Here, Lisa Stead, CEO of Stagecoach Performing Arts, shares her perspective on how that momentum is taking shape across Canada – and why the network is entering a new phase of growth.
Over the past 12 months, we’ve welcomed new schools and seen existing ones expand across Ajax and Pickering, Vaughan and Richmond Hill, Mississauga North and Ottawa West, alongside the opening of Calgary East. What’s particularly encouraging is how quickly those schools are establishing themselves once they open.
That ability to gain traction early is what signals a shift from steady growth to something more scalable. It creates confidence across the network and makes future expansion feel more predictable.
At the centre of that are our franchisees – people who bring both creative experience and a clear sense of direction to what they’re building.
Franchise ownership
Carling Connor, who recently launched Stagecoach Ottawa West, reflects that journey. With a background as a professional theatre performer – spanning UK tours, cruise ships and concert work – alongside teaching in both Canada and the UK, her move into franchise ownership developed naturally over time.
As Carling explained: “It was never a single moment – it just grew over time. Working within Stagecoach, you start to see what’s possible. I was inspired by other Principals who had taken that step and at the same time I was thinking about what I wanted next – both creatively and for my family.”
That kind of progression is increasingly common. As more schools open successfully, the pathway into ownership becomes clearer for those already within the network.
Crucially, that growth is being matched by strong engagement from local communities. As Carling put it: “There’s been such a positive response. Families really understand what Stagecoach offers and there’s a real sense that it’s something the area needed.”
Inside the classroom, that translates into an environment where students feel supported to develop. “For the children, it becomes a place where they can try things, build confidence and find their people,” Carling said. “There’s a real sense of belonging – that’s what stands out most. It’s like this huge, supportive space where they can just be themselves.”
Growth beyond the initial launch
With that foundation in place, attention quickly turns to growth beyond the initial launch. Carling is already focused on the next stage: “I’d love to see Stagecoach reach even more of the Ottawa area. You see how powerful the experience can be over time – students growing up with it, carrying that confidence with them and even coming back years later with their own children. That’s what I want to build here.”
That shift in mindset – from starting a school to scaling it – is being seen across the country. As Master Franchisee Kristi Wenaus explained: “We’re seeing real traction now. Not just in terms of new schools opening, but in how quickly they’re gaining momentum once they do. Communities are responding and franchisees are seeing the potential early on.”
For me, that reflects a network that has moved into a more established phase. Growth is no longer driven by individual openings alone, but by a model that is consistently delivering results.
As Kristi added: “What makes Stagecoach stand out is that it offers both purpose and structure. You’re building something that has a genuine impact on young people, while also creating a business that’s proven, scalable and sustainable. That combination is what continues to attract people who want to build something meaningful, but also something that can grow with them long term.”
And that’s exactly what we’re now seeing across Canada – a network moving forward with clarity, consistency and increasing pace.
