Stagecoach Performing Arts takes its role as the UK’s largest network of extracurricular performing arts schools for children very seriously. As part of their commitment to their students, each year the events team establish and cultivate professional partnerships with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Disney, Kristina Rihanoff and The Shaftesbury Theatre. Students and parents alike see the value in learning from these household names, which, in turn, increases potential profitability for franchisees. Andy Knights, COO, explains why working with other big brands has a positive impact on market appeal for franchisees.
I’ve been Chief Operating Officer of Stagecoach Performing Arts for six years. In that time, I’ve witnessed some pretty remarkable sights, including a successful Guinness World Record attempt for our 30th anniversary in 2018, multiple performances with the likes of Robbie Williams and Strictly star Kristina Rihanoff, and even partnerships with acting talent like Simon Callow. All of these were made possible because of the fantastic job our in-house events team do. Creating and then maintaining these partnerships is an undertaking that certainly doesn’t happen overnight. At Stagecoach, we put significant emphasis on maintaining these relationships for the benefit of our franchisees.
One of the most renowned events in the Stagecoach calendar is the opportunity for students to perform as part of the pre-parade at Disneyland Paris. We work with leading educational tour operator Travelbound on all of the logistical planning, obtaining the relevant insurances and essentially taking care of all the arrangements. A whopping 650 students performed as part of the pre-parade in 2019, with 28 franchisees and over 1,000 parents chaperoning the event. We make the process so seamless for our franchisees that this has become one of the most sought-after events in our calendar.
In 2018, we took this partnership to the next level by establishing our Behind the Magic programme. The 16+ year-olds enrolled on the Further Stages programme are offered the chance to spend time shadowing the park’s famous cast members and learning all there is to know about working for Disney.
Students attend multiple work sessions with Disney professionals, encompassing singing, dancing and acting, audition skills and stage performance. There is also the exclusive opportunity to interact with Disney show directors and artists in a Disney Performing Arts Q&A session, all of which develops a student’s confidence in their ability to work, learn and achieve their full potential. We, along with Disney, feel extremely passionate about fostering the talent of the future and equipping our students with incredible opportunities.
We also offer our students the incredible opportunity to put their skills and self-confidence to the test back here in Blighty, by inviting them to perform as some of the most well-known theatres in the West End. During two separate annual events, a select number of franchisees are able to give their students a once in a lifetime opportunity – to sing, dance and act on stage. Whilst the day is a tremendous amount of fun for all involved, it’s also about opening their eyes to the experiences they can expect to enjoy, should they choose to go into the world of professional performance later down the line.
The influence these big brand collaborations and incredible experiences have for our franchisees and their respective businesses is unquestionable. You can bet that a parent is going to research at least a handful of performing arts schools before deciding which one will be a right fit for their child. Stagecoach stands out because of the exclusive opportunities we can offer. Although all of our usual calendar of events has had to be put on hold for the time being, we will be resuming the full schedule once restrictions are lifted. We can’t wait to see so many of our budding performers dancing down Disney’s Main Street very soon.
Andy Knights is Chief Operating Officer of global children’s performing arts franchise, Stagecoach Performing Arts – a role he’s held since 2014. He has over 19 years’ experience working in the franchising industry and oversees all aspects of business operations for the Stagecoach brand, including marketing, franchise recruitment and business development. For more information about franchise opportunities with Stagecoach, visit https:/stagecoachfranchise.com/
