Weymouth

Social mobility and diversity in the arts have been hotly debated over the years with fears that working-class children are being denied the opportunity to participate due to rising costs of training.

Stars such as Benedict Cumberbatch and Eddie Redmayne were cited as typical of those at performing arts colleges who came from privileged backgrounds with fears being that it was becoming increasingly difficult for working-class talent to succeed.

Denise Hutton-Gosney, MD and Founder of Razzamataz Theatre Schools has her own personal experience of being priced out of college as she explains: “I actually gained a scholarship to go to college but I still had no money to live and to buy the shoes and equipment I needed. I couldn’t pay my rent so I had no other option but to leave.”

Denise’s passion to perform and drive and determination meant that she would regularly get the overnight bus from Scotland to London to audition and her tenacity enabled her to gain professional employment before she took the leap into setting up her own theatre school. Coming from a working-class background herself, her one dream was to make performing arts as accessible to as many young people as possible.

Razzamataz Theatre Schools has been offering young performers the chance to win a scholarship consisting of a year’s free tuition, worth approximately £600, with their local Razzamataz in association with The Stage newspaper since 2010. As a company, Razzamataz has given around £30,000 worth of scholarships every year, accumulating to circa £200,000 worth of scholarship places over the years across the UK.

This exciting partnership has enabled young people across the UK to get involved in performing arts, many for the first time. It has also given students the confidence to go on and secure prestigious places at college and university.

“Winning a scholarship with The Stage has been wonderful for the students and given them the belief in themselves to go on and achieve their dreams,” adds Denise. “As a business, we have helped lots of families over the years and inspired young people to enjoy the theatre arts and that is one of my proudest achievements.”

Remembering her own financial struggle at college was the driving force for Denise and the Razzamataz schools to set up their own charity called Future Fund, which helps fund students in performing arts colleges once they leave Razzamataz.

“The charity was set up in 2008 to give back to the students and their families who have been with us over the years,” says Denise. “Had I been given the chance to audition for additional funds to help with my living costs, it would have been a lifeline for me. To date, we have raised more than £50,000 and supported many students who may not have been able to complete their courses without the extra funding.”

Razzamataz Theatre Schools are also very proud of the 50% sibling discounts they offer, which has made a huge difference to many families trying to offer their children wonderful opportunities.

“Everyone at Razzamataz is passionate about the benefits of performing arts to children and young people,” adds Denise. “We will continue to make sure that this is an area where all children can have opportunities regardless of their economic background.”

If you would like to open your own theatre school and join the network of Principals, Razzamataz holds regular Discovery Den days across the UK where potential franchisees get a chance to meet the head office team, find out more about franchising in general and discover what it is like to run a part-time theatre school.

If you would like to find out more about becoming part of our team and attending a Discovery Den, Chat to Head of Recruitment Suzie on E:suzie@razzamataz.co.uk or call 07793 054 233. 

Known as the biggest and most influential event in the franchising world, the finalist for the British Franchise Association (bfa) Awards have been announced. Among the finalist are two Razzamataz Theatre Schools franchisees.

Hayley Limpkin, Founding Principal and now co-owner of Razzamataz Medway and Helen Bell, Principal of Razzamataz Sheffield have just completed the interview stage for the Awards, having been shortlisted by the esteemed panel of judges. Hayley is in the running for ‘Lifestyle Franchisee of the Year’ and Helen for ‘Young Franchisee of the Year.’

The bfa Awards are a celebration of excellence in franchising, highlighting success in all its various forms. They are the oldest and most celebrated in the UK franchise sector, running for nearly 30 years. Razzamataz are delighted to be one of the chosen few who have made it through to the finals. Pip Wilkins, the bfa’s CEO says: “Our annual awards are proving more popular than ever, with a 32% increase in entries this year over 2017, so it’s been a tough task to narrow it down to our 18 finalists.”

To reach the finals, Helen and Hayley had to submit a detailed application form showing their achievements over the years and how their schools have flourished to above and beyond the franchisor’s initial expectations.

“We are so proud of our Principals for making it through to the finals of the bfa Awards,” says Denise Hutton-Gosney, MD and Founder of Razzamataz. “Their success is very much down to their wonderful teams and the support they both receive. Helen’s team at Sheffield have been amazing during her maternity leave and the team at Medway, especially co-owner Emily, has been a huge support to Hayley while her son was

receiving medical treatment.”

Helen and Hayley joined the other finalists to present their cases to the panel of expert judges which includes Brian Smart QFP, Pip Wilkins QFP, Chief Executive, bfa, Andrew Brattesani, Head of Franchising, HSBC, Jane Masih, Director, Owen White Solicitors, Alan Wilkinson QFP, Head of UK Franchise Development, The Franchising Centre and Derrick Simpson, bfa Companion.

“It was a really exciting day presenting to the bfa about the special community we have built over the last eight years at Medway,” says Hayley. “It really has been an incredible journey that has been made possible by our wonderful team of teachers, students, parents, staff and the constant support from our Razzamataz Head Office.”

Both Principals have worked tirelessly over the years and explained to the judges how they have managed to combine running successful businesses with the lifestyle that suits their family commitments.

“Razzamataz Sheffield performed at Disneyland Paris just five weeks after my son Harrison was born and I was able to be there with him cheering along our students and supporting Head Office as Stage Manager,” said Helen. “I have the staff and set up in place now so I don’t plan to go back full time anytime soon but I can still enjoy financial freedom, which is really incredible.”

Winners will be named at the Franchise of the Year awards black-tie ceremony held at the bfa Annual Conference on the 28th June at the ICC in Birmingham.

Further congratulations to Denise Hutton-Gosney on being shortlisted for EWIF’s Award. When Denise started Razzamataz in 2000, it was with a simple dream to make performing arts accessible to children. She never could have imagined the incredible journey she has been on, which has led her to being shortlisted for EWIF’s Final for ‘Woman Franchisor of the Year.’

Want to join our Award-winning team of franchisees? Last few places remaining to launch this year! Don’t miss our July training for a September launch.

If you would like to find out more about becoming part of our team and attending a Discovery Den, Chat to Head of Recruitment Suzie on E:suzie@razzamataz.co.uk or call 07793 054 233. For more details visit: www.razzamataz.co.uk.

Pic 1
Hayley Limpkin from Razzamataz Medway
Pic 2
Helen Bell from Razzamataz Sheffield

From the West End to Broadway, Kerry Ellis has starred in some of the most iconic shows as well as achieving chart-topping success as a recording artist. As a mother to two young boys, Kerry is passionate about the benefits of performing arts for children also. Razzamataz was delighted to exclusively host Kerry’s singing and performing masterclasses in Scotland, Sheffield and London for its students.

Kerry worked with the children who attend Razzamataz schools across the country to create a masterclass in singing and performing. The start of the workshop was to focus on the students and what they wanted to get out of the class. Kerry explained that she loved to also learn from them and to find out how they access music, what their aspirations are and what challenges they face. During the workshop, the students learnt how to act through a song and how to approach a song right from the start. Kerry also shared her knowledge and experience on audition prep and how to get the most out of each performance.

Kerry was the first British Elphaba in the West End smash, Wicked, for which she won the 2008 Whatsonstage.com Award for ‘Best Takeover in a Role’. Oliver!, My Fair Lady, Miss Saigon and Les Miserables are just some of the other wonderful shows she’s starred in.

“From working on the West End stage to Broadway, there’s really been so many special moments in my career and I’m eternally grateful for it all,” says Kerry. “Some of the most special memories are performing with Brian May (Queen’s guitarist) at the Royal Festival of Remembrance to honour those who have given their lives fighting for the country. As someone who loves musical theatre, performing on Broadway for the first time was of course a dream come true and recording my first album was a wonderful experience.”

The relaxed workshop allowed the students to ask Kerry lots of questions and it gave them a wonderful insight into the life of a professional performer who has achieved a huge level of success.

“Performing arts can offer so much, regardless if children want to work professionally in the industry,” Kerry added. “Theatre practice really brings in an awareness of yourself and teaches skills such as team work, communication as well as general physical fitness.”

It’s a big part of the Razzamataz ethos to bring in top class professionals to work with the students. Learning from those who are currently enjoying successful careers is extremely motivating for students and gives them a real sense of what the performing arts industry is all about.

Children who attend Razzamataz take part in dance, drama and singing classes and experience everything from classic West End musical theatre styles through to street dance, pop singing and acting for camera. Students get lots of opportunities to perform, have fun and make new friends, build on their confidence and social skills all while keeping fit and active. Classes start at age 2 and go on to 18 and there are regular special guest workshops for students of all ages.

Razzamataz has many contacts with industry professionals so franchisees don’t necessarily have to have performing arts experience. Franchisees in each school come from a range of backgrounds including new parents who want a career to fit flexibly around their families, former teachers and young performers.

To find out if franchising is the right option, Razzamataz holds regular Discovery Den days across the UK where potential franchisees get a chance to meet the head office team, find out more about franchising in general and discover what it is like to run a part-time theatre school.

To find out more, contact Head of Franchisee Recruitment Suzie McCafferty to benefit from our offer of up to £6,000 saving! Email: suzie@razzamataz.co.uk or call Suzie on 07793 054 233.