Business & Tech
Stagecoach Park Ridge Nurtures Children's Growth
Amanda Banden and her husband have traveled all over the country teaching kids how to perform on stage. See how the duo opened Stagecoach in Park Ridge.
For some, performing on stage can be a terrifying thing. For others (think Jane Krakowski, from 30 Rock) it comes naturally.
Owner of Stagecoach in Park Ridge, Amanda Banden, said teaching children how to perform on stage makes them a well-rounded person.
"So many of our students have been with us for a great time," she said. "They get to play and perform and some of them have really blossomed over the years. They've made a lot of friends. It's amazing to see the growth, how they mature and how performing boasts their confidence."
Find out what's happening in Park Ridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Banden has been operating Stagecoach, 100 S. Western Ave., with her husband since 2010. She said she met her husband while working for a children's theatre group that toured the country.
"We met at work," Banden said. "We coached kids, it was really wonderful."
Find out what's happening in Park Ridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The 34-year-old Michigan native added that both her and her husband decided to open Stagecoach after speaking to parents in the Park Ridge community.
"Parents encouraged us to come [to Park Ridge] and we started to explore and talk to other families," she said. "Park Ridge is a great family community - the people have a lot invested here.
"We also both know the teaching aspect, we were working as actors and teachers before opening Stagecoach," she added.
So, what is Stagecoach?
Banden and her husband provide training in singing, dance and drama. Stagecoach is part on an international network of schools that started out in London and eventually made its way to the United States in 2008.
There's classes for children 4 to 6 and as well as for teens, Banden said.
"The strongest thing I can say about teaching kids the arts is giving them confidence," she said. "It teaches them to be better communicators, it helps make them well rounded individuals."
Banden added that Stagecoach's next performance will be a presentation of Peter Pan on May 11.
"It's going to be a lot of fun," she said. "And summer classes are around the corner, too. So, yes, it's going to be exciting."
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.