Welsh matters at leading Carmarthen theatre arts school

Carmarthen’s leading theatre arts school is continuing with its successful Welsh language classes.
Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen launched new bilingual classes for ‘early years’ pupils at the school on St David’s Day.
“We wondered what the reaction would be,” said Stagecoach Carmarthen principal Liane Davies.
“But we have been delighted with the response. The classes are a big hit and we are continuing them this term (the new term started recently).
“We have plenty of resources as I am a fluent Welsh speaker, along with two of my early stages staff.
“We were keen to test the opinion of our students and their mums and dads. Everyone seems very keen on the idea, so we are continuing to have a bilingual class for one of the early years classes for four to six-year-olds.
“I am a passionate supporter of the Welsh language and think that everyone deserves the best possible start in life by being bilingual.
“I’m very hopeful that Stagecoach, as a national organisation, will be considering whether it wants to roll out the idea across Wales eventually. For now, though, we are in the vanguard helping to increase the use of Welsh.
“Dance, drama and singing is all very much based around self-confidence and many of the pupils that come to us at a young age have that confidence in the Welsh language from using it at home or at nursery schools.
“The skills they will be taught at the school will be just the same, but for those who want it we will now be able to do so through the medium of Welsh. We will, of course, also be continuing to hold a specifically English language early years class.
“Thinking long-term, there are great opportunities out there in the arts and the media in Wales. Helping our pupils get the opportunity to read a script in Welsh, to work in Welsh TV and theatre is one of our key aims.”
Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen has its base at the Model Church in Wales School.
The school opened in May 2009 and became an instant success. The school now attracts students from the three counties of Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.
In recent years, Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen has staged the musicals Billy Elliot, Oliver and Annie.
Liane added: “Our aim is always to nurture and develop four to 18-year-olds to fulfil their potential through dance, drama and singing.
“It’s not all about treading the boards on stage. Early stages classes focus on allowing the children to express themselves, while at the same time building up confidence, poise and self-esteem. Above all, we make sure the experience is fun! The children love it.”
If you want to find out more about Stagecoach Carmarthen, contact Principal Liane Davies, phone: 0845 604 1422. Email - carmarthen@stagecoach.co.uk.
Website - http://www.stagecoach.co.uk/carmarthen 

The Welsh costume image is of Sam Bolton, a student at Stagecoach Theatre Arts Carmarthen.