Stagecoach Bolton

Welcome to Stagecoach Performing Arts Bolton!
 
We provide high quality part-time training in the Performing Arts for children aged 4 - 18 years. Our aim is to nurture and develop young potential through singing, acting and dance classes in and around Bolton - stretching young imaginations, building confidence and life skills whilst also having fun through all the three disciplines. Cathy is fully committed to providing a first class experience for all children and a productive education in the world of performing, all the while helping students grow in confidence, and achieve individual goals, ambition and giving them creative courage for life.

Stagecoach Bolton runs for 12 weeks during school term time and during this time students work on a range of performance pieces that are then performed to family and friends at the end of the term. Stagecoach Bolton also works along side and education framework that builds students skills with the performing arts. To learn more about this plaese get in contact with Cathy who will be happy to share all aspect of the school with you. 
 
Cathy, alongside her fantastic team of teachers, strives to deliver excellence in education, and inspire the students of Stagecoach Bolton - allowing each and every child to flourish not only in class, but in life.
 

We offer Performing Arts Exams

Principal Cathy Birkett

Your child is in safe hands. All of our Team are Enhanced DBS checked.


Noticeboard

Summer Show Term

Our Summer Term saw students work on an end of term performance. They performed at Bolton Little Theatre, with full costume, lighting, and a professional stage! They were absolutely excellent.

Tax Free Childcare

We are thrilled to announce that Stagecoach Performing Arts Bolton is now accepting Tax free childcare and childcare vouchers! You can use these to pay for all classes and workshops.

LAMDA Exams

Autumn 2026 sees the return of LAMDA exams for our main school students. With a 100% Distinction and Merit achievement so far, we are excited to keep continuing. LAMDA Exams are a huge additional tool for any of our students wanting to expand their skill sets.

NEA Musical Theatre Exams

This year all our Salford Bolton students will take part in NEA musical theatre exams. We are excited to see all of the brilliant work they will produce!

Performance Opportunities

In 2026, our Bolton Stagecoach students will be performing at The Crewe Lyceum Theatre. This will be a professional on stage performance. We can't wait!

Weekly Classes

Early Stages (for ages 4-6 yrs)

Stagecoach Early Stages

Our 90-minute Early Stages classes run alongside the main Stagecoach schools, giving young performers the chance to learn key skills in each of the three musical theatre disciplines of singing, dancing, and acting each week. These fun and engaging sessions build skills and confidence, so it is an easy step when it is time to transfer to the next stage.
 

Main Stages (for ages 6-18 yrs)

Stagecoach Main Stages
Our 3-hour weekly Main Stages classes are split in three age appropriate groups, where young people learn new skills in each of the complementary Musical Theatre disciplines of singing, dancing, and acting. We nurture the shy and apprehensive, until they find their feet and voice, whilst at the same time developing and channelling those with bundles of talent, confidence and energy. We believe in the potential of every child!

 

Further Stages (for ages 15+ yrs)

Stagecoach Further Stages
Our advanced musical theatre sessions give talented students the chance to extend their performance skills.  Through in-depth training and master classes, we help students to hone their skills in singing, dancing and acting.  We also give students the confidence to audition for theatre and vocational drama schools (if that is their goal) and make sure they are well prepared for interviews and auditions. 

Fees in accordance with Main Stages.

Holiday Workshops

Meet The Team

Principal - Cathy Birkett

Cathy studied at Salford University, obtaining a BA Hons in Performing Arts. She then spent four years in London becoming a big part of the British music scene, working as a session and backing singer for artists including The Specials, The Feeling, The Drums, Peter Andre, Beverley Knight, Mica Paris, Emma Bunton, and Russell Watson.

In 2010, she won the MySpace 'One to Watch' competition, selected by Taio Cruz, and went on to win the first-ever series of “Evo Music Rooms” in 2011, where she supported the Doves for a Channel 4 TV series. She also took part in the first series of 'Must be the Music', reaching the semi-finals with her gospel band, CK Gospel Choir, performing for judges Sharleen Spiteri, Dizzee Rascal, and Jamie Cullum. In 2012, she performed at the "Biggest Band" show at Wembley Stadium and the one-year countdown to the Olympics for BBC 1's "The One Show" at Trafalgar Square.

Throughout her career, Cathy has worked as a singing teacher for various Stagecoach schools and took ownership of her first Stagecoach school in 2011.