Stage Coach Theatre Arts School brought its year to an end with an original musical, Not Another Snow White Story.
It was a roaring success, said StageCoach principal, Kim Stordy.
The students, aged four to 16, deserve a pat on the back, said Stordy, who encouraged them to “breathe in and cherish their accomplishments.”
Students from all over the Fraser Valley staged their very first production on June 16, drawing more than 250 audience members to Langley Christian Elementary Campus for the original adaptation of the Grimm’s tale, Snow White.
It was written and produced by StageCoach drama teacher Shane Rochon, co-directed, choreographed and conducted by Miranda Guimond (singing teacher), Loryn LeGear (early stages teacher), Beverly Cheung (dance teacher), and Lauren Wade (early stages assistant).
Energy from the students prior to the performance was “bubbling on high heat,” Stordy said.
“What a delightful journey this year has been.”
StageCoach Theatre Arts School is largely about process, not just the end product, she said. adding that students made major strides to develop life and stage skills every Saturday throughout the year.
Students surprised themselves, she said.
“Applying effort, dedication, creativity and a positive attitude, one can overcome personal obstacles and challenges,” she said.
Seeing these students interact with each other has been “awesome,” she said.
StageCoach’s philosophy is to develop performing arts skills and an appreciation of musical theatre while building self-confidence, communication skills, and self-esteem.
It teaches elementary skills of singing, dance and drama in one venue.
Students exhibit a range of talent.
“Our primary concern is to harvest the potential of every student,” Stordy said, adding that having fun is important for students and teachers alike.
StageCoach was founded in the UK in 1988 and has set the model for hundreds of other part time theatre schools. Now, there are more than 700.
StageCoach opened their first school in Vancouver six years ago. Since then the Canadian campuses have expanded to 15 spread from Victoria to Montreal.
Parents are kept in touch with a student’s progress by way of individual written reports given out twice a year.
Medals were given out to some main school students. StageCoach not only rewards natural talent and ability, believing this to be a given gift, but rather acknowledges integrity, attitude, a willingness to learn, commitment and perseverance.
The students recognized for outstanding achievement were Liam Nimmo for Student of the Year; Joseph Browne — Spirit Award;
Jessie Pamplin —StageCoach scholarship; Miara Johnson — Drama; Katie Robarts — Dance, and Morgan Browne — Singing.
For more, visit stagecoachschools.ca/langley, facebook.com/stagecoachlangle, and facebook page @ www.facebook.com/stagecoachlangley.
StageCoach is hosting a summer camp/workshop from Aug. 20 to 24.