What’s the Difference Between Theatretrain Hitchin, Letchworth and Stevenage and Stagecoach?

If you’re looking into performing arts classes for your child, you’ve probably come across both Theatretrain and Stagecoach. But how do they compare and how do you know which one is right for your child? 

As someone who’s spent nearly 20 years in this industry, I’ve been asked this question more times than I can count. Both are well-known names offering classes in singing, dancing, and acting. But while they share some similarities, they offer very different experiences.

So let’s take an honest look at both.

What do Theatretrain and Stagecoach have in common?

Let’s start with the basics. Both Theatretrain and Stagecoach:

• Offer weekly training in singing, dancing, and acting

• Cater to a wide age range (from around 4–18 years old)

• Work through a national franchise model

• Aim to build confidence, creativity, and communication skills

• Are led by trained teachers in a safe and supportive environment

So far, so similar. But it’s how those things are delivered that sets them apart.

Theatretrain: A Theatre Company for Young People

Theatretrain was founded by theatre director Kevin Dowsett in 1992, with a mission to bring the real-world experience of making theatre into the classroom.

Here’s what makes Theatretrain different:

• Ensemble focus – Every child is part of the story. There are no “stars at the front”- we work as a team.

• Interconnected teaching – Singing, dancing, and acting aren’t taught in isolation. They often link together to create something theatrical.

• Live performance emphasis – Our students perform in large-scale productions at professional venues like the Royal Albert Hall and West End theatres.

• Creative-led training – It’s not about exams or rigid progression. It’s about working like a theatre company, creating, rehearsing, and performing.

The result? Children learn how to collaborate, contribute ideas, and understand the bigger picture of putting on a show—not just how to stand and deliver a line.

Stagecoach: A Structured Curriculum with a Life Skills Focus

Stagecoach has been around since 1988 and has grown into a huge international network. Their slogan is “Creative Courage For Life®”, which sums up their focus pretty well.

What Stagecoach offers:

• Structured curriculum – Students follow a development framework tailored to their age and ability.

• Life skills through performance – Confidence, resilience, and communication are key outcomes.

• Consistent delivery – Lessons follow a tried-and-tested format, with progress markers built in.

• Optional performance opportunities – Many schools do showcases or local performances. Some may also take part in national events.

Stagecoach tends to focus more on personal growth through the arts rather than on ensemble-led theatre-making.

Side-by-side comparison

So, which one is right for your child?

There’s no single right answer, every child is different.

Theatretrain might be a better fit if your child:

• Loves performing as part of a team

• Thrives in a creative, less rigid environment

• Wants to experience the buzz of real, large-scale productions

Stagecoach might suit your child if they:

• Prefer a structured class with clear steps

• Are working on personal confidence or social skills

• Like the idea of steady progress over time

At the end of the day, the best choice is the one that feels right for your child. The environment where they feel safe, supported, and excited to walk through the door each week.

Want to try a Theatretrain session?

We always offer the chance to come along and try it out for yourself. No pressure. Just a friendly, supportive space to explore the performing arts and see what it’s like to be part of our world.

Whether your child is bursting with energy or a little on the shy side, we’d love to welcome them.