After 14 months in lockdown parents are rushing to rebuild children’s confidence. Let’s look at the data.
- Performing Arts proven to help young people develop skills for life, including problem-solving, public speaking and empathy
- New student enrolments up by 40% compared to the previous in-venue Summer term, with enquiries increasing by 21% compared to pre-lockdown
The attraction revolves around Performing arts’ powerful impact on improving children’s mental health. In addition there is the need for social interaction, a creative outlet and a happy and positive environment where children can be themselves and make friends. All this comes together to rebuild children’s confidence.
Young people’s participation in the arts provides ideal ways for them to alleviate their physical and mental stresses. They need to do this in an environment where their social, emotional and psychological needs are met . Working together brings a sense of purpose and ownership to their lives and work.
Each of the schools has been working hard to create a healthy and safe environment for teachers and students to return to. Over the past 14 months of lockdown. This was key in keeping students active, connected, and building Creative Courage for Life from their living rooms. 97% of Stagecoach venues will physically re-open for the Summer Term 2021.
Parent views
Kitty, 11, a singing, dancing and acting student at Stagecoach Walton, said:
“I’m excited for the classes to come back because it’s a lot easier to be rehearsing and performing in the school instead of my living room. I’m really looking forward to seeing my friends again. I can’t wait to have more space to dance, act and sing, and to get back on the stage.
Being on stage is one of my favourite things about the performing arts. I love seeing my friends in person, rehearsing with them. We work as a team on our shows. Now i will be on the main stage alongside them.”
Greg, Kitty’s father, said:
“Lockdown has been really tough for kids, and so to have a creative outlet, even on the screen, was so valuable to students and parents.
After so many months of being inside, we’re so looking forward to seeing Kitty back on the stage. Stagecoach is a great part of her life and rebuilds her confidence. We will continue to keep her attending as long as she wants to.”
Zach Mobley, principal at Stagecoach Loughton, said:
“It is a huge relief to be able to welcome everyone back into our school after a long time. We have been busy planning some fantastic activities for our students, and ensuring that our school is a healthy, safe place to return to.
Why Performing Arts?
Performing arts play an important part in building creative expression, and improving children’s health and wellbeing. For Stagecoach we provide a safe, fun and exciting environment for our students so that they can thrive and enjoy the positive benefits that come with the performing arts. Being in the program builds children’s confidence especially after being cooped up in lockdown.
Health and Safety guidelines are put firmly in place to ensure schools remain COVID-secure. With a full and thorough risk assessment, we have to be sure we have everything in place to keep students and teachers safe during the pandemic.
Stagecoach is the UK’s largest network of performing arts schools, with more than 2,000 extra-curricular performing arts schools worldwide. Stagecoach aims to make a difference in its students’ lives by teaching Creative Courage for Life, with many students going on to be professionals and world-renowned actors, singers and dancers. Early Stages classes are available for children aged four to six and Main Stages classes take place for six to 18-year-olds every weekend.