For young people, the world can be daunting. In a world where we are all trying to rebuild and return to “normal”, parents are seeking ways to support their children’s academic, social and emotional development through methods outside of the classroom.
As demand increases for quality services that provide young people with community-based, safe and inclusive avenues to develop, franchises focusing on children’s development are more vital than ever. Such sentiments make now the best time to invest in a performing arts franchise.
By investing in a performing arts franchise, you join a global network committed to one cause and build a business with the potential for growth while simultaneously providing children in your community a place to be themselves and learn lifelong skills.
Here, Andy Knights, CEO of Stagecoach Performing Arts, highlights the positive outcomes of investing in this resilient sector for young people and professionals alike.
Community
The performing arts create inclusive communities that empower children to embrace their true selves. These programmes provide young people with opportunities to explore their creativity, develop skills and build confidence. Through performing arts education, young individuals gain a sense of belonging and form meaningful relationships with peers. The arts become a common language through which they can express themselves and connect with others.
In Canada, Stagecoach Halifax’s students and teachers are inspired by the power and strength of the sense of community that it creates. “We are all facing challenges every day and Stagecoach Halifax’s students know that encouragement from their teachers, friends and loved ones is a powerful motivation to keep them going, especially through difficult times. Like the lead character in their performance, when they find their courage and embrace what they are destined to do, they will fulfil their greatest potential!” said Principal Kristi Wenaus.
Contributing to the cultural fabric and identity of a community, the performing arts foster a sense of togetherness. Providing young people an outlet to showcase their talents and celebrate their achievements, the arts create a sense of place and strengthen community bonds. The relationship between performing arts schools and the community is significant for both the students and the overall success of the school.
Performing arts schools provide a structured environment where young individuals can receive specialised training in artistic disciplines from theatre to music and dance. Our schools offer a comprehensive curriculum and expert instruction, enabling students to develop their artistic skills to their full potential. By nurturing talent, performing arts schools contribute to the growth and vibrancy of the local arts community. Through their unique offering, they cultivate creativity, critical thinking, discipline, teamwork, and self-expression in students. These skills go beyond the arts and are transferable to various aspects of life, contributing to the personal and educational development of young individuals.
The evolution of the arts
The performing arts sector is evolving to adapt to technological advancements and societal shifts, while also striving for inclusivity, social impact, and sustainability. At Stagecoach Performing Arts, our schools are actively working towards creating a more inclusive and diverse environment. They are promoting representation and equitable opportunities for students and teachers from different cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, genders and aptitudes. Our practices and processes foster inclusivity and celebrate diverse perspectives, as we seek to provide a more holistic and contemporary education to our students. Ultimately, we aim to prepare students for a dynamic and evolving performing arts landscape and empower them with the skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen endeavours.
Actively engaging with their local communities, our schools seek to bring the arts to underserved populations and foster community involvement. Schools are partnering with local organisations, schools and community centres to expand access to performing arts education.
Amanda Mariani, Principal at Stagecoach Westmount-NDG, emphasises the importance of the performing arts in sparking connections and building trusted relationships to help support those in her local community. “I have lived in Montreal all my life, and being able to learn about the people who make my home such an inspiring place is such a privilege,” said Amanda. “Stagecoach Westmount-NDG is an important part of the community, bringing opportunities to experience performing arts. Giving back to the community is so important to me.”
Amanda’s sentiment regarding the importance of arts and culture is widely shared among the Canadian community, with 94% of Canadians believing that arts and culture greatly enhance the quality of life in their communities1. This overwhelming support underpins the significant role that arts and culture play in shaping vibrant and thriving communities across the country. Data also shows that Canadians who rate the arts, culture and leisure offerings in their community as ‘excellent’ are nearly three times more likely to report a ‘very strong’ sense of belonging to their city or town2. This statistic highlights the powerful connection between access to artistic and cultural experiences and the sense of belonging and pride that individuals feel for their local community. It emphasises the transformative impact the arts can have on people’s wellbeing and their relationship with their surroundings.
By investing in the performing arts sector, you join a global network committed to supporting children’s development and building businesses with growth potential. At Stagecoach Performing Arts, we emphasise the positive outcomes that investing in this resilient sector brings, both for young people and professionals. The performing arts sector continues to thrive and provide invaluable opportunities for children to explore their passions, develop skills, and flourish within their communities.
1 Arts and Heritage Access and Availability Survey
2 Community Foundations of Canada and CAPACOA, Vital Signs: Arts and Belonging
Andy Knights is CEO of global children’s performing arts franchise Stagecoach Performing Arts – a role he has held since 2014. He has over 20 years’ experience working in the franchising industry. For more information about franchise opportunities with Stagecoach, visit www.stagecoachfranchise.com