Ay up! et bonjour! Yorkshire Stagecoach students shine at Disneyland Paris!

Earlier this month, specially selected students from Stagecoach Performing Arts Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield South East embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to perform at Disneyland Paris, taking part in the prestigious "Behind the Magic" programme, an exclusive opportunity available only to Stagecoach Performing Arts students.

Led by their incredibly proud Principal, Nick Plummer-Walsh, the group immersed themselves in a four-day experience designed to give young performers a genuine insight into the professional world of Disney. This was not simply a fun trip, but a deep dive into the artistry required to succeed in the global performing arts industry.

Throughout the programme, students took part in specialist workshops in singing, dance and acting, led by Disney professionals. Working collaboratively, they developed their skills, building towards a final performance piece which they proudly showcased on Sunday February 8 alongside the professional cast of Beauty and the Beast, these lucky students gained a first-hand insight into what it truly feels like to be a Disney Cast Member.

Principal Nick was so excited to be able to gift his students with this fun filled opportunity:

‘This authentic industry insight gave students the motivation to continue refining their craft. Of course, alongside the intensive training, students also embraced the magic of the parks, live shows and sharing unforgettable moments with friends, creating memories that will last a lifetime.’

For many of the youngsters involved, it was a transformative glimpse into their potential futures within the industry but what made the experience even more extraordinary was its exclusivity. The "Behind the Magic" backstage training programme is only available to Stagecoach Performing Arts students. No other performing arts school has access to this level of behind-the-scenes insight, professional training, and direct engagement with Disney's creative and casting teams.

This partnership is a testament to Stagecoach's global reputation for excellence in performing arts education. It reflects the calibre of training students receive weekly in Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield South West, training that opens doors to world-class opportunities.

One of the most exciting elements of the trip was the opportunity to take part in a mock audition with Disney's Casting Team, receiving invaluable, personalised feedback. Several students were even critiqued on their performance and given specific guidance to support their future development, an unforgettable confidence boost and a powerful motivator.

Principal Nick continues:

‘This incredible experience perfectly captures what Stagecoach Performing Arts Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield South East stands for: confidence-building, professional-level training, and opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. For students passionate about performing arts, this trip was more than magical, it was career-shaping. And crucially, it is an opportunity that is exclusively available to Stagecoach students. At Stagecoach, the magic doesn't just happen on stage, it begins in the classroom and leads all the way to places as extraordinary as Disneyland Paris!’

With a network of over 60,000 students and more than 3,000 extra-curricular Performing Arts Schools worldwide, Stagecoach aims to make a difference in its students’ lives by teaching Creative Courage for Life and many children have gone on to study and work in Performing Arts from blockbuster films to countless roles in local theatre productions.

For more information about Stagecoach Doncaster, Rotherham or Sheffield South East please email [email protected], visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/doncaster or call principal Nick Plummer-Walsh on 07401 193535.