Stagecoach Performing Arts Colchester

It has been many years since I last attended Stagecoach in Colchester, however, I have so many fond memories of my time there and I hope to pop in soon to say 'hello'. As a child, although I loved performing, my confidence wasn't the best. I would hear my favourite songs being played when family and friends were about and I would refuse to get up and dance or sing despite my brain yelling at me to do so. I had a keen interest in performing arts from when I was about five-years-old. I didn't open my mouth to sing publicly until I was about twelve but I was still very nervous and shy.It was after this that I became a student of Stagecoach in Colchester. Within the first term, my confidence had grown enormously and I was far more comfortable to perform in front of an audience.Despite my initial worries that this would be just like regular school (being told off by grumpy staff, uninventive lessons and tendency to be bullied), Stagecoach was nothing like I could have ever imagined. It's a place that I had thought only existed in my dreams. And if I'm honest, I would still be their pupil if only they held classes for my age group...(25-30)!The Principal, Caroline, would never fail to greet you personally without a smile. She always walked with a spring in her step and her cheerful mood rubbed off on you, even if your stubborn teenage state of mind made every effort to resist. Caroline was a very helpful, polite and friendly individual that I never felt uncomfortable to be around or talk to (unlike other places of education that I have personally attended, where staff present themselves in a way that cause their students to cower and fear raising their hand to ask a question). I was delighted to speak with Caroline six months ago after so many years while inquiring about a LAMDA exam grade that I'd obtained through Stagecoach. I am so glad to hear that she is doing well and that she hasn't changed. :)The tutors were fun, friendly, understanding and offered endless support and encouragement which, along with their knowledge and experience could bring even the most timid of pupils out of their shell. Their endless creativity and humour are at the heart of every memory of my three years at Stagecoach. These qualities teamed with their innovative and well-structured classes made practical learning memorable and exciting.And last but, by no means, least: fellow pupils. As briefly mentioned before, I had expected to be bullied. This was something that I had experienced all the way through my school life and I was concerned that Stagecoach would prove to be no exception. Fourteen years later, I am still in contact with several friends that I made when I was fourteen. Never before had I been in such an environment with so many like-minded children. We learned together and shared countless ideas that inspired us to create, choreograph and perform to the highest of our ability. We supported and encouraged one another, just as our tutors were. Friendships were born from mutual respect and trust. No suggestion made was dismissed or deemed silly or weird. We understood the dynamics of a wildly unique idea and spark of passion of the person behind them. We welcomed them with open arms because we all had creative visions of our own. For me, there was nobody else that I could discuss them with outside of Stagecoach...unless I wished to be taunted or be given a confused look with a side order of awkward silence. Not once did I witness or experience any pupil being negative towards another in any way, shape or form. Stagecoach was my haven.Regardless of the years that have passed, I strongly doubt that very much has changed. Perhaps some new faces and of course an entirely different generation of pupils. I don't know how they might have improved because in my eyes, there was nothing to improve on!Attending Stagecoach, Colchester, was one of the best decisions of my life and every person mentioned within this review are those who helped form the strong foundations of the entertainer I am today. I can't thank you enough.