Two scholarships were up for grabs – one to a current Stagecoach student and one to a new student. The winners were Marnie-Mae, aged 6 and Ruby, aged 11. Both girls now represent Stagecoach as scholars for the next year.
Stagecoach Frome runs from The Selwood Academy every Saturday in term time. They say, “We promise to inspire and nurture every child who comes through our doors, developing a broad range of life skills and giving them “Creative Courage For Life”. If you would like to find out more visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/frome or contact frome@stagecoach.co.uk
Pictured: scholarship winners, above, Ruby and left, Marnie-Mae
