As a new wave of franchisees prepares to join the growing Razzamataz Theatre Schools network, they are undertaking an extensive and exciting training week designed to equip them with the skills, confidence and support needed to build thriving performing arts schools in their communities.
But while the initial franchise training is comprehensive, the real story behind Razzamataz is the long-term journey the organisation creates. This is not only for franchisees, but for students, teachers and entire creative teams who grow within the Razzamataz family over many years. This year, Razzamataz is hosting one of its busiest franchise training programmes to date, with a growing number of new franchisees joining the network as demand for creative, community-led businesses continues to rise.
A Full Circle Approach to Career Development
At the heart of Razzamataz is a unique “full circle” approach to development. Across the network, there are countless examples of young people who first walked through the doors as students and are now teaching classes, mentoring others, managing schools and even becoming franchise owners themselves.
This powerful progression pathway is one of the reasons Razzamataz continues to attract passionate entrepreneurs looking to make a difference through performing arts education. Denise Gosney, Founder and Managing Director of Razzamataz Theatre Schools, says: “Razzamataz has always been about so much more than performing arts classes. We are passionate about creating opportunities for people at every stage of their journey. Seeing students grow into teachers, managers and Principals is incredibly rewarding because it shows the lasting impact that confidence, creativity and support can have on a person’s life.”
Comprehensive Franchise Training and Ongoing Support
The newest franchisees joining the network have just completed Razzamataz’s in-depth induction and training week, which covers every aspect of running a successful theatre school business. From safeguarding and operations to marketing, customer care and class delivery, franchisees receive practical, hands-on guidance before opening their doors.
However, support does not stop after launch. Franchisees benefit from ongoing mentoring, strategic coaching, creative guidance, operational support and regular development opportunities throughout their journey with Razzamataz.
Supporting Students Beyond the Classroom
Razzamataz starts this support early with alumni initiatives including Encore, a dedicated newsletter designed to support former students with industry opportunities, advice and career guidance. In addition, students and their families can attend the Next Steps events, exclusive, closed-group receptions created to help students and parents explore long-term opportunities within Razzamataz and the wider performing arts industry.
During these events, guest speakers share honest insights into the realities of working in performing arts, alongside their own professional experiences. Families are guided through the full Razzamataz career journey, from Assistant to Teacher, Manager, Principal and even multi-unit business owner.
A great example of this student development is Louise and Meadow who will be opening Razzamataz Epping Forest in September of this year. This mum and daughter duo have had a long association with Razzamataz with Meadow attending the Brentwood school. Elsewhere, former Razzamataz Newcastle student Ellie is attending training and will be relaunching Razzamataz Radlett in September 2026.
Teachers Progressing into Leadership Roles
Supporting career development is equally important for teachers and team members across the network. One of the flagship initiatives supporting this commitment is the Razzamataz Careers & Creative Development Day. The annual event is designed to help teachers enhance their skills, feel creatively inspired and explore future career pathways within the organisation.
Many teachers attending these events began their own Razzamataz journeys as students before progressing into teaching, mentoring and leadership positions, with some eventually becoming Principals of their own schools. At this year’s training and gearing up to launch their own Razzamataz schools in September, there are several former Razzamataz teachers including Louise who works at Razzamataz Hornchurch who will be launching Razzamataz Canterbury along with current franchisee Fliss. Opening January 2027, current franchisee and former teaching assistant and teacher Kasey will be opening Razzamataz Harlow with Nicole who is the operations manager for several of the Essex schools. At Razzamataz Edinburgh, Murron has been a student, teacher and manager for Razzamataz and is now the new franchisee of Razzamataz Edinburgh.
This year’s Careers & Creative Development Days will take place on Sunday 1st November at Emil Dale Academy in London and Sunday 15th November at Move Studios in Glasgow.
Book your place: https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/jobs/join-us-at-our-free-cpd-creative-development-days-in-london-and-glasgow/
Future Founders Competition Winners Begin Their Journey
This year’s training is also special as the team welcomed the first winners of the Future Founders competition, Rachel and Ben who will be launching Razzamataz Burton On Trent. Rachel is a teacher at the Mansfield and Nottingham schools and is currently the manager at Nottingham. The couple were awarded a Razzamataz franchise and also a £10,000 grant to supercharge their business journey after a lengthy application process.
Discover Your Razzamataz Franchise Opportunity
Enquire early to secure your place at our next training week and see what makes the Razzamataz network so special. Book your free place on our next Discovery Den: https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/discovery-dens/
Hear From the New Razzamataz Franchisees
Former student and mum and daughter team Louise & Meadow at Epping Forest: “Being a Razzamataz franchisee means that we have the chance to provide ourselves with the best possible future. We also get to bring high quality performing arts tuition to Epping Forest, that will not only provide children with the skills for performing arts, but also those important life skills that are so necessary to thrive in life.”
Future Founders winners and husband and wife team Rachel & Ben at Burton On Trent: “It is very exciting for us both to become franchisees together, embark on this journey and share our love of the performing arts. Working together on something we genuinely care about gives us the opportunity to create financial stability, personal fulfilment and a positive impact within our local community.”
Teacher Louise at Canterbury: “What excites me most is the chance to build a real sense of community locally. I would love to create a space where children feel they truly belong, where they are supported in whatever path they choose in life, and where they can develop key life skills.”
Teacher Nicole at Harlow: “This is a chance to realise a dream and support the next generation through an outlet I wish I had growing up. I am so excited to bring the Razzamataz Family to Harlow and share unforgettable experiences for the whole family.”
Multi-territory Principal Kasey at Harlow: “I truly believe in everything that Razzamataz stands for & it has brought so much joy and belonging to my life & I feel so privileged to be able to bring that to the young people of Harlow.”
Former student, teacher and manager Murron at Edinburgh: “From joining Razzamataz as a shy student to now becoming the Principal, becoming a franchisee means a lot to me and represents the skills I learnt through the curriculum provided. I’m most excited to bring inclusivity, new excitement and sense of achievement to my local community.”
Multi-territory Principal Amanda at Glasgow South: “Expanding the business has given me further confidence and belief in the Razzamataz model as it has worked for one territory already. I’m most excited to bring a fresh, exciting energy to the community and network with local businesses.”
Former teacher Jules at Hackney: “Becoming a Razzamataz franchisee means coming full circle. Years ago, Razzamataz was the first company to believe in me, which kickstarted a global career in creative education. Today, I’m thrilled to bring that world-class experience back to my own community.”
Former student Ellie at Radlett: “I was once a nervous performer with a big dream and Razzamataz gave me the resilience and skillset to achieve my goals. Becoming a Razzamataz franchisee gives me the opportunity to build confidence in so many young people and to help them realise their limitless potential.”
Multi-territory Principal Ellie at York: “Expanding from solely owning Leeds to now taking on York feels like a huge milestone, building on everything that I’ve added since taking on Leeds. What I’m most excited about is becoming part of the York community, building new relationships, and creating a positive impact locally.”
Professional performers Lizzie and Alex: “Becoming Franchisees gives us the opportunity to combine our joint passion, and our wealth of shared experience in performing arts and education. We’re excited to join such a welcoming community where every child is encouraged to grow, both as confident performers and as flourishing young people; and to curate a local space where children feel inspired, supported, and free to express themselves.”
