Life Lessons – We help students to blossom as individuals and realise their potential
‘We’re passionate about teaching much more than acting, singing and dancing,’ says Sara Catlin Brown, Principal of Stagecoach Kensington, which covers the Hammersmith area. ’We focus on building key life skills, such as communication, confidence and creativity, and we help students to blossom as individuals and realise their potential.’
Sara has been running Stagecoach schools for over 20 years and she took over the Kensington franchise in 2010; she and her team hold classes at Addison Primary School, W14, St Barnabas & St Philips School, W8 and Kensington United Reformed Church, W8.
‘We were the first part-time performing arts school to offer the module of three hours of dance, drama and singing and we still follow that successful method,’ she explains. ‘Also, no experience is needed and everyone is welcomed into our “family” and encouraged to support one another – that’s why many children stay with us through all the age groups.’
Classes are held on Fridays and Saturdays and the teaching is divided by age: Early Stages (4-6 year-olds) and Main Stages (6-18). ‘Stagecoach class sizes are small to ensure quality and inclusivity (currently, they are more restricted to ensure a safe environment) and our teachers are very experienced, often including West End performers,’ says Sara.
‘Some people assume that we concentrate on theatre and musicals. That’s not true – we also focus on TV and film, pop and many different styles of dance. In addition, there’s a full programme of holiday workshops, two-week discounted trials are available and, in “ordinary” times, we perform an annual show and organise regular theatre trips to the West End.
‘Everyone is allowed to develop at their own pace and reassured that it’s OK to make mistakes. While some students come to nurture a strong talent and study for LAMDA exams, for most it’s because they want to learn, have fun and make friends. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing a student who has been silent suddenly find the self-confidence to stand up and speak – that’s just wonderful.’
Stagecoach Kensington
020 8398 8106
kensington@stagecoach.co.uk
https://www.stagecoach.co.uk/kensington
Lessons held at:
Addison Primary School
Addison Gardens, London W14 0DT
St Barnabas and St Philip’s Church of England Primary School
Pembroke Mews, 58 Earls Court Road, W8 6EJ
Kensington United Reformed Church
23 Allen St, London, W8 6BL
