Razzamataz Theatre Schools is delighted to celebrate the incredible talent of all the young performers who auditioned for this year’s Future Fund, while announcing Mia Rathbone from Razzamataz Mansfield as this year’s deserving winner. Mia has been awarded £3,000 through the Razzamataz Future Fund, which she will use to help cover living expenses and the costs associated with studying for a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Acting: Musical Theatre at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
Hear from Mia
“Being part of Razzamataz Mansfield for the last 10 years has definitely shaped me into the performer I am today. If it weren’t for them and my wonderful teachers pushing me and giving me confidence, I wouldn’t have realised I wanted to do this professionally and wouldn’t have been inspired to pursue musical theatre in further education. Being selected for the Future Fund is such a big honour, and having Razzamataz’s continued support as I begin training at drama school means so much. The funding will greatly help with the costs of training in London, and it will ease a lot of pressure allowing me to be fully focused on my progression in my studies. It will even allow me to have more opportunities I previously may not have had. Whether this be extra classes or headshots or tickets to shows, I can fully surround myself in the arts.”
Meet the judges
This year’s Future Fund auditions were judged by two accomplished musical theatre performers who know first-hand what it takes to build a successful career in the industry.
Lulu-Mae Pears professional credits include playing Cosette in Les Misérables on the World Arena Tour and in London’s West End. Joining her on the panel was Joshua Lloyd, with impressive theatre credits including Barman in The Choir of Man on the UK tour, in the West End and at the Sydney Opera House, Amos Hart in the UK tour of Chicago, and covering the roles of Scar and Pumbaa in the UK tour of The Lion King.
“Mia was well presented, professional, clearly practiced and taken the time to really show off her talents. Great musicality, great acting and she came across very well. Carry on working like this for a promising future.”
Leaving a legacy
Since launching in 2015, the Future Fund has awarded approximately £100,000 to students going on to pursue professional training at leading performing arts colleges and universities. But the Future Fund is far more than financial support. Like all areas of Razzamataz, it is about nurturing confidence, resilience and self-belief, helping young people recognise their potential both on and off the stage. Bo Welch from Razzamataz Newcastle who is going to Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts to study for a Musical Theatre Degree explains that from day one, she was made to feel welcome by staff and students which has helped her become more confident.
Hear from Bo
“I was encouraged to be myself and to audition for roles that were out of my comfort zone and was also given the opportunity to showcase my talents from my very first performance. This encouragement along with being in a warm and safe environment made me lose any shyness and nervousness and allowed me to grow as a performer. Receiving the Razzamataz Future Fund has helped validate that others see and appreciate the talents that I have and gives me hope that I do have a future in the industry. The Future Fund will allow me to pursue my dream by aiding me to equip myself with what I need to get there.”
The start of the journey
The impact of the Future Fund is not just about the initial financial support. The feedback from judges and support from the teaching teams and Principals is all geared to ensure a positive first professional step. Former winners have gone on to perform in the West End, international tours, television productions and across the wider entertainment industry. Many return to the schools as teaching assistants, teachers and workshop leaders, staying connected to the places that supported their early development.
Creating a franchise pathway
Increasingly, alumni are progressing even further within the network by becoming Principals and franchise owners. This progression from student to professional performer to business owner demonstrates the strength of the Razzamataz franchise model and its focus on long-term personal and professional development. Previous recipients of the Future Fund include Jodie Hall, franchisee of Razzamataz Derby who after her training, returned to Razzamataz as an assistant, then teacher and then assistant Principal until the opportunity to become part of the franchise became available.
A social impact franchise
The Future Fund reflects the wider philosophy behind the Razzamataz franchise network: combining commercial success with meaningful social impact. Franchisees are not only building businesses in performing arts education, they are contributing to a national ecosystem that supports children from their first class through to professional careers and beyond. This approach is increasingly attractive to entrepreneurs seeking a franchise opportunity that delivers both financial reward and measurable social value.
Expanding across the UK and overseas
As demand continues to grow for children’s performing arts, confidence-building activities, and extracurricular education, Razzamataz is expanding its network of franchise schools across the UK and internationally. There are already schools in the UAE and Republic of Ireland and the announcement of the 2026 Future Fund winner comes at a time of continued growth, with new franchise opportunities available for individuals who want to be part of a mission-led business.
Hear from Founder Denise
“Every year the Future Fund reminds us why we do what we do. It’s not simply about helping one student access further training. It’s about creating opportunities that can influence lives for decades.”
Be part of something bigger
Join one of our free Discovery Dens to discover how franchisees have the systems, support and national platform to build thriving performing arts schools in their communities. Visit: https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/discovery-dens/
