Trafalgar Education: build a fulfilling, flexible career through franchising

Stagecoach Performing Arts was founded by Stephanie Manuel and David Sprigg in 1988 and became a franchise six years later. Four years after that, in 1998, the company set up its first international operation in Malta. It became part of Trafalgar Entertainment in 2018 and now has more than 700 schools in nine different countries.

“Back in 1988, Stephanie was exhausting herself by taking her kids to different schools for acting, dancing and singing lessons,” explains Stead. “She realised it made more sense if she could drop her children off in one place, so she set up Stagecoach.”

“Her idea remains Stagecoach’s core product,” Stead continues. “Three classes for three age groups run simultaneously, rotating over three hours. Everyone gets 55 minutes of acting, 55 minutes of dancing and 55 minutes of singing.”

Drama Kids has a slightly different focus. Founded in 1979 by Australian actor and educator Helen O’Grady, it expanded internationally in 1989, arrived in the UK in 1994 and was acquired by Trafalgar Entertainment in 2021. First known as the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, it rebranded to become Drama Kids in the UK in 2023, although it is still known by its original name internationally.

“Helen saw that drama could help children not just perform, but grow in confidence, communication and creativity,” Stead explains. “She developed a curriculum that does exactly that, and it is now delivered by Drama Kids across the UK.”

“Drama Kids is about using drama as a tool to provide children with the skills they need to succeed in life, whatever they choose to do.”

Stagecoach and Drama Kids operate different models – Stagecoach franchisees often take a managerial role, while Drama Kids franchisees typically teach themselves – but both sit under Trafalgar Education and offer similar benefits.

‘With franchising, you are not on your own. We’ve got your back’ – Lisa Stead

According to Stead, there are two key reasons why performing arts professionals might find fulfilment through franchising. First, the freedom and flexibility. “Everyone’s life is different, and owning a franchise accommodates that,” Stead says. “You can shape a franchise so that it works for you. You can run your own business and also make sure that you have time to pick the kids up from school, or go to an audition, or take on a job in theatre or film.”

Secondly, owning and operating either a Stagecoach Performing Arts or a Drama Kids franchise might be more professionally satisfying for performing arts professionals than alternative employment. “Everyone outgrows their role at some point,” Stead says. “This is one that is not only related to what you do, but it also involves giving something back to society by making a fundamental difference to children’s lives.”

And, Stead adds, if you are interested in setting up a performing arts school, it makes sense to do so with Trafalgar Education. That way, you have access to all the training, tools, advice and encouragement you need. 

“We are there for our franchisees throughout the entire process,” says Stead. “We can give them as much or as little support as they need. As well as assisting with the teaching side of things, we can help with HR, with employment, with insurance, with accountancy, with tax, with websites, with marketing, and more.”

“We have a huge network of franchisees around the world, too, who are always happy to help,” Stead continues. “If you come across an issue and you are not sure what to do, there is always someone on the end of the phone who has dealt with it before. With franchising, you are not on your own. We’ve got your back.”

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So, how does franchising with Trafalgar Education work? The process is similar for both Stagecoach Performing Arts and Drama Kids. It begins with a conversation, in which both parties can figure out if they are a good fit. 

“You don’t need to have experience as a performer or a teacher,” Stead says. “You might have worked backstage. You might have worked in the office. You might have done something else altogether. Some people might be more suited to Stagecoach, some to Drama Kids. We can work that out.”

Then, Trafalgar Education begins working with a potential franchisee on a plan for their performing arts school. “We go through everything,” Stead says. “How much capital do you have? Do you need funding? How much time do you have? Do you have a location in mind? Does that location work for us?”

“We give everybody an exclusive territory, so they are never competing against another franchisee,” she adds. “Our franchisees often see great financial successes through resales, so if the territory you’d like is not currently available, be sure to check our resale list. If it’s not on there, then we can put you on a waiting list.”

‘Setting up a franchise is hard work. But it is also incredibly rewarding’ – Lisa Stead

With Trafalgar Education, there is even the opportunity to set up a franchise abroad. “We have franchises all over the world, from Australia to India,” Stead says. “Setting one up overseas is obviously a big commitment, but we can help with that.”

Once the business plan is agreed and the contracts signed, Trafalgar Education takes franchisees through a thorough training programme and then supports them through their franchise’s launch and beyond. 

“I’m not going to sugar-coat it,” says Stead. “Setting up a franchise is hard work. But it is also incredibly rewarding.”

Anyone who thinks franchising with Trafalgar Education might be for them can find more information via the company’s website – and via its exciting new podcast. 

“It’s called Performing in Life and it will be available in all the usual places,” says Stead. “It will feature inspiring conversations with people from across the entertainment industry about the performance skills they have used to succeed in life. I can’t tell you more about it now, but we have some brilliant guests lined up.”

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Explore a career in creative education with Stagecoach or Drama Kids. Learn more at stagecoachfranchise.com and franchisingdramakids.com