The Key to Unlocking Creative Young Minds

Every child learns in their own unique way, with some thriving through traditional academic methods while others benefiting from more creative and hands-on experiences. Participating in the performing arts offers an invaluable opportunity for children to explore different ways of learning and self-expression, in a way that benefits all young people.

As students prepare for mocks and then summer exams, the pressure to succeed can be overwhelming. But what many parents may overlook is the invaluable role performing arts can play in supporting academic achievement. Beyond creativity and self-expression, performing arts offer children transferable skills that bolster their confidence, resilience, and cognitive abilities, skills that are essential for success in the classroom and beyond. At Razzamataz Theatre Schools, we have 25 years’ experience in performing arts education and watching our students flourish.

Enhancing Social Mobility and Leadership Skills

One remarkable story comes from Jessica, a former Razzamataz Medway student from a low-income family who went on to become a UK parliamentary and policy advisor, as well as a UN Ambassador. Recognised as one of the UK’s top 100 outstanding future leaders of African &  African Caribbean descent, Jessica attributes much of her confidence and success to her time at Razzamataz: “My world became much bigger through the arts, and it was one of the greatest gifts I could ever have as a young person,” she explained.

Jessica’s journey underscores the critical role that performing arts can play in building social mobility and developing the confidence required for leadership roles. Through acting, singing, and dance, students learn to communicate effectively, empathise with others, and present themselves confidently, skills that serve them well in professional and academic environments.

Building Communication and Empathy

Ella Lacey, now a teacher working with children with autism, credits her time at Razzamataz Sheffield with shaping her teaching career. Starting at age 15 and leaving when she graduated at 18, Ella reflects on the life-changing experiences she had, including winning The Stage scholarship and performing on a West End stage.

“Razzamataz gave me leadership skills, communication skills, time management, and resilience,” says Ella. “All of these have benefited me in my teaching career. The safe space Razzamataz provided allowed me to push myself out of my comfort zone and gain the confidence I have today.”

These communication and leadership skills are directly applicable to subjects like English, history, and even science, where students must articulate ideas clearly, engage in group projects, and present findings confidently.

Nurturing Confidence and Teamwork

Daniela Dawkins attended Razzamataz Carlisle for 11 years and is now a primary school teacher with a passion for fitness and coaching children. She recalls initially being a shy child who didn’t want to leave her mother. Through performing arts, she learned to push herself out of her comfort zone and developed essential skills like teamwork and self-discipline.

“Razzamataz taught me to push myself out of my comfort zone,” says Daniela.

“Through performing in the annual shows, I became more confident in myself and what I could achieve.”

While the children love being part of all the shows and performances that Razzamataz offer, many don’t realise they are learning skills that will help them with their studies. These include teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability, not to mention overcoming any fears they may have about stepping on stage.

Fostering Resilience and Self-Belief

Isabella Graham, a Health Care Assistant in the paediatric department of A&E, credits Razzamataz with teaching her resilience and helping her build confidence. “I was never the most confident or outgoing person, but when I was at Razzamataz, I felt like a different person,” she shares.

Performing arts help children develop the courage to take risks and the resilience to learn from mistakes, qualities that are essential during exam preparation and in navigating academic challenges.

Encouraging Creativity and Problem-Solving

Creativity is often discovered through the arts, but it directly supports problem-solving and innovative thinking in subjects such as mathematics, science, and design too.

After attending Razzamataz Carlisle for 11 years, Hannah-Mae, became an Assistant Video Producer in London. While she did not pursue a performing arts career, she finds the creative skills she gained invaluable in her current role.

“The skills I learned at Razzamataz are super transferable,” says Hannah-Mae. “From writing scripts and prop buying to teamwork and communication, all these experiences have shaped my ability to produce creative content.”

Support Your Child’s Development

Secure a FREE taster session at your local Razzamataz school:
https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/schools/regions/

Lead Your Own Razzamataz School

Book an online Discovery Den:

https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/franchise-opps/book-discovery-den/

First day of starting your new business, what should you do?

The answer is probably not what you expect. The truth is right from day one, you should be considering your exit strategy, which will include a succession plan.

Why? Because building a business with the end in mind ensures you make strategic decisions that increase its value, scalability, and long-term success. Whether you plan to sell, pass it on, or step back eventually, having a clear roadmap will shape how you structure operations, financials, and leadership.

The benefit of being part of a franchise network is that we don’t expect you to do this alone. Supporting all our franchisees with this is Hayley, our business coach and former multi-award winning franchisee who sold Razzamataz Medway for a significant amount with her business partner Emily after an initial investment of just £10,000.

“One of the biggest lessons my experience in business has taught me, franchising and beyond, is that real value isn’t just in the numbers – it’s in the people, the vision, and the legacy you build. From day one, we focused on creating something deeper than just a business, bringing our team into that vision and setting a strong foundation for the future.  When you think long-term, invest in people, and grow with purpose, exciting things happen. It’s great to see others embracing that mindset and watching where it takes them,” Hayley.

During Hayley’s mentoring sessions, she supports each franchisee to work out their own roadmap and discover what their succession plan could look like. This highly individual and strategic approach allows them to build a business that aligns with their long-term goals. By focusing on sustainable growth and structured planning, Hayley ensures that each franchisee has the clarity and confidence to create a future-proof business.

Hayley’s top 5 tips

• Define Your Vision – Know where you want your business to go and what success looks like in the short and long term. That’s not just about the numbers, it’s about the people and the impact that you can make.
• Establish Strong Systems – Create processes that allow the business to run smoothly without relying solely on you. This is something that you will be guided on during your initial training, but it’s important to maintain this.
• Prioritise Financial Planning – Keep your finances in order from day one, tracking revenue, expenses, and profitability. How will you assess your growth month to month if you don’t do this?
• Build a Strong Team – Invest in your people to help bring your vision to life.
• Think About Who Will Take Over – Razzamataz Medway was sold to a long-term teacher who was already invested in the brand. This made perfect sense, as students and families already had a strong connection with her, creating a seamless transition. Since taking over, she has continued to grow the school, building on its existing success.

Curious about joining the Razzamataz network? Click her to find out more: https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/franchise-opps/book-discovery-den/

Big Congrats to Debbie Hyslop, Our Franchisee of the Year 2024!

We are beyond excited to announce an incredible achievement within our community!  Please join us in offering a huge congratulations to Debbie Hyslop, who has been named Franchisee of the Year 2024!

This is a recognition of Debbie’s outstanding dedication, passion, and hard work, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate her success.

Over the past year, Debbie has truly outdone herself. Her relentless commitment to excellence has led to an amazing 38% growth in student numbers, which is a direct result of her tireless efforts, passion for the performing arts, and deep understanding of what families need.

But what sets Debbie apart is not just her business acumen—it’s her heart. As a multi-territory owner, Debbie has created a network of thriving, supportive communities where families can come together, support one another, and most importantly, celebrate the joy of performing arts. She has become more than just a business owner; she’s a leader, a mentor, and a friend to so many families, creating spaces where children can flourish both creatively and personally.

Debbie’s success hasn’t come without its challenges, but she has faced them head-on with grace and determination. She’s balanced the demands of running multiple territories, all while navigating life’s ups and downs, with an inspiring level of resilience. Whether she’s managing the day-to-day operations or personally supporting her students, her passion for what she does shines through in everything she touches.

Debbie’s year has also been marked by her ability to balance life’s many challenges while continuing to drive success. Life is never without its ups and downs, yet Debbie has managed to navigate them with grace and determination, never losing sight of her mission to inspire and empower others. Whether it’s managing the growth of her business or leading her Tiny Tots classes to even greater success, Debbie’s resilience is truly remarkable. She consistently goes above and beyond, ensuring her students receive the best possible experience while also creating an atmosphere that feels like home.

Her exceptional leadership and dedication to excellence have not only led to business success but have also made a huge impact on the communities she serves. Debbie’s approach to business is a perfect blend of passion, hard work, and heart. She has shown that when you pour your heart into what you do, you can achieve extraordinary results while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

This recognition is a reflection of Debbie’s unwavering commitment, her vision for the future, and the positive change she brings to the lives of those around her. Through her hard work, tireless dedication, and inspiring leadership, Debbie has demonstrated what it means to be truly exceptional—not just in business, but in every aspect of life.

Celebrating 25 Years of Success: Meet Hayley, Our Esteemed Host for the 2025 Conference – Thriving with Impact!

We are thrilled to introduce Hayley, the outstanding host for our 2025 Razzamataz Conference: Thriving with Impact!  It was an absolute pleasure to have Hayley share her extensive knowledge and invaluable experience with our franchisees as we celebrated 25 remarkable years of Razzamataz.

Hayley’s journey within the Razzamataz network has been nothing short of inspiring. From her time as a franchisee to her current role as a business coach, she has been a pivotal figure in the growth and development of our network. During the conference, Hayley shared a wealth of insights, guiding our franchisees through the key strategies for thriving and expanding within the Razzamataz community. Her contributions were instrumental in making this event a truly impactful experience for all involved.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Hayley continue to support and inspire our network. Her dedication to helping our principals grow, both personally and professionally, ensures that we maintain the high standards of excellence that define Razzamataz.

Interested in Becoming Part of the Razzamataz Family?
If you’re eager to explore the exciting opportunities available to run your very own Razzamataz Theatre School, we would love to connect with you. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, offering support, training, and the tools you need to succeed in this rewarding business.

Learn more and take the first step toward a fulfilling career with Razzamataz by connecting with us today!
Click here to discover more about our franchise opportunities.

The lifecycle of Razzamataz: Creating careers

We are delighted to introduce Jodie Hall, an inspiring individual and the proud owner of Razzamataz Derby. At just 22 years old, Jodie’s journey with Razzamataz has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Jodie’s story began when she was only 13 years old, as a student at Razzamataz. Since then, she has embarked on a remarkable path, progressing through various roles within the organisation. From her initial role as a student, she moved on to become an assistant, a teacher, and now, the Principal of her very own franchise. It’s a journey that truly demonstrates the power of growth, ambition, and dedication.

Reflecting on her experience, Jodie shares:

“Razzamataz has always felt like a massive family, and the commitment to building from within has provided so many young people with opportunities to develop successful careers. As a student, Razzamataz gave me confidence and opportunities that I don’t believe I would have found elsewhere. Some of my closest friends today are colleagues I work with at Razzamataz. It’s a supportive and nurturing environment, one that I feel proud to be part of every single day.” 

Jodie’s story is a testament to the incredible opportunities available within the Razzamataz network and the lasting impact it has on the lives of its students and staff alike.

Are you ready to begin your own journey and join the Razzamataz family?

If you are curious about how you can be part of this inspiring and rewarding experience, we invite you to explore the opportunities that await you with Razzamataz. Whether as a student, a teacher, or a franchise owner, the possibilities are endless.

Contact us today to learn more about how you can become part of the Razzamataz story and start building a rewarding career.

It’s 2025 and time to Thrive with Impact!

We are beyond excited to kickstart an incredible year of celebrations for Razzamataz Theatre Schools’ 25th anniversary, and we couldn’t have asked for a better way to begin with than not one, but two extraordinary conferences for our people!

This event truly set the stage for what promises to be a remarkable year ahead. The energy in the room was nothing short of electric, as we unveiled our exciting plans and initiatives designed to support our students, teachers, and Principals. It was an unforgettable experience, filled with inspiring moments and a shared sense of purpose as we look toward the future.

One of the highlights was hearing from Helen, the new Principal of Razzamataz Manchester South, who perfectly summed up the feeling of the event: “I’m feeling motivated, empowered, and ready to take bold steps forward.”  These words echo the sentiment shared by so many in attendance, as we move forward with renewed determination and passion for the work we do.

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are more committed than ever to providing exceptional opportunities for growth, creativity, and leadership for everyone in the Razzamataz family.

We look forward to an exciting year of innovation, inspiration, and continued success as we reach new milestones together.

Meet Chloe, Principal of Razzamataz Chester –
A Story of Growth, Motivation, and Opportunity

We are thrilled to introduce Chloe, the inspiring Principal of Razzamataz Chester, whose journey with us has been nothing short of transformative.

As a valued member of the Razzamataz network, Chloe has found our annual conference to be an incredible catalyst for growth. Over the years, it has provided her with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to continuously strengthen and evolve her school. Each year, she’s seen her students thrive, not only in the arts but also in building confidence and key life skills, thanks to the wealth of support offered by Razzamataz.

Chloe’s commitment to her students has never been stronger. She is more motivated than ever to deliver exceptional opportunities to her students, empowering them to embrace their full potential through the wide range of creative programs offered at Razzamataz. From performing arts to leadership development, she is continually inspired by the limitless possibilities available to her school community.

This is just the beginning! We are dedicated to supporting passionate Principals like Chloe in their mission to inspire the next generation of talent. Together, we continue to create a positive impact that goes far beyond the classroom.