Stagecoach Stafford and Stone

Welcome to Stagecoach Stafford and Stone! Our classes run on a Saturday and are open to young people from ages 4-18. We have a fantastic team of highly qualified and specialist staff, who love what they do, and who are passionate about offering a quality performing arts education to all children who come through our doors. We embody the Stagecoach motto ‘Creative Courage for Life’ by fostering a supportive and happy environment in which our children feel safe to learn new skills, challenge themselves and allow their imaginations to flourish - building their confidence at every turn!


We offer Performing Arts Exams

Principal Jess Smith - BA (Hons) Drama, PGCE (Drama)

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


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Glee Club & Dance Troupes

At Stagecoach Stafford we run a Glee Club and two Dance Troupes for our super keen students, which take place every Saturday from 1 pm to 1.45 pm. These extra classes provide in-depth training and rehearsal time for external events across the country. If you are a Stagecoach student you can join these additional sessions for just £1.60 per week!

Childcare Vouchers

We now accept childcare vouchers at Stagecoach Stafford and Stone. So, if you are thinking of signing your child up for a two week trial with us - that's six hours of performing arts to test the water - taking advantage of our wonderful and educational holiday workshops or you just know Stagecoach is for your child, you're sure to be in safe hands.

LAMDA coaching

We offer our students the chance to work towards LAMDA exams with our specialist LAMDA coach, Ellen. Working alongside our regular classes students are able to receive one to one coaching towards these prestige exams which can also earn students UCAS (Universtity and Colleges Admissions Service) points for applications to higher education.

Weekly Classes

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.

Meet The Team

Principal - Jess Smith - BA (Hons) Drama, PGCE (Drama)

Jess has dedicated her career to working with young people in the Performing Arts, bringing extensive experience in both education and theatre direction. Since 2004, she has served as Head of Drama and Drama Teacher at a large secondary school, where she has directed numerous full-scale plays and musicals, working with students aged 11–18 across a range of abilities. She also teaches GCSE and A-Level Drama and serves as a GCSE Examiner for a major exam board, assessing the Acting modules of the course.
A graduate of the University of Cumbria with a degree in Drama, Jess has continued her professional development with further training in acting, directing, and singing. She is passionate about lifelong learning and constantly seeks opportunities to refine and expand her expertise.
In addition to her work in education, Jess has directed and performed with numerous theatre groups across the Midlands, with credits at The Arena Theatre (Wolverhampton), The Old Joint Stock (Birmingham), and The Gatehouse Theatre (Stafford). She has also contributed as a Guest Director and Workshop Leader for a Saturday Performing Arts School, teaching acting skills to students aged 4–18 and supporting large-scale productions such as The Little Mermaid.
While Jess now primarily focuses on directing, with recent credits including Legally Blonde and 9 to 5 for Musical Theatre Stafford, she remains a passionate performer. Her lead roles include Kathy in The Last 5 Years, Suki in The Witches of Eastwick, Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd, and Claire in Made in Dagenham. Jess’s extensive performance background continues to inform and enrich her work as a director and educator.
Jess is also Director of a SEND charity, reflecting her deep commitment to inclusive education. She is particularly passionate about supporting children with additional needs, disabilities, and neurodiversity, ensuring that every young person has access to a safe, supportive, and inspiring learning environment.
Jess firmly believes that students learn best when they feel safe, valued, and engaged, and she strives to create an environment where creativity and confidence can thrive. She is thrilled to be the Principal of Stagecoach Stafford and Stone and looks forward to inspiring the next generation of performers.
 

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