Parents today are taking back control over the TV, computer and playstation. They no longer want to see their offspring vegging on the sofa all weekend and have realized that children and teenagers need to burn off their excess energy in a constructive and fun way.
With this healthy attitude in mind, an increasing number of people are looking to the performing arts to help make a fun and fulfilling weekend for their children. Part-time performing arts schools, which usually run on Saturdays and Sundays, are thriving with more and more opening every year. But how to choose a weekend stage school when the number of independents and franchise options seem to be growing every month?
Denise Hutton-Gosney, Founder and Managing Director of Razzamataz Theatre Schools says parents really need to research the school that is right for their child and although on the surface they are offering the same thing, each school will have a very different ethos. “Children love to perform but not all theatre schools offer their students the opportunity,” says Hutton Gosney. “I was a performer for many years so understand how important it is so all our students get plenty of opportunities to shine.”
Razzamataz Theatre Schools is a franchise part-time performing arts school with more than 40 schools up and down the country. The business has gone from strength to strength ever since Hutton-Gosney appeared on Dragons’ Den in 2007 and won the backing of Duncan Bannatyne who still plays an important role in the organisation.
“I think one of the reasons we won the investment from Duncan was that he recognized that Razzamataz goes above and beyond what many theatre schools offer their pupils. We are very involved in theatre productions and local community events, which give the children a chance to perform and is fantastic for their self-confidence,” adds Hutton-Gosney.
Razzamataz offers a huge variety of performance styles, from street dance to musical theatre and the team regularly uses professional performers to teach the students to keep the child motivated and their imagination engaged. This includes the likes of Kylie Mingoue’s choreographer and most recently a workshop by a Lady Gaga tribute act called Miss Gaga Lady Gaga Tribute.
“We make sure the children are having fun,” says Hutton-Gosney. “If they are not really enjoying it you won’t be able to sustain their interest. We put an emphasis on happiness, it is not about being the best, it is about having the best time.” Other specialist Razzamataz workshops include the street dance crew Zoo Nation. “Working in partnership with high profile, up and coming companies to keep our children inspired by the experts at the top of their professions give the children a reason to keep coming back and stay motivated,” adds Hutton-Gosney.
Nurturing young talent is high on Razzamataz’s agenda and building up a child’s confidence and self-esteem is a big part of the process. “Very early on we decided that our commitment to our pupils would be our number one priority and investing in today’s youth is a big part of that,” adds Hutton-Gosney.
This commitment includes taking part in the Arts Awards. Students wishing to develop their own skills as young leaders and artists can take part in the Arts Awards, an accredited qualification for young people aged 11 to 25 which is recognized on the UCAS Tariff and is offered at Bronze, Silver and Gold at a number of Razzamataz franchises. At each level, young people are assessed on their planning and review skills and can explore any of the art forms including performing arts, visual arts, literature, media and multimedia.
When considering a franchise performing arts school, it is really important that you don’t just go for a name that you have heard of through marketing or advertising says Hutton-Gosney: “The school might have a good reputation but if it is part of a franchise make sure that your local branch is up to scratch. Find out about the teachers and make sure they are really enthusiastic about what they do. We also offer mid-week schools, which are very popular with families who can’t commit to the weekends.”
Weekend theatre schools are also great news for the performing arts industry in general. Razzamataz Principals are often professional performers themselves who will often recruit professional dancers, singers and actors to teach. This part-time work is well paid and keeps performers motivated and working on a weekend is not likely to clash with auditions. Razzamataz is always interested to hear from performers or ex-performers who are looking to utilize their skills and take on a financially rewarding and flexible role that can fit around a professional performer’s schedule as well as family life.
For more information about your local Razzamataz or if you would like to know more about becoming a Razzamataz Principal or Teacher call 01228 550129, email franchise@razzamataz.co.uk
Media contact and for further photography Karen.keeman@btopenworld.com, Tel: 020 8275 8303 or 07947 37662