Stagecoach Saffron Walden

A warm welcome from Stagecoach Performing Arts Saffron Walden! We offer weekly acting, singing and dance classes for children aged 2 -18 yrs. We believe in adaptable teaching to suit your child's needs, whether that be a more focused technique, offering new skills or building social confidence. Our students perform publicly at least twice a year and we also offer accredited examinations and additional LAMDA tuition. Once a year we take a group of students to perform on the West End, and we offer holiday workshops every Easter and Summer.

Whether you are looking to learn new skills, make new friends, perform in the West End or plan a spectacular party, Stagecoach Saffron Walden has something to offer you!


We offer Performing Arts Exams

Principal Laura Sommerville - BA (Hons) Acting, ADPA Level 4 Diploma in Performing Arts Teaching (QCF), MSc Psychology

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


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Childcare Vouchers

We accept Childcare Vouchers and Tax Free Childcare for term time and holiday classes (excluding Mini Stages). If you wish to enrol using vouchers please complete the online application up to the point of payment and then email [email protected] with your child’s name and the name of your voucher provider.

Holiday Workshops 2024

We are delighted to announce that we will be running FOUR 'Put on a Show in a Week' workshops in 2024 - one at Easter and three in the Summer Holidays, including a production of 'Sister Act Jr' for those aged 10 - 18! Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment! We accept childcare vouchers and tax free childcare for all workshops!

Weekly Classes

Mini Stages (for ages 2-4 yrs)

Mini Stages
Stagecoach Mini Stages (for 2 -4 year olds) 45 Minute Classes are a fun and exciting way for you and your child to actively experience the performing arts in a comfortable, relaxed and safe environment.

Early Stages (for ages 4-6 yrs)

Stagecoach Early Stages
Early Stages classes run alongside the main Stagecoach schools, where young people learn skills in each of the three Musical Theatre disciplines of singing, dancing & drama, so it is an easy step when it is time to transfer to the next stage.

(90 minutes each week)

Main Stages (for ages 6-18 yrs)

Stagecoach Main Stages
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 & drama. 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!

(3 hrs each week)

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

Themed Children's Parties

Birthdays & Celebrations

We understand that with the increasing demands on parents, juggling the pressures of work and family life, time is of the essence. Therefore Stagecoach Parties provide a way to remove the stress from what should be a day of celebration for everyone and allow you to sit back, relax and let us do all the work! Whether they want to be fairies, pirates or detectives, there is a Stagecoach Party for everyone!

Meet The Team

Principal - Laura Sommerville - BA (Hons) Acting, ADPA Level 4 Diploma in Performing Arts Teaching (QCF), MSc Psychology

Laura celebrated her 10 year anniversary as Principal of Stagecoach Saffron Walden in December last year. She loves sharing her love for the performing arts with her students, helping them to develop vital skills for life, as well as skills in singing, dancing and acting!
            Laura was born and brought up in Kilmarnock in the West of Scotland. At the age of eighteen Laura moved to London to study acting at the Italia Conti Academy on the BA(Hons) Acting Course. Laura graduated in July 2010 and went on to play the leading role of Mina in the UK National Tour of Liz Lochhead's 'Dracula' where she was also the company stage manager. Laura has played many leading roles in independent films and took part in Theatre Uncut 2011, playing the role of Lisa in 'Open Heart Surgery'. Laura also has a strong background in children's theatre, having played Jill in 'Jack and the Beanstalk', a pantomime UK tour of primary schools, and having spent a summer as a Haven FunStar!
            Laura is an experienced teacher having taught Mini Stages, Early Stages, Drama and Further Stages, as well as preparing students for LAMDA and PAA Exams. Laura graduated in December 2023 with a MSc in Psychology with Distinction, where she researched the impact of drama participation on young people’s mental health and emotion regulation. Laura is a Paediatric and Mental Health First Aider, and has experience volunteering with the mental health charity SHOUT. She is very passionate about the power of the performing arts to support well being. She is currently applying for PhD funding to take her research further!
 

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