The owner of a part-time theatre school in Carlisle, which is part of a network of franchise schools, has really got behind her students by taking part in a spectacular fundraising event.

Debbie Mitchell, the Principal of Razzamataz Carlisle persuaded eight other people, comprising senior students, staff and parents, to accompany her and on a skydive to raise money for the theatre school’s charity Future Fund.

Razzamataz Carlise is part of a Dragons’ Den backed theatre school franchise with almost 50 schools up and down the country. All the schools have got together to create the Future Fund charity, which has been set up to support a Razzamataz student going on to study full time performing arts in college. As part of its commitment to its students, Razzamataz will help finance a scholarship to train at a performing arts college and will be offered to an exceptionally talented and dedicated student who attends the schools.

Schools across the country have been busy with various fundraising efforts from cake bakes to fancy dress days. Debbie’s effort has been particularly impressive, especially as she’s not much of a thrill seeker!

“I never really wanted to do a skydive but one of my students suggested it so I thought, why not,” says Debbie. “I wasn’t that worried initially but on the night before I couldn’t sleep and I really did feel scared. The day was wonderful, we had beautiful weather and there were actually professional skydivers performing on that day. Once they call your name everything happens very quickly and you realise there is no backing out of it! I was excited and scared all at the same time but it is an incredible experience to feel like you are flying and I just wanted to take it all in and savor the moment.”

The skydive took place at Sky Dive North West in the South of the Lake District. The nine Razzamataz skydivers jumped 1,5000ft out of a plane in tandem raising money for Future Fund and other charities close to their hearts. So far, the total amount raised is in the region of £5,000.

The charity skydivers consisted of Amelia Postlethwaite, a Senior student at Razzamataz Carlisle who also roped in her boyfriend, Sam Tunnicliff. Amelia was fundraising for the Hospice and Sam for Cancer Research. Robyn Falder, senior student at Razzamataz Carlisle joined the team to raise money for the Future Fund and the Macmillan Nurses in memory of her grandad. Kim Ullyart, mother of senior student Sophie, was fundraising for the Future Fund and the fire fighters’ charity that she works for, a charity close to her heart as her grandad was a fire fighter. Sarah Harkness, proud parent of Razz Inters student Maizie, was fundraising for CRY, the Cardiac Risk in the Young charity. Although a very fit and active teen, Sarah’s older brother Garry died at just 14 years old. Sarah is fundraising to help prevent tragedies like these happening to other families. Amy Thompson, Razzamataz Carlisle classroom assistant and former student raised money for Future Fund. Dad Dougie Johnstone, parent of Razz Inters student Evie, will be fundraising for the Future Fund and has got lots of friends and family supporting. The second dad to join the team was classroom assistant Brittany’s dad David. The final member of the team was Debbie.

“We have so many talented students at my school who I would love to encourage to pursue their talents as a career,” says Debbie. “It is top class training that has got me where I am today and a grant from a charity like this would have really helped my parents when I was training. I think you are extremely lucky in this life if you have a passion and know exactly what career path you want to take. I want to encourage my students to follow their dreams just like I did!”

Razzamataz Theatre Schools offers a wide range of performing arts styles for children with classes in dance, drama and singing. Students experience various genres from classic West End musical theatre through to pop singing, street dance and acting for camera. In all sessions, the emphasis is on having fun and bringing out the creativity and unique potential in each and every student.

There are lots of opportunities to perform and take part in local community events, where students can get a chance to build on their confidence and get a taste of life as a professional performer. There are also many guest workshops where industry experts from the stage and screen come into the school and take a master class.

Students across the UK are currently preparing for the Future Fund audition for the fourth consecutive year.

To join our team of Principals and 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.

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:[email protected] or call 07793 054 233