Stagecoach Performing Arts has announced a new exclusive partnership with Parkdean Resorts, the UK’s largest holiday park operator, creating exciting new opportunities to introduce performing arts to families across the country while supporting long-term franchise growth.
The collaboration will see Stagecoach deliver introductory drama, dance and singing workshops for children aged 2-18 at 19 Parkdean Resorts holiday parks throughout the UK. The initiative is expected to engage thousands of families annually, extending Stagecoach’s reach beyond its existing network and creating valuable opportunities for local schools to connect with new audiences.
Two dedicated programmes will be offered through the partnership: Stagecoach Mini Stages for children from the age of 2 and Musical Theatre with Stagecoach for children and young people aged 6-18. The 90-minute sessions will give participants the opportunity to develop new skills, build confidence and experience the enjoyment of performing arts while on holiday, culminating in a performance on stage. Every participant will receive a Stagecoach @ Parkdean Resorts T-shirt and certificate.
Stagecoach Mini Stages will also be included free of charge as part of Parkdean Resorts’ popular Tots Breaks programme, further increasing exposure to families with young children.
The partnership represents a significant strategic opportunity for the Stagecoach network. With Parkdean Resorts welcoming more than three million holidaymakers each year, the collaboration is expected to introduce many new families to the Stagecoach brand, helping drive awareness and potential student recruitment for local franchisees nationwide.
Chase Demmers, Head of Events and Partnerships at Stagecoach Performing Arts, said: “We’re very excited to be exploring this opportunity with Parkdean Resorts. Seeing how Parkdean has successfully incorporated other well-known brands into its entertainment offering gives us real confidence in this style of partnership. It presents a fantastic chance for many young people across the UK to take part in performing arts activities during their holiday, while also giving them a taste of Stagecoach should they choose to sign up at their local Stagecoach school after returning from their family break.
“Holidays are an ideal time for children and young people to try something new, and when this is combined with the Stagecoach ethos of creative courage for life and providing a safe, supportive space where young people can be themselves, it creates an exciting and accessible opportunity.”
Pete Stedman, National Head of On Park Experience at Parkdean Resorts, said: “Our partnership with Stagecoach Performing Arts represents a significant enhancement to the family entertainment offering across our parks.
“We know that high-quality, activity-led experiences are increasingly important to our guests, and Stagecoach’s reputation for delivering engaging, confidence-building sessions makes them an ideal partner. By introducing the Mini Stages and Musical Theatre across our portfolio, we’re strengthening the breadth and depth of our on-park programming and creating even more opportunities for children to learn new skills and enjoy memorable holiday experiences.”
Lisa Stead, CEO of Stagecoach Performing Arts, said: “This partnership demonstrates the strength of the Stagecoach brand and the growing opportunities available across our franchise network. By bringing Stagecoach into a completely new environment, we’re creating additional touchpoints for families to experience the confidence, creativity and sense of belonging that our schools provide every week.
“Importantly, it also helps strengthen awareness of Stagecoach within communities across the UK, supporting our franchisees while introducing many more children to the benefits of performing arts. We are always looking for innovative ways to expand our reach and inspire the next generation, and this partnership is a fantastic example of that ambition in action.”
The programme will be available on selected dates at the following Parkdean Resorts holiday parks:
- Camber Sands Holiday Park
- Carmarthen Bay Holiday Park
- Cayton Bay Holiday Park
- Cherry Tree Holiday Park
- Highfield Grange Holiday Park
- Kessingland Beach Holiday Park
- Landguard Holiday Park
- Lizard Point Holiday Park
- Naze Marine Holiday Park
- Newquay Holiday Park
- Sandford Holiday Park
- Sandy Bay Holiday Park
- Southerness Holiday Park
- Southview Holiday Park
- Torquay Holiday Park
- Trecco Bay Holiday Park
- Ty Mawr Holiday Park
- Warmwell Holiday Park
- Vauxhall Holiday Park
The partnership forms part of Stagecoach’s wider strategy to create new opportunities for children to engage with performing arts while supporting sustainable growth across its international franchise network.
For more information about franchise opportunities with Stagecoach Performing Arts, visit www.stagecoachfranchise.com.
