“To inspire and enrich young people through the performing arts. This is our vision,” states Edward Mercieca, senior principal at Stagecoach Theatre Arts School (Malta).

“It has been our vision since we opened our doors as the first private performing arts school in Malta back in 1998. So many children have come to us over the years. The life skills they have developed, no matter how long they stay with us, is quite astounding. I cannot recommend the performing arts to children more strongly, irrespective of their talent.”

The school welcomes all children who want to attend for three hours, once a week to “have a blast, meet new friends and try out new things which perhaps they do not doat school”.

The Stagecoach offices are busy preparing to open their doors for the 16th consecutive year. Stagecoach offers part-time training in musical theatre with lessons in the three disciplines: acting, singing and dancing. Students between the ages of six and 16 attend weekly, three-hour lessons, while students between the ages of four and six attend weekly for one-and-a-half hours.

The school’s centres around the island include Mosta, Pembroke, B’Kara, Mselliet, B’Bugia and Gozo.

It also offers classes for the over-16s, who meet once a week for three hours, but go through more specialised training, with more challenging coursework that prepares them for auditions for the FM Theatre Youth Theatre Programme once they turn 18.

At the end of October, Stagecoach is taking a group of students to perform at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London’s West End as part of a variety show it is producing.

For more information, call on 2141 9306 or 7944 5030.

www.stagecoach.com.mt