OUR STORY
In 2013, Sheila McVitty took over Didsbury Theatre School, an established performing arts school in Manchester with over 20 years of history. From the beginning, she poured everything into developing a business that delivered high-quality performing arts training, while always placing the wellbeing and development of children at its heart.
As the school grew, Sheila recognised a wider need to make performing arts accessible to more children. She also acknowledged the wealth of talent within the industry — highly skilled performers with the ability to inspire young people, building both confidence and technical ability. Over the years, a strong teaching collective flourished, creating a nurturing and professional culture where students, teachers, and performers were supported to learn, develop, and thrive together.
In 2024, The Children’s Theatre Group was established as an umbrella organisation designed to support students, teachers, and business owners. TCTG provides resources, guidance, and practical support to help teachers and performers set up their own schools, empowering them to put their talents to good use while helping children learn, grow, and have fun.
Behind the scenes, we are a group of kind, imaginative, and passionate individuals. By coming together, we can create a truly positive and supportive community. The aim is to keep teaching standards high and to spread the joy and benefits of the performing arts far and wide.
If you would like to get involved, we would love to hear from you.
Sheila & the team x
Sheila McVitty BA Hons, MBA
CEO
The Children's Theatre Group
"What did you do as a child that made the hours pass like minutes?
Herein lies the key to your earthly pursuits"
Carl Jung
WHAT WE DO
Over the last three decades, we have taught thousands of children to dance, act and sing in our classes, workshops and holiday camps. We have performed in prestigious theatres across the UK, including The Royal Albert Hall, Sadlers Wells and Her Majesty’s Theatre.
We teach ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, street dance, musical theatre, singing, acting and public speaking. All our classes are led by industry professionals, and we pride ourselves in our values of positivity, ambition, respect, kindness and diversity. We are always looking for students, teachers and potential business owners who share our vision and philosophy. You can enrol as a student, join our ever-expanding teaching collective, or own your own school with our unique business start up programme.
We are on a mission to make the performing arts more available to more children.
We look forward to welcoming you into our happy space where everyone can fully express themselves and make many precious memories together.
OUR SCHOOLS
WHY WE'RE DIFFERENT?
We have developed a strong culture over many years. Our school is a truly happy environment that thrives on positivity, ambition, respect and kindness, and we seek to help every student, teacher and business owner flourish and thrive. We provide a happy and protected space where ALL students can freely express themselves and grow in confidence, in a professional and non-judgmental environment. Our students develop in character and technical ability during their time with us, and we support them fully towards whatever path they choose in life. Our philosophy is to encourage and nurture talent and creativity while providing a positive space for learning and development. We want our teachers and business learn and grow with us too.
