Stagecoach Performing Arts, the global children’s performing arts franchise, continues to celebrate success across Canada, as new franchisees join the rapidly-expanding franchise network. Stagecoach is fast establishing itself as the performing arts school of choice for parents across the country. Now, ambitious entrepreneurs look to take the franchise to new heights, by opening schools in Vancouver’s North Shore, Nova Scotia and Hamilton.
A native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Kristi Wenaus, will launch her franchise in September. Together with her team, Kristi will be offering performing arts education to students aged 4-16, across the Halifax Regional Municipality, starting in Bedford. Her varied career includes almost a decade on stage with Princess Cruise Lines and roles in International Business Development for brands like Hilton and Marriott. These experiences have culminated in her dream of running her very own Stagecoach franchise.
“My experience as a professional performer combined with my background in marketing and business development is going to be very beneficial to my new business. I grew up in the theatre and credit my arts education as a child as part of the reason why I am the successful woman I am today. I’m keen to provide those same opportunities to children here in Halifax, giving them the chance to be their best selves through world class performing arts training, delivered by our exceptional teachers – our mantra ‘Creative Courage for Life’ is more than just words to us at Stagecoach.”
Kristi will be hosting a discovery day on September 14th, welcoming children to take part in a taster session and meet with the specialist teachers who will be delivering the programme. Stagecoach Performing Arts Halifax will then officially open its doors to students on Saturday, September 21st. Kristi, who has previously launched several successful businesses is excited to marry her passion for the theatre with her rich entrepreneurial spirit and looks forward to creating financial stability for her family through this endeavour.
“There is great potential for growth in the market, as we have a very arts-minded community here in Halifax and Bedford. Stagecoach is a completely new concept in my territory but, once parents understand what the Stagecoach experience is about and how we will help their children thrive in this challenging world, I know it will succeed. Our goal is to open 5 schools in 5 years and I’m confident we have the right team and programme in place to make that happen. Stagecoach is an investment in my family’s future – it’s an incredible lifestyle and the chance to work in an industry I’m passionate about. How many people can say they get to do what they love, every day?”
In line with this continued growth, Stagecoach welcomes the Guia family to the network – the mother-father-daughter team will launch Stagecoach Vancouver North Shore in September. With collective experience in establishing and mentoring musical groups, business management and working within the community, the family look to replicate the success of existing franchisees across Canada. Franchisees like Cadence Allen Crawley – Principal at Stagecoach Toronto East – who will expand her business to launch a second franchise, in Hamilton, in time for the new term in September.
Andrew Walters, Director of International Business Development at Stagecoach, welcomes the variety of experiences from both new and existing franchisees. He looks forward to supporting them in their mission to establish themselves as the performing arts opportunity of choice for parents across Canada.
“We’re proud to welcome these new franchisees to our Canadian network and very much look forward to seeing where they take their individual businesses. Our rapid growth across Canada is proof our programme resonates well with parents looking for extra-curricular performing arts opportunities for their children. We expect it to perform well in these new territories. Our projected growth continues to become reality as we’re speaking to talented and passionate entrepreneurs looking to start a profitable business in other parts of the country. Whilst many of our franchisees come with prior experience in the performing arts industry, this isn’t crucial. Provided you’re passionate about improving the lives of children and have the desire to develop a successful business of your own, you’ll enjoy the work and rewards of being a Stagecoach Principal.”