About StageCoach
Since 1997, StageCoach has been providing dance, acting and singing classes to young people all over the twin cities.
Did you know?
Young People who participate in the arts for at least three hours each week through at least three full years are:
- 4
times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement
- 3 times more likely to be elected to
class office within their schools
- 3 times more likely to win an award for
school attendance
- 4 times more likely to win an award for
writing an essay or poem
Did you know...
In the Beginning:
StageCoach started in the UK in 1987 and quickly grew into the largest network of part-time theatre schools in the world. In 1997, Simon McAllister, US Founder and Senior Principal, started the first school in North America right here in Minnesota. At first StageCoach classes were only held on the weekends; however in 1998 Simon started the StageCoach Camps program.
The Growing Years:
From 1997 to the present, StageCoach Schools spread to various venues across MN. As well as our continuing weekend schools we held camps and classes from Rochester to St. Cloud and had students travel from Mexico and Hong Kong (as well as Duluth and Mankato) to participate in our camps. Currently, in Minnesota, there are two weekend schools - one in St. Louis Park and one in St. Paul - and four camp locations: Edina, Minnetonka, St. Louis Park; St. Paul. Also, we have added schools in Chicago, New York, New Jersey, Pensylvania, Oregon and Vancouver, Canada.
Where we're going:
StageCoach continues to grow and evolve every year. Every year we we see returning students get a little older, we see younger siblings just starting, and we continue to grow our relationship with the familes and children who keep coming back year after year.
The StageCoach Team
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Liz McAllister, MAED, BFA
Liz is the Principal at the StageCoach schools in St. Paul. She has her Masters in Education from the College of St. Catherine's and a BFA in Acting from the conservatory training program at S.U.N.Y. at Purchase in New York. Liz was the drama instructor for City Academy, the nation's first charter school and has taught theatre in schools across Minnesota and Wisconsin. Currently, Liz is the theatre teacher at Minnetonka Middle School East. Her acting credits include shows at the Ordway Theatre, Illusion Theatre, The Fringe Festival, and The Playwrights Center. Her New York acting credits include work for the stage and television. She is married to Simon McAllister the StageCoach US founder and the very proud mother of Charlie and Liam (he's the cute little guy in the wings). |
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Simon McAllister, DDA (R.S.A.M.D.)
Simon McAllister is the founder of the StageCoach US schools network. He graduated from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama with a Diploma in Dramatic Art. He worked as an actor, director and teacher in Glasgow,Scotland, and after graduating moved to London, England,where he continued a successful career as an actor and talent agent. Simon moved to Minneapolis in 1995 and started StageCoach Minnesota in September of 1997. Currently, Simon teaches theatre, audio/visual communicatiion and music at Groves Academy in St. Louis Park. He is married to StageCoach St. Paul Principal, Liz McAllister, and is the proud father of two active StageCoach students, Charlie and Liam.
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