Stagecoach Bristol South West

The personal development gained by studying the Performing Arts is invaluable.  Confidence, memory, concentration, physical fitness, presentation skills, critical thinking, social skills; these are just some of the areas that will be enhanced by your child taking part in our classes. 

 

We offer a wide variety of performance opportunities such as on stage musicals, devised pieces, PAA Musical Theatre and LAMDA exams and much more. We also offer summer schools where students can get stuck into the creative process of producing a big show in one week. 

 

Our classes run for  90 minutes or 3 hours (depending on age) at Birdwell School, Long Ashton during school term time.  We have developed a unique Educational Framework for each stage of learning. To have a look at the structure we work from  click here:

https://www.stagecoach.co.uk/about-us/our-educational-framework

 

Join us now for high quality engaging and memorable experiences for your child - call any time for more information and check out our Facebook page!

https://www.facebook.com/StagecoachBristolSouthWest

 

 



Principal Olivia Kennard - BA (Hons) Performing Arts - Drama

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


Noticeboard

Skills Term

This summer term we will explore drama, dance, and singing, building confidence while experimenting with new material and techniques. We will learn to interpret characters, refine movement quality, and control our voices. Trying unfamiliar styles will challenge us creatively, improve performance skills, and strengthen collaboration in rehearsals.

Early Stages

Early Stages is designed especially for 4-6 year olds, and supports learning in literacy, numeracy and confidence through creative play! Each class is capped at 18 students and runs for 90 minutes; 30 minutes each of drama, dance and singing. These classes perfectly prepare our students to move on to our older group, having mastered the basics.

An Inspector Calls Tour

In October 2024 three of our students were chosen to perform in the National Theatre tour of the J.B Priestley play, An Inspector Calls at the Bristol Hippodrome. Directed by Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliott, The Hours, The Reader), our students gained invaluable experience in one the UK's largest theatres with a professional cast and crew. So proud!

Be heard at Stagecoach

Working together, having fun and being creative is at the forefront of the learning and great for mental health. We want all of our students to feel that their voice is heard, and that they have something unique to bring to the Performing Arts. Within our group learning set up, we recognise that all of our students have individual strengths.

Our Teachers

Our DBS checked teachers are all experts in their field. We have directors and practitioners with hours of classroom experience or qualified teachers with degrees in the Arts; they are all skilled, energetic and enthusiastic facilitators with a passion for the Performing Arts, and dedicated to enriching children and young peoples' lives.

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!

 

Holiday Workshops

Meet The Team

Principal - Olivia Kennard - BA (Hons) Performing Arts - Drama

Olivia graduated from Middlesex University in 2002 with a degree in Performing Arts (Drama). She began her career in local television at just 16, later working as a researcher and reporter for HTV West and as a presenter for Endemol networks. Following her graduation, Olivia established herself as a professional live event host, working with corporate clients including Arcadia Group, The Baby Show and The Work and Family Show, as well as leading publications such as Grazia and Elle.

Her acting credits include the role of Margaret in Much Ado About Nothing with the British Touring Shakespeare Company, appearances in Casualty for the BBC, and work for Channel 4. An accomplished voice-over artist, Olivia has recorded for a range of corporate clients, ITV Carlton, and educational English language materials during her time living in Hong Kong.

Now a mother of two, Olivia continues to work as a presenter, host and actor across a variety of high-profile productions. For the past 15 years, she has also served as Principal of Stagecoach Keynsham and Long Ashton, where she has supported thousands of young people on their performing arts journey—many of whom have gone on to pursue careers in the industry. With a particular passion for props and costume, Olivia has produced numerous shows, including a production selected for the Stagecoach Charity Gala in 2021.

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