The career path of a performer can be quite rocky. With little stability and a huge amount of competition for each job, trying to find financial stability can be very challenging.

For those performers who want to move on in their career, but stay in an industry in which they love, finding a long-term option in which they can make life plans is often high on the agenda.

A theatre school franchise, with almost 50 schools throughout the UK, has many retired performers as Principals. Through franchising, they have found a rewarding long-term career path and continue to grow their own schools and offer many opportunities for their students.

Charlotte Young is the Principal of Razzamataz West Cumbria. As a former professional dancer and singer, Charlotte joined Razzamataz as a teacher in 2005 and was later promoted to be a manager. Having seen the success of the schools, she decided to open her own Razzamataz in 2007, when she became a franchisee.

“The development of Razzamataz and the way it moves with the times has really kept me motivated,” explains Charlotte. “The Head Office team is always finding new opportunities for us to pass to our students and the amazing training and development that is on offer allows me to make my goals a reality.”

Helen Bell has been the franchise owner of Razzamataz Sheffield for more than five years although she started out as a singing teacher for the company back in September 2008. For Helen, who now combines being a theatre school Principal with caring for her newborn son, the opportunities that she has seen throughout her years are inspiring.

“I keep myself and my students motivated by creating lots of new opportunities for them to enjoy,” says Helen. “This is further supported by the work that Head Office do and in recent years, the students of Razzamataz Sheffield have been lucky enough to be involved with performing at Her Majesty’s Theatre in the West End, Disneyland® Paris and participating in guest workshops with Ashely Banjo from Diversity. Next year, we are delighted to be part of the cast performing at the Indigo 02, which is a first for Razzamataz and very exciting for our whole team.”

Lauren Kirkbride began her time with Razzamataz as a student aged 11. She then went on to work as a teacher in 2011 and also two seasons with the First Choice Razzamataz team overseas. In September 2015, Lauren got the opportunity to take over the Penrith school.

“Being able to provide a range of opportunities to our students keeps me passionate about my school,” says Lauren. “From a student singing a solo for the first time to performing in the Disneyland® Paris pre-parade, it’s amazing to be able to create memories for them and build their confidence and self-belief.”

To find out more about becoming part of the Razzamataz network of Principals, contact Head of Franchisee Recruitment Suzie McCafferty. For new franchisees, Razzamataz has a special offer of just £7,995 (£2,000 saving) to launch a Razzamataz theatre school. Plus until the end of 2017, Razzamataz will pay your VAT – a saving of around £1,600 and your first term management fee is free. Chat to Suzie on E:[email protected] or call 07793 054 233.