It has just been announced that Madeline Matti, age 14, from Millhouses, has just been awarded a prestigious scholarship in association with The Stage newspaper to attend Razzamataz Sheffield for a year completely free of charge.

The Stage is a very respected national newspaper for the performing arts industry and this is an enormous benefit for Madeline to be able to say that she was awarded a Razzamataz scholarship in association with The Stage. The scholarship has been created to give children the opportunity to participate in the performing arts and is part of Razzamataz’s dedication to make performance training accessible to young people all over the country.

The scholarships were available to current students and those that do not attend the part-time theatre school. The young people were asked to film a short demo of no more than two minutes long showing them performing either a  musical theatre song and dance, street dance, pop song, drama improvisation or scripted drama piece.

Madeline was praised for her performance of a drama monologue directed by herself. Judges were particularly impressed by Madeline’s maturity and interpretation of the script. “It wasn’t just about raw talent, the applicants had to show a really strong dedication to the performing arts,” says Helen, Principal of Razzamataz Sheffield. “We looked for those that demonstrated a passion for performing and a real desire to learn so we are delighted to award Madeline with the scholarship. We really hope this inspires her to keep working hard and enjoying her performing arts training.”

Madeline was delighted when she heard and it has given her an enormous boost of confidence. “I am so happy to have won the scholarship but completely shocked! I didn’t think I was good enough but now I’ve got much more confidence in my ability and can’t wait for the start of term.”

Madeline’s first experience of Razzamataz was when she came to a taster session at the school in July 2015, “I love the variety at Razzamataz! It was so much fun but I was going to have to try and get a job to pay for Razzamataz myself so the scholarship will be a huge help.”

Razzamataz gained national recognition after an appearance on Dragons’ Den in 2007 and won an investment from Duncan Bannatyne. Duncan says: “Congratulations Madeline, make the most of this fantastic opportunity. Razz skills keep young people active, instill a confidence and pride and encourage social skills. All of which are vital today.”

As one of the fastest growing part-time theatre schools in the UK, Razzamataz offers a wide range of performing arts styles for children age 2-18 including current trends that are accessible to children and teenagers. Razzamataz classes consist of dance, drama and singing and the curriculum covers the whole of the performing arts, from classic West End musical theatre to street dance and pop singing.

Razzamataz Sheffield offers plenty of opportunities for students to shine, they are looking forward to performing over the coming months at the Christmas Light Switch On and working with professional performer Kay Purcell from Tracy Beaker on Acting for Camera skills.

There is some limited availability for the classes held every Saturday at Meadowhead School. To book a FREE trial session for ages 2-18 at Razzamataz Sheffield or for more information, contact Helen on 07979189177 or sheffield@razzamataz.co.uk. Alternatively visit sheffield.razzamataz.co.uk