Our Educational Framework - Developing Your Full Potential

At Stagecoach Performing Arts, we have developed a unique Educational Framework for each stage of learning. The ages of children in each stage may vary across the country, depending upon the children attending, but our talented and experienced teachers have the flexibility to adapt their class content to the interests, talents and ages of their students.

There will be variances in the delivery of the Educational Framework from school to school as each Principal and their teachers choose the exciting, creative content that is appropriate for their school to personalise students learning.

Our framework helps every student develop and reach their full potential.

Early Stages

Singing

Learn how to

Pitch match to another singing voice
Sing with a confident sound
Use posture to support a good sound
Sing with expression

Dancing

Learn how to

Use basic dance steps and moves (e.g. heel/toe, skipping) in corner work and group dance
Link a series of steps together to produce a dance sequence
Maintain a steady pulse when dancing to a sound track
Explore own movement to given stimuli

Acting

Learn how to

Participate in the storytelling process and follow direction
Explore story, theme and character through imaginative role-play
Improvise and experiment with voice and language, playing with words, sounds and intonation
Begin to use body language to communicate character and emotion

Performance and Stagecraft Skills

Learn how to

Understand the basic areas of the stage (upstage, downstage etc)
Manage the use of wings, as entrance and exit points
Perform a short musical theatre piece combining basic singing, dancing and acting skills

Life Skills

Students will develop

Turn taking
Teamwork
Listening skills
Speaking confidently
Empathy

Main Stages 1

Singing

Learn how to

Accurately pitch match to another singing voice
Develop good breath control and posture to support the singing voice and to produce a good tone
Sing in an appropriate style for different repertoire
Sing simple harmonies
Experiment with creating own melody lines

Dancing

Learn how to

Show greater accuracy in dance steps and use of basic dance terminology
Control coordination when moving to a regular pulse and when linking steps together in a dance sequence
Show awareness of other dancers in ensemble work
Create own choreographed movements to a given stimuli

Acting

Learn how to

Engage creatively in storytelling with others
Develop a theme, character or story through solo improvisation or in a group
Explore the use of voice to demonstrate awareness of characterisation with projection and diction
Use movement and body language in the creation of a role/character
Begin to work with scripts (with support), understanding the style and content

Performance and Stagecraft Skills

Learn how to

Find their ‘light’ on stage
Keep in time both vocally and with movement to live or recorded music
Manage costume/props appropriately and let it inform how it makes their character feel
Perform musical theatre work combining relevant singing, dancing and acting skills with some competency
Show some awareness of audience and begin to be able to communicate with other performers

Life Skills

Students will develop

Building relationships
Making group decisions
Confidence in contributing ideas and opinions
Readiness to work (bringing kit bag)

Main Stages 2

Singing

Learn how to

Accurately pitch match to a range of musical stimuli
Apply breath control to support extended pitch range
Sing group and solo songs with a confident sound and accuracy in pitch and rhythm
Sing more complex harmonies
Experiment with composing melody and lyrics

Dancing

Learn how to

Apply learned technique to a wider range of dance styles and performance
Control body alignment to support balance
Respond to, and show awareness of changes in dance style and tempo
Show a wider understanding of dance terminology
Work collaboratively in a group to create choreography for performance

Acting

Learn how to

Maintain a character / role showing commitment and imagination
Improvise and show an understanding of the dramatic potential of plot/character/theme
Develop vocal skills and use of movement (pace, pause, pitch, tone, articulation and projection)
Explore a range of different performance styles and techniques

Work with scripts, showing an understanding of plot and character with some knowledge of form and structure

Performance and Stagecraft Skills

Learn how to

Find ‘light’ and begin to understand stage lighting
Understand microphone technique and that it is there to enhance their voice and not replace it
Use costume/props in rehearsals and take responsibility for them
Annotate script with direction notes across all three disciplines (using a pencil)
Demonstrate an understanding of blocking, where they need to be and how it impacts the overall production
Perform musical theatre work combining relevant singing, dancing and acting skills competently

Show an awareness of audience and communicate effectively in performance

Life Skills

Students will develop

Knowing when it is best to speak and best to listen
Develop reflective thinking skills
Peer support and seeking peer support
How to receive and value the opinions of others

Time management

Main Stages 3

Singing

Learn how to

Accurately pitch match to another music al sound and to changes in key
Control breath to support an even tone when moving from head to chest voice
Experiment with more challenging solo and ensemble repertoire
Apply a range of vocal technique to support singing in different styles and genres and in own composition
Balance vocal sound when singing solo and in an ensemble to give a polished performance

Dancing

Learn how to

Apply technique and gesture to perform more complex dance styles and movements
Control balance and body alignment to support solo, pair and group performance
Use dance space effectively in solo and ensemble performance
Devise own choreographed repertoire and deliver a polished and convincing performance using different genres of dance and music

Acting

Learn how to

Demonstrate the creation of a role/character with complete commitment and imagination
Improvise with confidence, showing appreciation the dramatic potential of the plot/character/theme
Demonstrate vocal skills and use of movement with flair (pace, pause, pitch, tone, articulation and projection)
Demonstrate a depth of understanding in performance across a range of styles and techniques

Work with scripts, understanding plot, context, character, form and structure

Performance and Stagecraft Skills

Learn how to

Understand how to work with lighting (finding light and beginning to hit marks for lighting)
Deploy competent microphone technique
Work costume/props into rehearsals
Be able to work with sets/levels as part of rehearsal process
Be able to annotate script with detailed direction notes, vocal notes and update any cuts that may have been made in rehearsal
Perform musical theatre work combining relevant singing, dancing and acting skills with competency and
confidence, communicating the creative intentions of the musical theatre piece

Communicate effectively with other performers and audience members

Life Skills

Students will develop

Develop independent learning skills such as making informed choices and knowing where to seek more information
Knowing and respecting team inclusion
Actively volunteering for extra responsibility in group work

Further Stages

Singing

Learn how to

Sing with confidence and accuracy in a range of styles and performance environments
Balance vocal projection and tone in different performance spaces
Develop good microphone technique
Employ facial and body gesture to support a high quality performance
Deliver and effective performance through balance and control when using vibrato
Compose own melodic and harmony parts for solo and group performance
Support other singers on stage and in rehearsal
Take the lead when required
Reflect upon own and group performance to make improvements

Dancing

Learn how to

Dance with accuracy and attention to detail to deliver a polished performance; e.g. refined movement/gesture of arms, hands, fingers
Develop core strength to support challenging and complex repertoire

Devise own dance choreography for solo and ensemble performance
Use improvisation effectively and respond creatively when working with other dance practitioners
Reflect upon own and group performance to make improvements

Acting

Learn how to

Adapt character, performance and vocal delivery for different media/text; e.g. film, theatre, TV, radio
Deliver lines with awareness of accuracy in timing, and expression in voice, body and gesture
Take constructive direction from others and offer feedback/direction to others
Take on other roles in theatre arts; e.g. directing, staging, costume, technical support, sound & lighting
Use performance space creatively and effectively in solo and ensemble roles
Experiment and develop ideas through rehearsal and the devising process
Reflect upon own and group performance to make improvements

Performance and Stagecraft Skills

Learn how to

Demonstrate full awareness of lighting (not only finding light, but hitting marks for lighting)
Use microphones with skill and understanding in all productions
Develop the use of props in rehearsals
Use the dress rehearsal to ensure that costumes are suitable and that they feel comfortable in them
Adapt and work with sets and staging
Annotate a work book to encompass all direction notes, including any cuts made (in rehearsal it should be seen as a ‘bible’ and updated each time a change is made)
Perform musical theatre work combining relevant singing, dancing and acting skills with creative energy and imagination to fully communicate the intentions of the musical theatre work

Demonstrate a rapport with other performers on stage and communicate with flair to audience members

Life Skills

Students will develop

Skills needed to prepare for auditions and/or interviews
Awareness of own talent, strengths and potential for development
Knowledge of how to identify opportunities to gain greater exposure to the performing arts industry and professional standards
An ability to work under pressure
Adaptibility
Leadership Skills

Option 1
Deposit - covers first two weeks (Non-refundable)	£25.00
Remaining term fees payable on second week	£137.00
Total Fee (per term)	£162.00
Option 2
Deposit - covers first two weeks (Non-refundable)	£25.00
Remaining term fees payable on the first day of term by two cheques for £70.00 post-dated respectively 1 month and 2 months after the first day of term (includes £3 admin fee)	£140.00
Total Fee (per term)	£165.00

Option 1
Deposit - covers first two weeks (Non-refundable)	£50.00
Remaining term fees payable on second week	£274.00
Total Fee (per term)	£324.00
Option 2
Deposit - covers first two weeks (Non-refundable)	£50.00
Remaining term fees payable on the first day of term by two cheques for £138.50 post-dated respectively 1 month and 2 months after the first day of term (includes £3 admin fee)	£277.00
Total Fee (per term)	£327.00

A sibling discount of 50% is available when enrolling a student to our Main Stages or Further Stages Schools.

Option 1
Deposit - covers first two weeks (Non-refundable)	£50.00
Remaining term fees payable on second week	£274.00
Total Fee (per term)	£324.00
Option 2
Deposit - covers first two weeks (Non-refundable)	£50.00
Remaining term fees payable on the first day of term by two cheques for £106.50 post-dated respectively 1 month and 2 months after the first day of term (includes £3 admin fee)	£277.00
Total Fee (per term) for 3 hour class *	£327.00

* Please contact your Principal for Further Stages class / payment options. A sibling discount of 50% is available to families enrolling a second or subsequent student to our Main Stages or Further Stages Schools.

1.		INTRODUCTION
1.1		These Terms & Conditions apply to all our Stagecoach schools, Courses, Holiday Workshops/Camps, Workshops and any additional products and/or services offered by Stagecoach and/or its group of companies in the future for any Student (collectively "Stagecoach Activities")
1.2		For participation of a Student in a Stagecoach Activity all Parents are required to consent to these Terms & Conditions by signature or by ticking the acceptance box for these Terms & Conditions when submitting an electronic application form online. We may update these Terms & Conditions from time to time.
1.3		Any changes to these Terms & Conditions require the written consent or approval of Stagecoach.
1.4		A "Course" refers to a course of classes offering tuition in dance, drama, and singing which will be delivered during the Term (including online activities). Course classes will take place once per week for a certain number of hours, as detailed at the time of booking.
1.5		"Holiday Workshop/Camp" refers to Workshops (including online activities) run by some Stagecoach schools and Stagecoach Performing Arts during the breaks between Terms.
1.6		"Principal" refers to the principal of a particular Stagecoach school.
1.7		"Term" refers to one normal academic term of Stagecoach schools during which Courses are run.
1.8		"Term Dates" refers to the dates for the relevant Term.
1.9 1.10		"Workshop" refers to a one-off course (including online activities) offering tuition in dance, drama, singing and/or other performing arts related activities which will be delivered for a certain number of hours per day for a period of between one (1) and five (5) consecutive days and can run at any time throughout the year. “Online activity” refers to online streamed lessons and online Workshops utilising the Zoom platform, either delivered by a Stagecoach school or by Stagecoach Performing Arts. See section point 8.7.
2.		ENROLLING A NEW STUDENT IN A STAGECOACH ACTIVITY
2.1		To apply for a place for a new Student on a Stagecoach Activity, the Parent must agree to these Terms & Conditions and submit an application form online or by post.
2.2		Each Student's place is allocated on a 'first come, first served' basis. Applications must be accompanied by the appropriate payment/transfer, as set out for each Stagecoach Activity below ("Deposit").
		The Deposit to accompany a new Student's application form for term enrolment:
		Early Stages £25 (as at 1 July 2020)
		Main & Further Stages £50 (as at 1 July 2020)
		For Holiday Workshops and Summer Camps, deposits may vary, please check with the Principal.
2.3		If Stagecoach is unable to accept the Student due to capacity reasons, the Student may, at the Parent's discretion, be placed on a reserve list. Before a Student is placed on a reserve list, the Principal shall inform the Parent whether (i) the Deposit will be retained by Stagecoach whilst the Student is on the reserve list, or (ii) the Deposit will be refunded to the Parent and that the Parent may be required to repay the Deposit at a later date if a place is confirmed. If the Parent does not wish for the Student to be placed on a reserve list the Deposit shall be refunded. In any event Deposits shall always be refunded within fourteen (14) days of informing the Parent that the Deposit is refundable for capacity reasons.
2.4		From the date the Deposit is paid, you have a fourteen (14) calendar day cancellation period ("Cancellation Period") to change your mind and cancel the Student's place on the Stagecoach Activity, subject to clauses 2.6 and 2.7 below.
2.5		After the Cancellation Period expires, the Deposit is non-refundable and will be retained by Stagecoach.
2.6		If the start date of a Stagecoach Activity falls within the Cancellation Period and the Stagecoach Activity has finished before the Parent notifies Stagecoach of their desire to cancel, then the Deposit is not cancellable or refundable.
2.7		If the start date of the Stagecoach Activity falls within the Cancellation Period and some of the sessions of the Stagecoach Activity have been delivered before the Parent, within the Cancellation Period, notifies Stagecoach of their desire to cancel, then the Deposit may be partly refunded in proportion to the number of sessions delivered.
2.8		Times, current Term Dates, fees and all relevant course details for booked Stagecoach Activities will be confirmed in the Acceptance Letter or "Fee Note" for each Stagecoach Activity, along with a receipt for payment of the Deposit.
2.9		All such terms and conditions detailed in the Fee Note or the Acceptance shall be incorporated into the Agreement and shall be deemed to have been accepted by the Parent upon payment by, or on behalf of, the Parent.
2.10		Fees for Stagecoach Activities may vary between Stagecoach schools.
3.		BALANCE PAYMENTS
3.1		For a Student enrolled on a Workshop, the full fees are paid as the Deposit in advance, as detailed in clause 2.2 above.
3.2		For a Student enrolled on either a Course or Holiday Workshop/Camp, following payment of the Deposit to Stagecoach, Parents are required to make a subsequent payment of the outstanding balance due to Stagecoach (the "Balance").
3.3		The Balance must be paid in full, subject to any alternative agreements made with the Principal, by the first day of the Term or Holiday Workshop/Camp, by one of the following methods where offered:
		1. Bank transfer; 2. Credit card (American Express is not accepted); 3. Debit card; 4. Cheque; 5. Direct Debit; 6. Cash; 7. Childcare vouchers; or Child Tax Credits
3.4		Transaction charges apply to cheques of £1 per cheque.
4.		COURSES
4.1		A Stagecoach school may, at its discretion, offer the second child of the same family attending a Main Stage course at the same time, a sibling discount of up to fifty percent (50%) on Course fees. This discretionary sibling discount will only apply if Stagecoach is notified of the sibling relationship at the time the Deposit is paid. Only one discount may apply against the Course fee for an individual child at any one time.
4.2		Once enrolled on a Course, Term Dates for the next Term will be made known to Parents in writing at the end of the current Term.
4.3		If a Course session falls on a bank holiday then a replacement class will also be added onto the end of the current Term timetable or the subsequent Term.
4.4		Unless Stagecoach is otherwise notified in writing by you before the sixth (6th) week of the Course, a Student is automatically re-enrolled onto the Course for the following Term.
4.5		If you do not notify Stagecoach before the sixth (6th) week of the Course that you do not wish a Student to be re-enrolled onto the following Term of the Course, then you will remain liable for half of the full Term fees in respect of the next Term, regardless of attendance of the Student.
4.6		Payment is due for the next Term of Course fees before the start date of the Term, subject to any alternative payment agreements you may have with the Principal.
5.		COURSE TRIAL PERIODS
5.1		Where a new Student is attending a Course for the first time, subject to availability, Stagecoach allows a two (2) session trial period ("Trial Period") so that the Student may try the first two (2) sessions of the Course. The Trial Period only applies to Courses for new Students and the two (2) trial sessions must be taken consecutively within the first four (4) weeks of the start of the Term.