Stagecoach Faringdon

Welcome to Stagecoach Performing Arts Faringdon and Shrivenham 

This academic year marks an incredible milestone for Stagecoach Performing Arts in Faringdon and Shrivenham — 10 years of inspiring local children, young people, and now even adults, through the magic of the performing arts.

Founded with the mission to give every child the chance to sing, dance and act in a supportive environment, Stagecoach has grown into the heart of creativity in our community. From toddlers taking their first steps on stage to teenagers preparing for the wider world, students gain not only performance skills but also confidence, resilience, teamwork, and the freedom to express themselves.

As the only Ofsted-registered performing arts school in the area, Stagecoach offers something unique. Principal James Barker, a local dad of two, brings a wealth of professional experience — formerly a Butlins Redcoat, a Cruise Director for Princess Cruises, and Head of Entertainment for Warner Leisure Hotels. Yet, as James reflects: “Without question, the most rewarding chapter of my career has been the work we’ve done here, in the heart of Faringdon and Shrivenham at Stagecoach.”

A big part of the ethos is inclusivity. Stagecoach accepts Tax-Free Childcare, Childcare Vouchers, and in some cases Universal Credit, alongside flexible payment plans — helping ensure that every child who loves performing has the chance to take part.

Stagecoach also supports mental health and wellbeing. Performing arts can reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and encourage face-to-face connection in a screen-heavy world. “The most rewarding part of this role,” says James, “is seeing children and adults grow in confidence — especially those who never thought they could.”

And there’s plenty more magic to come. As part of the 10th birthday celebrations, Stagecoach students will take part in extraordinary opportunities, including performing in the West End of London and working with Broadway industry professionals in New York. At home, there will be workshops led by West End professionals, which will be included in the fees, giving young performers a chance to learn directly from the very best. The celebrations will culminate in the much-loved Family Performance Picnic at Buscot Park — set to be the biggest and most joyful event of the academic year.



Principal James Barker

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


Noticeboard

Happy 10th Birthday

This academic year, Stagecoach Performing Arts in Faringdon & Shrivenham is celebrating an incredible milestone: 10 years of inspiring local children, young people and now even adults, through the magic of the performing arts. Come and join us, we would LOVE to welcome your family for a two week trial.

Autumn Term 2 to 4 years

During the Autumn Term our Mini Stages STARS aged 2 to 4 year, we will be using the jungle to inspire our Singing, Dance and Drama classes. Our Mini Stages Explorers will be swinging from the trees and making friends with all the jungle animals! This is going to be our BEST TERM YET!

Autumn Term 4 to 6 years

The Autumn Term is SHOW TERM for our 4 to 6 year old Early Stages STARS and we have a new and exciting show called 'Kitchen Disco' which will be rehearsed all term and then performed on the last week of term. The costumes are epic!

Autumn Term 6 to 15 years

In addition to an epic parents demonstration this term, we will also be starting rehearsals for our Spring Term Main Stages Show, Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

Autumn Term 15 + years

The Autumn Term is SHOW TERM for our Further Stages STARS aged 15+ and we have a new, exciting original script inspired by 'Stranger Things', the show called 'Upside Down', which will be rehearsed and then performed towards the end of term.

1 Day Christmas Workshop

Our 4 to 16-year-olds join us for a one-day Christmas Workshop. We would LOVE to welcome your family. No Experience Required - LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE NOW - We accept Tax-Free Childcare and Childcare Vouchers.

West End Performance

Students aged 9 years and older will get the chance to perform at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London's West End in October 2026 as party of our 10th Birthday Celebrations. Its going to be the most fantastic year!

Weekly Classes

Mini Stages (for ages 2-4 yrs)

Mini Stages
Our 45-minute Mini Stages classes offer a fun, interactive introduction to the performing arts. Designed for you and your little one to explore singing, dancing, and acting together in a safe, relaxed, and welcoming environment.

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.

Adult Stages (for ages 18+ yrs)

Adult Classes

Develop your skills in the three core performing arts disciplines of singing, dancing and acting with our Adult Classes. Whether you have previous experience in the performing arts or you’re a complete beginner, you’ll be able to learn something new and explore musical theatre skills in a friendly, fun and safe environment.

Holiday Workshops

Meet The Team

Principal - James Barker

With over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry and performing arts education, James brings a wealth of expertise, creativity, and passion to everything he does—remarkable, considering he's still only 27 (at least, that’s what he likes to say!).

James began his career as an “all-singing, all-dancing” Butlin’s Redcoat in Bognor Regis, laying a strong foundation for a dynamic and diverse journey in entertainment. From there, he took to the high seas with Princess Cruises, where he quickly rose through the ranks—from hosting dance classes and game shows to becoming Deputy Cruise Director and eventually Cruise Director. In this role, he led a team of over 120 performers and production crew, overseeing theatre shows, live broadcasts, and high-calibre entertainment operations. He was proud to serve as the inaugural Cruise Director on several brand-new ships, a testament to his leadership and showmanship.

Returning to land, James took on the role of Director of Entertainment at Warner Leisure Hotels, where he was responsible for shaping the entertainment experience across all Warner properties in the UK. One of his proudest achievements was collaborating with the National Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra to bring bespoke performances—usually reserved for venues like the Royal Albert Hall—to Warner’s stages.

Twelve years ago, James and his husband adopted two children, a life-changing decision that inspired a new chapter. Seeking a better balance between career and family, James purchased his first Stagecoach Performing Arts School in 2016. Since then, he has dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of performers.

As a busy dad—one of his children being neurodiverse—James brings empathy, warmth, and deep personal understanding to his role. His lived experience helps him relate to the families he serves and fuels his passion for creating inclusive, supportive, and inspiring learning environments.

James says:

“People often ask me, especially those new to Stagecoach, ‘You’ve been here many years—what makes it so special?’ For me, the answer is simple. Our product gives children the freedom to be who they want to be. It offers them a safe space to grow in confidence and develop resilience for an uncertain future. We equip them with tools to thrive in the adult world, whilst being 100% present in their childhood—making friends, finding their people, having fun, and putting on some incredible productions.”


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