Learning to sing, dance and act is just one of the many benefits of being part of Razzamataz Rayleigh. Parents may not realise it but being a member of this part-time theatre school means that students have the opportunity to take part in one of the whole school activities that are regularly available.

Holiday fun: forget being bored at home watching the TV when school breaks up, Razzamataz Rayleigh offers fun and exciting workshops during the Summer and Easter holidays. As well as the dance, drama and singing classes, children will get involved with many other aspects of the performing arts including prop making to challenge their artistic side. During the holiday schools and throughout the year, Razzamataz Rayleigh also offers circus skills, tremendous fun for the children.

Professional work: Razzamataz partners with successful casting agent Top Talent who regularly places children on the West End stage, in films, music videos and TV shows. Three Razzamataz Rayleigh students have just been accepted onto their books and are looking forward to opportunities in the future. The school is also going to be recording and filming at the famous Abbey Road Studios with Capital Arts’ latest children’s choir project called Heroes.

Theatre trips: the opportunity to experience live performances is something that stays with children for years. At Razzamataz Rayleigh, recent theatre trips include going to Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Chitty Bang Bang. For many children, this was the first time they had seen a professional production and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Performance opportunities: a huge part of the ethos of Razzamataz is giving children opportunities to perform. Whether it is on a large stage or at a local community event, being able to perform does wonders for a child’s self esteem and confidence. Recent performances at Rayleigh include Southend and Wickford Carnivals, Canvey Christmas Lights, Castle Point County Fair as well as a Christmas Panto. This is in addition to the annual showcase staged at a local theatre.

Looking to the future: for those with an interest in taking their performing arts ambitions further, Razzamataz Rayleigh has organised a trip to Can You Dance? in Kent that will offer students the chance to participate in masterclasses, dance offs and a chance to meet industry professionals and find out more about dance colleges and courses. There was also a trip to record the students’ own cover songs in a professional studio.

Fun: above and beyond all else, Razzamataz Rayleigh makes sure the children are having fun and that all their achievements are being recognised. This includes an annual Christmas party and Awards night, which was recently attended by the Mayor of Castle Point.

“All the opportunities that we offer means that students have a really rounded view of the performing arts world,” explains Catherine Morales, Principal of Razzamataz Rayleigh. “The emphasis at all times is on the children having fun, and that can only happen thanks to the great team I have. Of course it is a lot of hard working organising all these events but the feedback we get from students and parents alike mean that we know students are getting the best out of their time with us.”

If you want to give your child the opportunity to be involved in some of these activities, drop us a line for a free taster day at Razzamataz Rayleigh by emailing [email protected] or speak to Catherine 01268 683512 or 07787 570760.