Razzamataz is getting ready to embark on another summer of fun providing top quality performing arts training to children on holiday in one of the 11 First Choice holiday villages throughout Europe.

This will be the tenth year that Razzamataz has offered the Summer Stage Academy at First Choice and due to its huge success, this year there is an extended programme, which incudes our Tots brand for little ones aged two and three as well as Street Dance for teenagers.

To recruit the very best, two experienced teachers, performers and Razzamataz Principals Debbie Mitchell and Charlotte Young held auditions in both Carlisle and London’s Danceworks Studio in March and April.

In total, Razzamataz recruited 22 young performers/teachers to deliver the Razzamataz classes at First Choice.

“The candidates had to demonstrate their teaching abilities by delivering a class to the other teachers at the audition who acted as students,” explains Debbie. “We were looking for dynamic and enthusiastic teachers who delivered fun and engaging lessons and were confident in their abilities. They needed to show that they had sufficient experience, were well prepared and had a passion for teaching.” 

During the auditions, candidates had to lead classes in dance, drama and singing and show their abilities to teach a range of age groups.

Razzamataz Summer Stage Academy at First Choice is open to all children, regardless of their experience in performing arts, so teachers need to be able to demonstrate how they would work with all abilities and varying degrees of experience. Students participate in singing, dancing and drama and the course finishes with a presentation on the main stage where they can show their hard work off to their families, so teachers will need to work hard to put together a presentation in only three lessons.

After the auditions, we are delighted to welcome our 2016 First Choice team who are raring to go. Expectations will be high with parents and children alike.

 “Words fail me! Skye has so grown in self-confidence after attending Razzamataz, from not wanting to go on stage, to coming to three sessions and singing/dancing at the front of the stage,” says parents Karen and Mark who holidayed last year with First Choice in Tunisia. “You guys can pat yourself on the backs for helping and encouraging Skye so much!”