Stagecoach Performing Arts are in rehearsals for China West Midlands 2020 following a successful preview of their work at the Chinese Community Centre in Birmingham. 

  A specially invited audience of over 100 people were showcased to the work in progress by 26 students from Stagecoach Performing Arts who sang, danced and performed material from their forthcoming musical theatre for China West Midlands 2020.  

"Stagecoach has grown to become the UK`s largest network of part-time performing arts schools for children" said Joy Thomas, Principle of Stagecoach Performing Arts in Sutton Coldfield and Coventry. 

"Founded in 1988, over the years we have seen more than one million students unlock their potential, which is something they will value for their whole life".

  China West Midlands 2020 promotes deeper understanding, greater collaboration and mutual prosperity between the West Midlands and China.    Corporate sponsors and partners include the Birmingham Hippodrome, Black Country Radio, Birmingham City Council, the Arts Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority.

  The aims of China West Midlands 2020 is to strengthen connections in business, education, culture, arts and sports for deeper understanding, greater collaboration and mutual prosperity between the West Midlands and China. 

    "Stagecoach students have the opportunity to shine and demonstrate their performance skills at a variety of events in the UK and overseas" explained Joy Thomas. 

"On 15th June we are performing at the Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham to raise money for our charity this year which is Cancer Research UK.  Our students have showcased their talents on the West End stage at Her Majesty`s Theatre in London as well as regional theatres across the UK".

  The students at Stagecoach are rehearsing the first play in a trilogy for China West Midlands 2020 called "Home" starting with a story based on the sacrifices of the Chinese Labour Corps during the First World war and continuing with a second story around the 1940s/50s with the third story set in contemporary Britain. 

The trilogy explores ideas of family, sacrifice, place and time from Chinese and British perspectives in the socio-economic context of 3 significant periods from recent history.   The students at Stagecoach have the personal support of Andy Street CBE, Mayor of the West Midlands. 

"It`s fantastic", said Andy Street, "that students from Stagecoach Performing Arts in Sutton Coldfield are exploring the theme of home for China West Midlands 2020. For many people in the West Midlands home is 2 places - where one was born and grew up and where they are living and working now.  I am committed to making every community feel at home in the West Midlands and projects like these really do help in bridging the gap between different continents and cultures".  

Joy Thomas believes that acting harnesses many of the core social and mental skills that build self-esteem, an important element when going through school and life.  By acting in performances, students have the opportunity to learn together and shine as individuals.  

  "We provide a thriving, nurturing, supportive and inspirational environment for learning" said Joy Thomas.   

"Together, we make a difference to our student`s lives.  Parents know that their children are in safe hands because we adhere to the strictest child safety policies".

  Stagecoach Performing Arts are based at the Bakehouse Studios on the High Street in Sutton Coldfield. 

For more information please go to: www.stagecoach.co.uk.suttoncoldfield.