Sheffield

The press can’t get enough of Michael French’s amazing story, from West End and Hollywood performer to successful theatre school Principal and business owner!

Read the full story here: https://www.thestage.co.uk/advice/meet-the-actors-starting-their-own-stage-schools.

Every day is a school day. Actor, singer and dancer Michael French’s career has encompassed performing all over the UK and overseas including the West End, working with artists such as George Michael and a recent appearance playing a Toy Company executive in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie film. The latter role might be viewed as art imitating life since, off-screen, the actor actually does play an executive role as a theatre school franchisee with Razzamataz.

“I was in my early 30s doing a show in the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton. I remember looking in the mirror and thinking that my performing days were coming to an end and I didn’t have a plan moving forward. I knew a couple  of people in the Razzamataz network, and they spoke very highly of it. I also remembered seeing the founder, Denise Hutton-Gosney, on Dragons’ Den. I knew nothing about advertising, building a market, creating a customer base, retaining customers or all the other things that it takes to build a school but I was reassured that there would be people to support me through the whole journey.”

French’s school in Barnet now serves about 130 students per season, with a second in nearby Potters Bar due to open in September.

“Being my own boss means that I can decide when and how I work, which has allowed me to take advantage of incredible opportunities and continue to perform professionally, but, aside from how it fits into my lifestyle, being a franchisee is incredibly rewarding. For example, we have just finished our annual showcase and the feedback from parents has been overwhelming.

“One family got in touch to say that their daughter has been going through a very difficult time but seeing her on stage was the first time that she looked like she was back to her old self.”

This week, our Founder & MD, Denise, was interviewed by Jess Sharp for Sky News’ Money Blog!

Jess is speaking to several women who are succeeding in their respective fields and Denise was delighted to be asked about the challenges, the positive experiences and the advice I can now give other entrepreneurs.

If you think appearing on Dragons’ Den means Denise was handed success in business on a plate, you’d be very wrong.

The 51-year-old’s first memories are of sharing an “airing cupboard bedroom” as a child – and it was this childhood that instilled in her the ethos that if you want something, the answer is to work harder.

She grew up in a little town near Glasgow in a two-bedroom council flat with her mum, dad and three siblings. 

“Money was very, very, very tight,” Denise said. “I don’t remember having a TV or a wardrobe.

“We always laugh that my first bedroom until I was 10 was an airing cupboard and an airing cupboard that I shared with my sibling.

“We didn’t have a lot of money but it was a very happy childhood.” 

Denise said that back then she was quite shy.

“I didn’t enjoy school, I was bullied and I felt out of place. I just lived for dance and for performing arts. It gave me so much confidence and transformed my self belief and self-esteem,” she said. 

Years later and working as a dancer for Butlins, she took £200 and set up Razzamataz to bring the same opportunities to other children across the country. 

She was 27 at the time and already had a successful career as a dancer, performing on cruise ships around the world, in pantomimes, and on the West End. She wrote some posters and put an ad in the newspaper to get going. “I didn’t really know anything about business but honestly it didn’t cost me much. Maybe I spent a couple of hundred pounds starting the business, so that’s not bad,” she said. 

In the beginning, she would travel to a different location in Scotland every evening to host a class, but when she started “running out of days in the week” she looked at a franchising ethically. In the same year that she appeared on Dragons’ Den, Denise had two miscarriages and fell pregnant with her first son, Callum.  She actually discovered she was expecting as soon as she got back home from filming the show.  “We always laugh now that he has been on Dragons’ Den because he was in my belly,” she said. 

Referring to her failed hair and beauty business, she said that a company that’s set up without passion will not succeed. “It failed because I thought it was going to be easy… it is not easy to run a business. You have to have a lot of passion,” she said. “I’ve seen people go into business and they start getting quite bitter, counting up how many hours they’ve worked and how much money they’ve earned.” She warned that you’ll work “the hardest you have ever worked in your life for nothing” at first – but it will all pay off eventually. “You have to be patient. If you expect your business to make you a return and make you money overnight, then don’t do it, don’t run a business,” she said. 

“Nobody gave me anything on a plate. I had absolutely nothing when I started out.”

Read the full article here: https://news.sky.com/story/money-blog-consumer-skynews-latest-13040934?postid=7977776#liveblog-body

After more than twenty five years of teaching, Kathryn Whale decided that it was really now or never and took the plunge to follow her dream of running her own theatre school to inspire children with the magic of performing arts. Her story of becoming the new Principal of Razzamataz Wakefield will motivate others to follow their passion.

A bit about me

I studied drama at Reading University along with a QTS which enabled me to also become a teacher. After uni, I went to drama school and from there worked professionally as an actor on TV and in theatre. When I met my husband, we moved to Africa for a year and on returning, I had my daughter Natasha who is now 21. I’ve maintained strong links with the arts through my teaching, directing many different productions. I’ve been a teacher for 28 years and have always said at some point I would love to have my own performing arts school.

Why franchising

I’ve been talking about running my own theatre school for so long that it felt like it was just a pipeline dream. Last winter felt particularly depressing and one day when I was off work sick, I just started googling drama school franchises in Wakefield. One thing that I was sure of was that without any business experience, I really would not be able to do this alone. The thought of it was just far too overwhelming and I understood that I needed the support that the franchise system offered.

Why Razzamataz

Everything about Razzamataz really stood out to me and upon doing some research, there were things that really resonated with me. I loved reading about all the opportunities that the students can take part in; everything from performing in the West End to overseas trips to New York, Paris and now I’ve heard about Dubai. But what was the most important thing to me was the positive reviews from parents and how they spoke about how Razzamataz makes their children happy.

First steps into becoming a franchisee

I contacted the Head Office who arranged for me to attend a Discovery Den. It was basically just an initial conversation so I could find out more about Razzamataz, franchising and they could find out if I was the right fit too. I also learned that the Wakefield school was up for sale, which was ideal for me.

Any worries or concerns

I have been teaching for years and my experience in the arts meant that I was confident with the creative side of things. But I have never run a business before and I was pretty scared about how I would even start and what would be expected. But what put my mind at ease was talking to James at Head Office and finding out that many other franchisees were in the exact same position as me but are now running thriving schools. There are a lot of teachers in the network and James explained that most people start with no business experience but that is not a barrier.

Training

The training week was so detailed but it hasn’t stopped there. I’ve been in lots of contact with professionals working at Razzamataz to help me with various aspects of running a school. Everything from databases through to PR and marketing, everyone has been so professional and helpful, I’ve been so impressed. What is also reassuring is that I have a support and onboarding manager who is always at the end of an email and we have been set various home tasks which have really helped to keep me on track.

What are your work goals

In terms of the business, I aim to have a full school by Christmas and then I’ll make plans to continue to expand. I left my full time teaching job and I’m currently a supply teacher but my aim is to make Razzamataz my full time career. What has been inspiring is that many others have done this too, so there is a clear path to success to follow, which is very reassuring.

What is your mission

First and foremost is that every child that attends can have fun and take advantage of all the extra events that I will offer. I’m passionate that every child has the same opportunity to join in and no one gets left behind. I want parents to know that their children will be participating in classes where standards are high and children are learning in an inspiring environment. I love working with children and I know how much performing arts benefitted my life, so I want to pass this on to others and enjoy being in a space that is buzzing with excitement.

Fun so far

I’ve really appreciated the network and all the support that is available. There is always someone to chat to on a WhatsApp group and already it feels like a warm family environment.

Advice to others

I should have done this years ago so I would say to others, if you have a dream, then don’t put it off. I wish I had decided ten years ago to join Razzamataz but I’m excited that I’m here now and ready to get stuck in.

Words to live by

Asking for strength and guidance from a spiritual being gives me the confidence to believe in myself and follow my dreams. I practice gratitude and I believe that it has helped keep me going in life when things get tough.

Make a difference to young lives in your community

Join us in time for our 25th Anniversary celebrations at The Eiffel Tower, Paris next September! Current fee is £12,995 plus VAT or ZERO upfront fee with a flat fee return, ask us about this! Every now & again we have resale opportunities, please contact us to find out more!

Training takes place regularly at the Razzamataz Head Office in the beautiful Lake District and Flagship school Razzamataz Carlisle. 

Choreograph your future with us: train, teach, own

Join us at Pineapple Dance Studios, London on Sunday 29th September, for a completely FREE professional development day & meet the founder & our team to talk about opportunities to train with us, teach with us, own with us!

Email franchise@razzamataz.co.uk by 1st July for more information as places are limited!

From a teacher in a secondary school in Gateshead, Newcastle to a multi-unit franchisee in just a few short years. Meet James Pennell-Tutill who has successfully transitioned from the education sector to the performing arts industry. Together with his wife Esme, the couple are expanding their business to multiple locations.

James and Esme have been part of the successful Dragons’ Den backed network since December 2020 and are getting set to launch their second territory in Northumberland. Their story is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make a mark in the performing arts sector. We speak to James to find out about their exciting next steps with Razzamataz Theatre Schools.

A bit about us

Esme and I both worked at Razzamataz Newcastle alongside our full time jobs. I was the head of singing and Esme the front of house manager. I was also a teacher in a secondary school teaching French, Spanish, music and performing arts and Esme was finishing her Masters in clinical phycology. We always hoped to open a theatre school together one day but the reality was the opportunity arose much sooner than we were expecting. The Principal of Razzamataz Newcastle was moving away and putting the school up for sale. I was just 22 and Esme 23 and we did question whether we were too young and inexperienced but with such an opportunity, we felt we couldn’t just walk away from it.

How to build a business

We took over in December 2020, believing that the lockdowns were behind us. Within just a few weeks, we learned we were going back into lockdown and all our classes would have to be online. It was a huge pressure because most of the staff were furloughed so I had to teach everything. We had 54 students when we took over and today we are around the 270/280 mark. Our growth has been a real team effort and we decided right from day one that we would work collaboratively, giving every individual the opportunity to offer their input, giving us different experiences and a broad sense of perspective. This inclusive approach has allowed us to innovate and adapt quickly to the evolving needs of our students and the market. It has also created a strong sense of community and belonging within our team, leading to loyalty and a fun working environment.

Why open in a second territory

We have children travelling 30 minutes or more to come to Razzamataz but not every family is able to do this. We both share Razzamataz’s commitment to bring the joy of performing arts to as many young people as possible, which is why we decided to open in Northumberland. This is a much more rural area with smaller towns and there is just not the same opportunities for children compared to big cities. So we plan on bringing the experiences to them with guest workshops and lots of chances to perform to build confidence and resilience. We are going to open a main school in Morpeth, Minis and Juniors classes in Blyth and lots of Tots classes for little ones and their parent/guardian throughout the area.

Life after teaching

There were a few reasons why I left mainstream teaching but the main one was that I couldn’t envisage my career progression. When I looked to senior staff members, there wasn’t a role that I wanted to do. I loved interacting with the kids, inspiring them to buy into a passion but this is exactly what I do at Razzamataz. It’s all the things that I loved about teaching but without the politics or the feeling that I wasn’t progressing like I wanted to.

What do you love about your job

There is always something exciting coming up at Razzamataz throughout the academic year. Although there might not be the same opportunities for young people in the North East as there is in London for example, through Razzamataz, we can use our contacts to bring them and I get to do all the fun, creative stuff that I love doing. It’s incredibly rewarding seeing the impact of the work that we do for the children and on a business level, it has given myself and Esme financial freedom. I’ve now given up teaching and work entirely for the schools and also the Head Office and Esme works with me at Razzamataz but also advises the council as an expert for children with additional needs. Razzamataz has given us control over our own financial destiny which is a great position to be in.

Goals for the new Northumberland territory

We’ve recently attended multi territory training and that has given us clear goals for what we want to achieve. We will be bringing the same high level of performing arts training but also focussed on all the additional events that go above and beyond what is expected. This can be anything from West End musical theatre workshops through to fun event for families such as the ‘Parents Do Razz’ event.

Engaging with community

As a business, we collaborate with both national and local charities. We have two students with complex medical conditions, and we asked them which charities they would like to support. Together, we raised £1,500, which was evenly split between their chosen causes. By supporting charities, our name has become synonymous with community engagement and social responsibility. This commitment not only enriches the lives of those we assist but also strengthens the bonds within our team and with the broader community. We were recently approached by Newcastle Races for the children to perform at a Family Fun Day. This was fantastic in terms of PR, showcasing to the community the opportunities we provide for children. Additionally, it was an incredible experience for the students, who got to perform on a big stage, gaining confidence and a sense of achievement.

Advice to others and overcoming challenges

We are not business people in the traditional sense. Coming from an arts and teaching background, what do we know about accountancy, marketing, HR or people development? But because this is a franchise, the systems, support and training is all in place so we have been able to scale much bigger and much faster than we ever thought we would.

I’m a much happier person since leaving teaching full time and becoming a Razzamataz Principal. You only regret the things that you don’t do, rather than what you do. Being an entrepreneur is hard work but it’s very rewarding. If you have that fire in your belly and determination then being part of the Razzamataz franchise network is a wonderful opportunity to channel your passion into a thriving business. It offers a supportive community, lots of resources, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people.

Words to live by

I have a mindset that no one else is going to make things better for you, you’ve got to take control and do those things for yourself.

Make a difference to young lives in your community

Join us in time for our 25th Anniversary celebrations at The Eiffel Tower, Paris next September! Current fee is £12,995 plus VAT or ZERO upfront fee with a flat fee return, ask us about this! Every now & again we have resale opportunities, please contact us to find out more!

Training takes place regularly at the Razzamataz Head Office in the beautiful Lake District and Flagship school Razzamataz Carlisle. 

Choreograph your future with us: train, teach, own

Join us at Pineapple Dance Studios, London on Sunday 29th September, for a completely FREE professional development day & meet the founder & our team to talk about opportunities to train with us, teach with us, own with us!

Email franchise@razzamataz.co.uk by 1st July for more information as places are limited!

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, chances are you will be very familiar with the hit movie Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig. Alongside Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling and Dua Lipa, was Michael French, franchisee of Razzamataz Barnet.

Michael has been part of the successful Dragons’ Den backed network for twelve years and is getting set to launch his second school in Potters Bar. This is his story.

A bit about me

I trained as a singer, dancer and actor and was lucky enough to work in musical theatre in the West End and perform all over the UK and overseas. I became part of the Razzamataz network in 2012 and then six years ago, I invested in a football franchise. Alongside these businesses, I continued to work professionally in the performing arts industry and I’m also a dad to my young son Miles.

Why open a second school

I’m originally from Hertfordshire so it feels great to be bringing my business to the area. Since joining Razzamataz, I’ve constantly looked to find ways of expanding but ultimately now feels like the right time because I have the support of my amazing team of teachers and team members.

Balancing roles

Running multiple businesses and being a parent means that delegation is a big part of my life. Building a team means investing in my people, creating a culture where they feel supported and can progress their careers. I’m also going to be collaborating with another Razzamataz Principal who lives locally to where my new school is in Potters Bar, which is a real testament to the franchise structure and what a supportive network we are.  

What do you love about your job

Being my own boss means that I can decide when and how I work, which has allowed me to take advantage of incredible opportunities. But aside from how it fits into my lifestyle, being a Razzamataz Principal is incredibly rewarding. We have just finished our annual showcase and the feedback from parents has been overwhelming. One family got in touch to say that their daughter has been going through a very difficult time but seeing her on stage was the first time that she looked like she was back to her old self and believe that Razzamataz has completely changed her life for the better.

Tell us about Barbie

I got a call from an agent that I hadn’t heard from in a while and my initial thought was that it was going to be some sort of animation. The original part was for a Ken type character but I laughed and explained that I was in my 40s so that was probably not right for me. The agent then got back to me with another part, as a Mattel Executive and they were looking for men who could dance in a Gene Kelly style. I’m an experienced tap dancer but hadn’t been seriously auditioning for a long time so I honestly didn’t think I stood a chance. I got down to the final audition that was held at the Warner Bros. studio and in walked Greta Gerwig, which was a big surprise. It was incredible when I was told I had the part and it really has been a career high with so many of our students loving seeing me in the role.

Goals for the new Potters Bar school

We will be bringing the same high level of performing arts education to Potters Bar, together with our supportive family environment. In Barnet, is has been wonderful to discover new talent such as Tamara Smart who has been incredibly successful as a professional actress starring in Netflix’s “A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting” and Disney’s “Artemis Fowl“, as well as BBC’s TV show “The Worst Witch“. It would be amazing to uncover more gems in Potters Bar. Ultimately though I would love for more young people to benefit from the incredible life skills that come from participating in performing arts. Whether that is building confidence, growing resilience or learning about teamwork, there are so many hidden benefits that can be gained.

Engaging with community

This is a really important part of being a Razzamataz Principal and I’m proud that we support our local PTA’s by offering various gift vouchers. We also work in collaboration with schools by teaching performing arts during any creative weeks to offer our expertise and experience in the arts. We will also be looking to get involved in local charities and support where we can.

Advice to others

In the early days, running a Razzamataz is really full on but if you take a long-term approach then you can have a successful business that gives you financial freedom and the time to pursue your other goals. I’ve used the tools that Razzamataz offers to build a business that works exactly around my needs so I can do the nursery run, go for a dog walk and do some exercise to fit my schedule entirely. It’s a bit cliché but if you do something that you are passionate about, it really doesn’t feel like a job at all.

Words to live by

Every day is a school day.

Make a difference to young lives in your community

Join us in time for our 25th Anniversary celebrations at The Eiffel Tower, Paris next September! Current fee is £12,995 plus VAT or ZERO upfront fee with a flat fee return, ask us about this! Every now & again we have resale opportunities, please contact us to find out more!

Training takes place regularly at the Razzamataz Head Office in the beautiful Lake District and Flagship school Razzamataz Carlisle. 

Choreograph your future with us: train, teach, own

Join us at Pineapple Dance Studios, London on Sunday 29th September, for a completely FREE professional development day & meet the founder & our team to talk about opportunities to train with us, teach with us, own with us!

Email franchise@razzamataz.co.uk by 1st July for more information as places are limited!

When Denise Gosney left school in the late 80s, the choices for women were somewhat limiting. She knew that she didn’t want to be trapped in an office 9-5, so she decided to follow her passion and pursue a career as a professional dancer.

“I had an amazing time, travelling the world and performing at some incredible venues but I knew that the life of a dancer is fairly short lived,”
Denise explains. “My involvement in the performing arts industry proved immensely rewarding. It not only boosted my confidence and equipped me with valuable life skills but also showed me the potential for children to experience similar growth. This realisation gave me the idea for Razzamataz, and I’ve never looked back.”

Denise opened her first Razzamataz school back in 2000 and it was the sheer popularity of the classes that led her to decide to franchise as she explains. “I basically couldn’t keep up with the demand and I also had a lot of dance friends that were asking me about how they could open their own theatre schools. The business grew very organically but it was when I went on BBC’s Dragons’ Den and Duncan Bannatyne offered me the full investment that things really went up another level.”

After the Den, Denise secured her first overseas contract with TUI, supplying performing arts teachers to various holiday resorts worldwide. The business in the UK was also growing at a steady rate, with new
schools opening every year. As the brand’s exposure increased, more opportunities presented themselves including collaborations with major household names such as The Prince’s Trust, Paramount Pictures, Mattel, Disney, Warner Bros. and 20th Century Fox to name just a few.

As Razzamataz expanded, so did the opportunities for students including multiple connections with professionals in the performing arts industry, the chance to perform in several prestigious theatres in London’s West End, overseas trips to learn from the very best of Broadway and even performing at Disneyland Paris.

Further accolades have come in the form of major award wins, positive press coverage from various media outlets worldwide and an expanding network of partnerships with prestigious organisations across industries.

However, the path to success is never straightforward as Denise explains:
“As a female business leader, I’ve faced my fair share of obstacles, but I’ve always seen them as opportunities for growth and change. Certainly there are challenges to navigate, barriers to breakdown and glass ceilings to smash through, but I truly believe that the life skills I learned as a performer, have equipped me with the resilience and determination needed to overcome any obstacle.”

One aspect that Denise is most proud of, is the flexible nature of owning a Razzamataz franchise appeals to many people, especially women who are often in a caring role at home, whether that is for their own children or adult relatives.“We have a wide range of franchisees and many of them are mums who can run very successful businesses alongside being a parent, something that is not always possible in other industries. As a business leader, my mission is to empower women to leverage their inherent strengths. We achieve this by providing comprehensive support, including tailored training, personalised mentorship, and targeted business coaching, equipping them with the tools necessary to thrive as theatre school owners.”

Looking to the future, Denise believes that we must focus our efforts on the young people of today. Razzamataz ensures this happens through its legacy of creating a registered charity called Future Fund, providing grants to students going on to study at performing arts colleges or universities. “The idea for the charity was conceived through my own lived experience of having to drop out of college because of lack of funds,” says Denise.

“Although I eventually found a way, it was heartbreaking at the time and my life could have turned out very differently. These young people really are the future female entrepreneurs; we have many former students that now teach for us as well as run their own Razzamataz franchise.” In terms of the future of the business, Denise has recently returned from another fact finding trip to Dubai as Razzamataz is one step closer to
launching internationally.

“It’s exciting to be building a brand and platform in Dubai, with Razzamataz having been invited to several educational conferences and most recently I attended the Women Leaders of the World event,” adds Denise. “Even after nearly 25 years in business, I’m still just as passionate about what Razzamataz can do for children, and this is what continues to drive me to this day. If I were to share what I’ve learnt with other female entrepreneurs, it would be that you must passionately believe in your business and the benefits that it provides. There will always be tough times but if you are unwavering in your belief, this will see you through the hard times.”

Article Credit: https://www.thebfa.org/

From taking your first steps walking to taking your first steps in business, Razzamataz Theatre Schools is a franchise business that nurtures growth and development every step of the way. With a unique approach that blends creativity with entrepreneurial skills, Razzamataz offers a platform for both young learners and aspiring entrepreneurs to thrive. Whether it’s fostering confidence on stage or teaching the fundamentals of business, Razzamataz empowers individuals to reach their full potential and shine in every aspect of life. Meet some of our diverse network of students and franchisees.

Child development

Ada was just seven weeks old when she came along to her first Tiny Tots session at Razzamataz South Lakes with mum Clare. She’s now three and progressed through to the Tots classes.

Clare says: “Initially we joined for the social aspect and to help create some normality and routine after the pandemic. Once I went back to work, the mam guilt kicked in as she wasn’t with me and I wasn’t giving her all my attention so it’s just something we love to do together. I love how once she’s has done a dance or something she looks for me to do a thumbs up, clap or she runs for a high five. It’s our time together in our busy life.

“Ada has gone from a tiny quiet baby to being up at the front singing and dancing with everyone. She loves being around all the other children and I love to see her take her little friend by the hand and try and encourage her to join in too. Ada loves to try and copy some of the older children which helps her pick up some new moves too. She has also recently started talking to Poppy and Fran (the teachers) and she loves to show them her finished crafts and tell them about what she has made.

“I love being part of the Razz family! I was so nervous about starting Razzamataz almost three years ago as we hadn’t been to any groups due to COVID and at the time I knew of no one that had babies at a similar time to me so starting a group on my own was a massive step. But the team, especially Asha and Amber, just made me feel so welcome and I have made a lovely little group of friends, as has Ada.”

Inspiring teenagers

Alice Wade joined Razzamataz when she was 9 until the age of 16. But her journey was far from over as she reached out to Principal Asha in search of an assisting job, where she found her love for teaching. She also took on the responsibility of the admin side of the business after completing work experience in July 2023. Then in September 2023, Alice became a Minis teacher at the Penrith and Appleby schools.

Alice says: “After taking on a teaching role just a year after joining the Razzamataz team, I was surprised by my growth and progress, as I never expected to develop so quickly. But Asha’s support and belief in me helped me on my journey. I am grateful for the experience of being a teacher, as it reminded me of my love for performing and made me more focused in pursuing my dream. In September I am going on to study for a Diploma in Performing Arts.

“By finding my love for performing, I was able to express myself creatively which was the unknown confidence boost I needed! Also, the constructive feedback and support from my incredible teachers over the years helped me grow and they are ultimately the reason for my overall confidence.

“From my own experiences, I can relate to the challenges students may face such as confidence issues and tailor my teaching approach to meet their individual needs. Also, I understand the positive impact that a supportive environment can have on students’ growth and development, both as performers and individuals.

“Today as a Razzamataz teacher, I strive to create a supportive and encouraging environment by creating a sense of community and celebrating each student’s progress and achievements. I encourage teamwork among students and create a safe space where newcomers can feel comfortable expressing themselves which helps them build confidence and reach their full potential both on and off stage.

“I would say to other young people, don’t give up. Everyone has moments of doubt, but it is so important to believe in yourself and your abilities. Also, take challenges as opportunities for growth and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.”

Creating careers

There are currently many franchisees within the network that started off as either students, work experience placements, assistants or teachers. Here is just a little of what they have to say about their unique journey with Razzamataz.

Matty Rayson was just 16 when he joined Razzamataz on a work placement. He is now the Principal of Razzamataz West Cumbria as well as the new Operations Manager. He says: “I’m a prime example of finding my niche in performing arts even though I didn’t actually enjoy being on stage. Being part of Razzamataz really transformed my life, gave me the confidence and self-belief to discover what it was that I truly wanted to do.”

Jodie Hall, age 22 is the franchise owner at Razzamataz Derby. Jodie has been part of Razzamataz since she was just 13, starting out as a student, then progressing to assistant, teacher and now Principal. She says: “Razzamataz has always felt like a massive family and the commitment of building from within has given so many young people opportunities to grow successful careers. As a student, Razzamataz gave me so much confidence and opportunities that I don’t believe I would have experienced elsewhere. In fact, some of my closest friends are colleagues I work with now at Razzamataz. It’s just a lovely environment to be part of.”

Professional actor Ross Thompson is also the franchisee of Razzamataz Manchester South and former Razzamataz Carlisle student. He says: “I know the brand well and know what a friendly, supportive environment it is, so I was comfortable putting my name to it. I love the ethos and how community driven they are, which is very similar to my own values. Even when I was a student, I always thought that I would love to run my own theatre school but at that age, it just seemed like a pipe dream really. I knew that there would be a lot of challenges starting my own business, but after attending the Team Discovery Day in Pineapple Studios, Covent Garden, with the Razzamataz Head Office team, I discovered more about what it would take to run a school and met many Principals and heard their inspiring stories.”

Opening doors for older adults

Andrea White was 52 when she bought into the Razzamataz franchise and opened her first school in Bognor Regis in 2014. The success of the school has led her to become the franchisee of a second territory at Razzamataz Horsham.

Andrea says: “Having to restart my life after a divorce knowing that I wanted to do something I was passionate about, led me to look at franchises because I knew that if I was to build a school quickly, the more support I had, the better. Razzamataz showed me to be an exciting brand, willing to move with the times and make the students their priority whilst also providing support to their franchisees and that isn’t the case with all franchises.

“In one way, I was fearless because in my mind it HAD to work, there wasn’t an option for failure, but there was a moment before I signed the contract and I asked, what if it doesn’t work, and I was told, if you do everything you’re advised to, it WILL work. It does.

“When I consider the challenges, being on my own means there is no one to share all the good and the bad. Some of the schools have two Principals and I think what a great decision that is, from every angle – financially, emotionally, mentally. But flying solo is also good as there are no compromises to be made.

“Constant training and resources are always on hand and not just from Head Office but from other franchisees. Meeting up at Conference and other regional meetings is always so beneficial because you realise you have the same struggles but many different ways of tackling them. Head Office are always there to help with as much guidance and support that you might need.

“I don’t believe age has any restrictions when it comes to business success. In fact, with age and experience comes a calmer approach. You learn not to sweat the small stuff and there’s a lovely calm confidence that comes with age. I guess a restriction might be a lack of energy as you get older, but when you are passionate about what you do, it sees you through and also, you learn to delegate.

“Professionally it has introduced me to other professionals and shown me different approaches to the business. It has also proved to me what a wealth of knowledge I have and that has given me renewed confidence. Razzamataz has brought so many more people in to my life and the more people you know, with all their lovely variations, can only enrich your life, especially when it is in such a supportive and respectful group community.”

As Razzamataz approaches its 25^th anniversary, the franchise network is looking to further expand with dedicated investment in new territories, aiming to bring the transformative power of performing arts education to even more communities across the UK. With a proven track record of nurturing talent and fostering creativity, Razzamataz continues to be at the forefront of the industry, offering franchisees a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact while building a successful business.

Make a difference to young lives in your community

Join us NOW for a 2024 launch. Current fee is £12,995 plus VAT or ZERO upfront fee with a flat fee return, ask us about this! Every now & again we have resale opportunities, please contact us to find out more!

Training takes place regularly at the Razzamataz Head Office in the beautiful Lake District and Flagship school Razzamataz Carlisle. 

Choreograph your future with us: train, teach, own

Join us at Pineapple Dance Studios, London on Sunday 29th September, for a completely FREE professional development day & meet the founder & our team to talk about opportunities to train with us, teach with us, own with us!

Email franchise@razzamataz.co.uk by 1st July for more information as places are limited!

Providing a platform for young talent to shine while offering invaluable insights into the professional world of performing arts, a franchise theatre school network is opening doors to a world of possibilities for both students and franchisees.

With months of preparation, gathering the best names in the industry, on Monday 8^th April, students from 13 Razzamataz schools across the UK came together in a unique experience that combined an incredible performance opportunity in London’s West End with the chance to enjoy a day full of insight into the professional world of performing arts.

Razzamataz Performing Arts were thrilled to introduce the cast of The Next Step at the iconic Shaftesbury Theatre. The gala performance gave these talented young people the chance to showcase their skills across the three disciplines of dance, drama and singing as well as discovering more about their potential in the performing arts industry.

Aside from getting the chance to perform on a world class stage, the dedicated Razzamataz Head Office team spent many months in conversation with professional artists to lead masterclasses, talent agents to scout students for their books if they are able to take new clients and attendance from the most prestigious leading performing arts colleges including Arts Educational School London, Emil Dale, Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, Mountview and Laine Theatre Arts.

Prior to the evening performance, hosted by Matt Pagan, a member of Britain’s Got Talent-winning group Collabro, the students engaged in a series of workshops. These sessions not only primed them for the show but also offered invaluable insights into the realities of a performer’s life, guidance for college auditions, and a deeper insight of what their next steps could be. As a result, students not only learned the technical aspects of their craft but also gained a deeper understanding of the industry’s nuances and demands, preparing them for success both on and off the stage.

“Investing in a Razzamataz franchise means investing in more than just a business; it’s investing in the future of aspiring performers,” says Denise Gosney, MD and Founder. “By providing exceptional opportunities like this Next Steps showcase, we set our local performing arts schools apart from the competition. Our commitment to offering insights into the professional world of performing arts not only enhances the experiences of our students but also solidifies Razzamataz as a prime choice for franchisees looking to make a meaningful impact in their communities.”

Leaving a lasting impact on Razzamataz aspiring artists were Georgia Morgan,

direct from Moulin Rouge in the West End and Australia, actor and vocal coach Adam Pettigrew who has played many roles including Boq in Wicked (West End) and Princeton / Rod in Avenue Q (UK Tour),  West End star, vocational college tutor and world-wide competition adjudicator, Laurie Scarth and Casting Director Felicity French from Cameron Mackintosh.

“This was a spectacular showcase of young talent from across the UK,” says Casting Director Felicity French from Cameron Mackintosh. “Some seriously impressive performances and every single student looked like they were having the time of their lives performing on a West End stage.”

Razzamataz is proud to serve as a vital bridge for aspiring performers, helping make the transition from part time to full time training, and ultimately prepare them for their professional journey. Through the comprehensive curriculum and highly skilled and experienced teachers, students gain essential skills in singing, dancing and acting, while also building their confidence. The emphasis on performance opportunities and industry connections also provides valuable exposure and insights.

As Razzamataz approaches its 25^th anniversary, the franchise network is looking to further expand with dedicated investment in new territories, aiming to bring the transformative power of performing arts education to even more communities across the UK. With a proven track record of nurturing talent and fostering creativity, Razzamataz continues to be at the forefront of the industry, offering franchisees a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact while building a successful business.

Make a difference to young lives in your community

Join us NOW for a 2024 launch. Current fee is £12,995 plus VAT or ZERO upfront fee with a flat fee return, ask us about this! Every now & again we have resale opportunities, please contact us to find out more!

Training takes place regularly at the Razzamataz Head Office in the beautiful Lake District and Flagship school Razzamataz Carlisle. 

Choreograph your future with us: train, teach, own

Join us for our 25th Anniversary! Training is week commencing 20th May for a September 2024 launch just in time to be part of our 25th Anniversary celebrations!

Contact us on 07931 285439 to chat about opportunities with us. Book your place at our next Discovery Den: https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/franchise-opps/book-discovery-den/