After more than twenty five years of teaching, Kathryn Whale decided that it was really now or never and took the plunge to follow her dream of running her own theatre school to inspire children with the magic of performing arts. Her story of becoming the new Principal of Razzamataz Wakefield will motivate others to follow their passion.

 

A bit about me

I studied drama at Reading University along with a QTS which enabled me to also become a teacher. After uni, I went to drama school and from there worked professionally as an actor on TV and in theatre. When I met my husband, we moved to Africa for a year and on returning, I had my daughter Natasha who is now 21. I’ve maintained strong links with the arts through my teaching, directing many different productions. I’ve been a teacher for 28 years and have always said at some point I would love to have my own performing arts school.

 

Why franchising

I’ve been talking about running my own theatre school for so long that it felt like it was just a pipeline dream. Last winter felt particularly depressing and one day when I was off work sick, I just started googling drama school franchises in Wakefield. One thing that I was sure of was that without any business experience, I really would not be able to do this alone. The thought of it was just far too overwhelming and I understood that I needed the support that the franchise system offered.

 

Why Razzamataz

Everything about Razzamataz really stood out to me and upon doing some research, there were things that really resonated with me. I loved reading about all the opportunities that the students can take part in; everything from performing in the West End to overseas trips to New York, Paris and now I’ve heard about Dubai. But what was the most important thing to me was the positive reviews from parents and how they spoke about how Razzamataz makes their children happy.

 

First steps into becoming a franchisee

I contacted the Head Office who arranged for me to attend a Discovery Den. It was basically just an initial conversation so I could find out more about Razzamataz, franchising and they could find out if I was the right fit too. I also learned that the Wakefield school was up for sale, which was ideal for me.

 

Any worries or concerns

I have been teaching for years and my experience in the arts meant that I was confident with the creative side of things. But I have never run a business before and I was pretty scared about how I would even start and what would be expected. But what put my mind at ease was talking to James at Head Office and finding out that many other franchisees were in the exact same position as me but are now running thriving schools. There are a lot of teachers in the network and James explained that most people start with no business experience but that is not a barrier.

 

Training

The training week was so detailed but it hasn’t stopped there. I’ve been in lots of contact with professionals working at Razzamataz to help me with various aspects of running a school. Everything from databases through to PR and marketing, everyone has been so professional and helpful, I’ve been so impressed. What is also reassuring is that I have a support and onboarding manager who is always at the end of an email and we have been set various home tasks which have really helped to keep me on track.

 

What are your work goals

In terms of the business, I aim to have a full school by Christmas and then I’ll make plans to continue to expand. I left my full time teaching job and I’m currently a supply teacher but my aim is to make Razzamataz my full time career. What has been inspiring is that many others have done this too, so there is a clear path to success to follow, which is very reassuring.

 

What is your mission

First and foremost is that every child that attends can have fun and take advantage of all the extra events that I will offer. I’m passionate that every child has the same opportunity to join in and no one gets left behind. I want parents to know that their children will be participating in classes where standards are high and children are learning in an inspiring environment. I love working with children and I know how much performing arts benefitted my life, so I want to pass this on to others and enjoy being in a space that is buzzing with excitement.

 

Fun so far

I’ve really appreciated the network and all the support that is available. There is always someone to chat to on a WhatsApp group and already it feels like a warm family environment.

 

Advice to others

I should have done this years ago so I would say to others, if you have a dream, then don’t put it off. I wish I had decided ten years ago to join Razzamataz but I’m excited that I’m here now and ready to get stuck in.

 

Words to live by

Asking for strength and guidance from a spiritual being gives me the confidence to believe in myself and follow my dreams. I practice gratitude and I believe that it has helped keep me going in life when things get tough.

 

Make a difference to young lives in your community

Join us in time for our 25th Anniversary celebrations at The Eiffel Tower, Paris next September! Current fee is £12,995 plus VAT or ZERO upfront fee with a flat fee return, ask us about this! Every now & again we have resale opportunities, please contact us to find out more!

Training takes place regularly at the Razzamataz Head Office in the beautiful Lake District and Flagship school Razzamataz Carlisle. 

 

Choreograph your future with us: train, teach, own

Join us at Pineapple Dance Studios, London on Sunday 29th September, for a completely FREE professional development day & meet the founder & our team to talk about opportunities to train with us, teach with us, own with us!

 

Email [email protected] by 1st July for more information as places are limited!