Stagecoach Shirley
Welcome to Stagecoach Shirley! Since 1997, we’ve offered part-time performing arts training for 4–18s in Shirley and the greater Croydon area. Our singing, dance, and drama classes help students grow in confidence, creativity, and communication. With regular shows, West End opportunities, and a legacy of students progressing to drama school and the stage, we’re proud to inspire the next generation. Come and be part of the Stagecoach story!
Wherever they are at, there’s a Stagecoach class that fits. Choose a class to start their journey.
Early Stages
(4 – 6 year-olds)
Early Stages classes give children the opportunity to make new friends and have fun exploring each of the three musical theatre disciplines of singing, dancing and drama, as well as learning key life skills along the way.
Early Stages
(4 – 6 year-olds)
Early Stages classes give children the opportunity to make new friends and have fun exploring each of the three musical theatre disciplines of singing, dancing and drama, as well as learning key life skills along the way.
Main Stages
(6 – 18 year-olds)
Main Stages classes are split in three age-appropriate groups, where children develop skills in the three musical theatre disciplines of singing, dancing and drama. These confidence-boosting classes see children build key life skills we call Creative Courage for Life®.
Main Stages
(6 – 18 year-olds)
Main Stages classes are split in three age-appropriate groups, where children develop skills in the three musical theatre disciplines of singing, dancing and drama. These confidence-boosting classes see children build key life skills we call Creative Courage for Life®.
Further Stages
(15+ year-olds)
Our Further Stages give older students the chance to extend their performance skills. Through in-depth training, 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.
Further Stages
(15+ year-olds)
Our Further Stages give older students the chance to extend their performance skills. Through in-depth training, 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.
Holiday Workshops
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“My daughter has been attending Stagecoach for the last 3 years and she loves it!”
Stagecoach Parent
Noticeboard
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Meet the team
Meet our Principal
Sophie is a mezzo-soprano and graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music and Theatre Nepean, Sydney. She has performed with English National Opera, Opera Australia, and Scottish Opera, including in the Olivier-nominated Paul Bunyan. A passionate educator, Sophie has taught with Stagecoach since 2011 and now leads Stagecoach Shirley, where she helps students build confidence, creativity, and their unique voice on and off the stage.
The Teachers
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Ellie Birch
Manager – Singing
Ellie holds a First-Class BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre from PPA and trained with… the National Youth Theatre. She has performed as a lead vocalist for TUI Cruises and as a guest singer for Louise Dearman at The Other Palace. A writer as well as a performer, her debut play featured at the 2022 Camden Fringe. With 8 years of teaching experience, Ellie is thrilled to bring her energy and creativity to the team at Stagecoach Shirley.
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Lizzie Bradnam
Early Stages
Lizzie holds a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre Performance and BTEC Level 3 and… 2 qualifications in Childcare. A Stagecoach Shirley alumna of 16 years, she has taught drama, dance, and singing across various Stagecoach schools. Lizzie recently graduated from Chichester Conservatoire and is excited to bring her training and energy to the Early Stages classes, helping young performers grow in confidence and creativity.
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Molly Clark
Drama, Dance – Sunday School;
Molly trained at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and has a strong background… in Musical Theatre and Acting. She has been teaching since 2017 and is passionate about sharing her love for the arts. After spending two years travelling the world, she’s excited to return to teaching and join the Stagecoach Shirley team. Molly brings fun, energy, and experience to every class, helping students grow in skill and confidence each week.
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Rosie O’Hare
Further stages
Rosie trained at Arts Educational School and has performed in The Sound of Music… (understudying Leisl), Peter Pan (Wendy), Mamma Mia and Cats (Cyprus), and Hairspray as Tracy Turnblad. From West Yorkshire, she grew up dancing and performing in festivals and amateur shows. Rosie also plays guitar and sings for the children’s charity Spread a Smile. She brings warmth, energy, and professional experience to every Stagecoach class.
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Paige Olivelle
Dance – Friday and Saturday schools
Paige trained in Musical Theatre and Dance at The Urdang in London and has… a huge passion for the performing arts. She loves teaching and inspiring the next generation of performers, bringing energy, encouragement, and creativity to every class. With a strong foundation in both dance and musical theatre, Paige is committed to helping students build confidence, develop their skills, and discover their love for the stage at Stagecoach.
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Sally Toynton
Drama
Sally holds a First-Class BA (Hons) in Theatre and Film from the University of… Bristol and a Foundation Acting Diploma from Rose Bruford. She’s a director, producer, and teacher with 10 years of experience working with young people. Her recent work includes leading a performing arts programme in the U.S., directing youth groups for West End appearances, and producing a New Writing festival. Sally is passionate about using drama to build confidence.
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Ema-Mae West
Further Stages
Ema-Mae began performing at age 5 and trained in dance, violin, and voice before… studying at the London School of Musical Theatre. Her credits include Calamity Jane (Mill Theatre), Oklahoma! (National Concert Hall Dublin), and soloist appearances at the O2 and for HRH Queen Elizabeth II. She is also a qualified children’s nurse. Ema-Mae brings rich performance experience and a nurturing presence to every Stagecoach class.
