Michael French, the Principal of Razzamataz Barnet first became a franchisee in April 2012. Before opening his Razzamataz Theatre School, Michael was a professional performer, working on the West End stage and with commercial artists such as George Michael.
Today, Michael combines being a theatre school Principal with his own performing and TV work and has just resigned his franchise agreement for a further five years.
“Having worked in musical theatre for 12 years I needed to move on, but I wanted to stay in the same industry which I love,” explains Michael. “I decided to renew because I am happy with how my school is running and I am happy with the support and help from the network. Having the flexibility of putting in the hours I want, when I want, has enabled me stay in the industry I love and has allowed me to continuing performing.”
Being part of the network for five years, Michael has seen how the Razzamataz brand has developed. Over the years the business has launched a new website, had incredible partnerships with the likes of The Stage newspaper, First Choice, Eurocamp, Her Majesty’s Theatre, Disney and Universal Studios and grown in size with more schools opening across the UK.
“Razzamataz Head Office has evolved massively over the years and the support I now receive gets better annually,” says Michael. “Year upon year feedback is given and taken on and therefore we grow as a network with the aid of Head Office.”
As well as increased partnerships that benefit franchisees, Razzamataz has been able to offer students more opportunities such as partnering up with a talent agency. “One of our students, Tamara Smart, has recently secured a leading role in The Worst Witch, a new CBBC television programme,” explains Michael. “This is a very high profile role and we are incredibly proud of her. As a business, this has really propelled Razzamataz Barnet into the spotlight with articles being published in most of the local papers. Watching our students in every performance is just a joy to be a part of and makes me feel like a proud father.”
Without previous business knowledge, Michael turned to the franchise route to provide all the help he needed and he has no regrets: “I would recommend a franchise business to anyone who is looking into opening a business but has no knowledge of how to do it. The biggest benefit of being part of a franchise is having a helping hand as to how, where, why and when we do things.”
So far the charity has awarded Razzamataz students more than £8,000 worth of Future Fund scholarships. This year, Michael was team captain for the Tough Mudder in Midlands, where Principals, staff and parents got soaked in ice water, crawled in mud and jumped over obstacles to raise funds.
“It was so amazing to see the lengths we can push ourselves for charity, team building and sheer achievement,” adds Michael. “I’m looking forward to further challenges and raising more money for our students with more Future Fund events.”
Razzamataz is actively looking to open further schools across the UK and in particular Aberdeen and Cardiff, where the team will be holding Discovery Den days, which give people the opportunity to meet the Head Office team and find out more about this franchise opportunity.
If you want to find out more about becoming a franchisee of your own part-time Razzamataz Theatre School, make an appointment to come along to one of the regular but informal Discovery Den days in London, Glasgow or Sheffield to find out more about this exciting and flexible business opportunity. To book a place contact Head of Franchisee Recruitment Suzie McCafferty on [email protected] or call Suzie on 07793 054 233. For more details visit: www.razzamataztheatreschools.co.uk.
