Stagecoach Urmston

Welcome to Stagecoach Urmston, where we provide quality part-time training in the arts for children aged 4-18 years. Our aim is to nurture and develop young potential through singing, acting and dancing classes in south Manchester. No experience necessary, we cater to each individual child's needs, and you can trial the classes for two weeks before committing to a full term.

WE ALSO PROVIDE:

- PERFORMING ARTS Exams which provide your child with valuable QFQUAL registered education credits and UCAS points to enhance their school careers
- Annual theatre productions 
- Perform and work with West End professionals and jobbing performers 
- Top west end, TV and film casting director workshops
- Performance trips to Disneyland Paris!
- Approved Duke of Edinburgh Award Skills Assesor- Do your DoE with us!

You can be sure of a warm welcome at STAGECOACH URMSTON 

Open every weekend during term time and workshops during the school holidays. Come and join the fun!


Principal Cathy Birkett

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


Noticeboard

Tax free childcare

Did you know at Urmston Stagecoach parents can pay for their tuition fees using tax free childcare and childcare voucher payments? Urmston Stagecoach are OFSTED registered, and committed to supporting parents in our local area with childcare costs for their weekly sessions and holiday workshops throughout the school year.

NEA Musical Theatre Exams

Summer 26 term saw all of our Urmston Stagecoach Students taking part in the New Era Performing Arts Exams again. We are very proud to reveal every group received a DISTINCTION - the highest grade. Congratulations to our students for their well deserved top marks!

Winter Showcase

Winter Term 2026 sees the return of our Main School Annual Showcase! Our students will perform in a professional theatre, complete with professional lighting, microphones, and an incredible stage. We cannot wait to watch them wow on stage once again!

Performance Opportunities

We have some exciting upcoming performances opportunities in 2026! Urmston Stagecoach students will be performing at the Manchester Palace Theatre, The Lowry Theatre and Crewe Lyceum Theatre! We’re so excited to have these opportunities to perform at these events.

LAMDA

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

Manchester Palace Theatre

Spring 2026 saw our Stagecoach Urmston students perform in front of a sold out audience at the impressive Manchester Palace Theatre! They performed two performance pieces, and wowed the audience with their energy and professionalism. Everyone had a fabulous time!

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 - 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.
 

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