One theatre school franchise believes in going above and beyond for students, even when they are no longer customers. For the last seven years, Razzamataz Theatre Schools has been offering scholarships to students who are continuing their performing arts training at college, to assist with some of the cost implications that their courses will incur.
For those students that leave Razzamataz with a desire to continue their professional training, the Principals, staff and teachers in the network are doing all they can to ensure their dreams can come true.
“The dedication and commitment it requires for these young people to pursue a career in the arts is admirable and we are determined to do all we can to support them on the next steps of their journey to be a professional performer,” says Denise Hutton Gosney, MD and Founder of Razzamataz. “The Future Fund charity was created to offer financial assistance to our students because I know first-hand how difficult it can be. I had to give up my place at dance college when the fees and cost of living became too much so I understand what a challenge it can be for families.”
Every year eligible students get the unique opportunity to perform in front of a panel of industry experts who not only judge the winners but also provide invaluable advice that they can take with them to future auditions.
This year, Razzamataz was delighted to welcome Alistair Smith, editor of the prestigious industry newspaper The Stage, the trade publication for theatre and the performing arts. He is also chair of the careers charity Get Into Theatre and the author of two major industry reports (the London Theatre Report and the Theatre Workforce Review).
Alistair was joined by Tarquin Shaw Young from Tarquin CEO & casting director at Tarquin Talent Agency. Tarquin has worked as a Casting Agent for the past seventeen years and has auditioned well over 30,000 students. Previously to this he worked as a professional actor working in all areas of the industry both here in the UK and in New Zealand.
The standard of this year’s entries was again very high but after much deliberation, the first prize of £3,000 was awarded to Abbie Grimley from Razzamataz Glasgow North, whose first-choice college is the MGA Academy of Performing Arts in Edinburgh. Abbie has been a student at Razzamataz Glasgow North since she was four years old and is delighted to be announced as this year’s Future Fund winner.
The judges were impressed by the focus and well-prepared auditions for all the candidates, which is very important in this competitive industry. “What was so impressive to see was the overwhelming passion from all five candidates and their acknowledgement to what their training at Razzamataz has given them – their spirit and drive in performance and exciting way forward to a new generation of theatre makers,” says Tarquin.
The runner up was Savannah Pinto from Razzamataz Mansfield and will receive £500 to put towards her training and future careers. The other applicants will each receive £100 Amazon voucher to put towards supplies. “I was really impressed by the commitment, passion and talent displayed by all the students applying for the Future Fund scheme,” says Alistair. “It’s wonderful to think that the future of the performing arts is in such safe hands and I really look forward to seeing how all our entrants fare in what I hope will be stellar careers. Thank you to Razzamataz for supporting these young people to follow their dreams.”
The Future Fund is just one of the many opportunities that Razzamataz franchisees can take advantage of. Being part of a network of performing arts professionals enables franchisees to offer their students incredible opportunities and contacts for those that want a career in this exciting industry.
Being part of this franchise network enables people without previous performing arts experience the opportunity to run their own theatre school, thanks to all the training, support, and contacts. Razzamataz is currently recruiting and expanding its team of teachers, staff, and new Principals.
Join our team
We are looking for dynamic partners to own a Razzamataz Theatre School. If you are looking to make a difference in your local community to the lives of young people and you have a passion for performing arts, we would love to hear from you.
Re-sale opportunities
Occasionally franchise territories come up for re-sale due to a change in the franchisees’ personal circumstances or simply because they have decided to sell their asset and reap the rewards of their hard work. These re-sale schools very rarely stay on the market for long, so if you are interested, don’t delay in contacting us. Re-sale schools in:
- High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
- Derby, East Midlands
If you would like to find out more about our ambitious growth plans and be part of multi-award winning Razzamataz Theatre Schools network, drop Charlotte a line from our friendly Head Office team to book on to one of our virtual Discovery Dens.
Email: franchise@razzamataz.co.uk