HUNDREDS of students from Stagecoach Theatre Schools across the South joined Stagecoach Farnham to perform in Elevate 2016.

Elevate, now in its third year, is a celebration of music, drama and dance at The Princes Hall Theatre in Aldershot.

All the students experienced the excitement, magic and atmosphere of performing on a professional stage, for many of them for the first time ever. All of them worked hard preparing meticulously for their performance on the night.

In the build up to the evening show everyone enjoyed a full day at the theatre with technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals and workshops.

These included a drama workshop with professional actress Rae Baker who has been a regular performer in theatres across the country including London’s West End - as well as appearing in many TV shows including M.I.High, One Foot in the Grave and Birds of a Feather.

As the excitement grew everyone was kept busy preparing costumes and stage make up ready for the big night.

Anyone can join Stagecoach, there are no auditions and Elevate is an opportunity for students to appear in a large theatre while raising money for two great causes.

Proceeds from Elevate 2016 go to local children’s hospice Shooting Star Chase and the Children’s Performing Arts Charity. The Children’s Performing Arts Charity provides disadvantaged children with real opportunities to develop valuable skills for life through drama, movement and music workshops.

Stagecoach is Britain’s biggest network of part-time theatre schools teaching Creative Courage for Life through performing arts training to anyone aged from four to 18 including beginners.

Stagecoach principal Emma Beet said: “Twenty students from Stagecoach Farnham performed a ‘Hairspray’ medley at the evening’s showcase and put on a wonderful show. I am so proud of all of my students and what they have achieved.

“We love taking part in Elevate, it is a wonderful opportunity and allows us to share our work while raising money for two very worthwhile causes.”