25 September 2026
Stagecoach Performing Arts Manager Ellen Ebbs, from Stagecoach Leichardt and Annandale in Sydney, is starring in the Australian premiere tour of the multi-award-winning musical Fiddler on the Roof and recently invited her students to experience the production during its Sydney season.
Produced by Trafalgar Theatre Productions, Fiddler on the Roof is one of the most celebrated musical revivals in recent years. Following record-breaking, sold-out seasons in London and across the UK, the critically acclaimed production is now touring Australia visiting Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth.
Ellen has been part of the Stagecoach family since 2023, and was excited to share this special milestone with the students she teaches and mentors each week. Ellen said: “My Stagecoach journey began way back in 2023 in Perth, where I was the drama teacher whilst studying Music Theatre at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). My favourite part about teaching drama was directing the major production. I had so much fun collaborating with both the singing and dance teachers and working with the students on character development and storytelling.“
Ellen continued, “In 2025, I moved back home to Sydney and became the manager of the brand-new Stagecoach Leichardt and Annandale. I was excited and scared! I knew I wanted to create an inclusive environment where students could feel comfortable to be themselves, daring to be bold and make mistakes.
“We started with a humble six students, and now we have more than 50 students across the school. I absolutely love the Stagecoach motto of teaching, ‘Creative Courage for Life’, because nothing gives me greater joy than seeing a student’s growth in confidence and social skills, as well as improving their performance abilities.
“Every week, I am so inspired by the students, and I am so proud of the community we have created at Stagecoach Leichardt and Annandale.”
Ellen invited Stagecoach students and their families to attend the Sydney run of Fiddler on the Roof in August, offering a unique opportunity for the young performers to see one of their own teachers starring in a major professional production.
Houri Tapiki, General Manager of Theatre Royal Sydney, said the experience would be particularly inspiring for Ellen’s students. Houri said: “We were delighted to welcome Ellen Ebbs and the cast of Fiddler on the Roof to Theatre Royal Sydney. Ellen’s journey from nurturing young performers at Stagecoach to appearing in this extraordinary, award-winning production perfectly demonstrates where creativity, dedication and passion can lead. It was incredibly special for her students to see their teacher performing on one of Australia’s leading stages, and we hope it inspires the next generation of performers to pursue their own dreams.”