“I had been teaching for seven years and although I loved it, I asked myself what my next steps could be.”
Paige Newman’s Razzamataz journey began seven years ago, starting as a teaching assistant before progressing to teacher, then manager. Now, she proudly steps into the role of franchise owner, a role that she has long dreamed of. Paige is delighted to join the Razzamataz franchisee team across Billericay, Chelmsford, and Maldon as she begins an exciting new chapter and takes the next steps in her career.
“I’ve been involved in musical theatre and performing arts for most of my life,” explains Paige. “I studied it at college and on graduation, got my first job as a teaching assistant at Razzamataz and have been with the team since it opened in Essex. I have been teaching for seven years and love it but I’m now 27 so starting to think about possibly starting a family and how I want my life to look in the next few years.”
Joining the Razzamataz network as a franchisee was something that had been on Paige’s mind for a long time but it was due to not knowing where she wanted to settle that made her hesitant as she explains: “I’ve got family across the globe and for a long time I didn’t really know where I would end up. However, my partner and I have now decided to stay in the UK so the timing was right for me to take the leap and begin this exciting new journey.”
Paige has recently returned from Franchise Training, an intense but highly enjoyable week that offers a mix learning at home and at the company’s base in the beautiful Lake District. Although she has an excellent fundamental knowledge of the ethos of Razzamataz, the business side of running a school was very new to her. “I found it so exciting to learn more about all the elements of running a business although I was a little apprehensive in certain areas such as finance,” she explains. “However, I needn’t have worried because there are systems and support in place so although I do have areas where I’m less confident, I know how to tap into the support that is there. Head Office have really helped me to build confidence in these areas and I definitely feel prepared to handle this side of the business.”
Upon returning to Essex, Paige has had a chance to absorb all her learnings and has highlighted how the marketing and PR has given her a whole new perspective on how she wants to run her school. “The value of marketing was made really clear to us all and training has given me the tools that I need to consider how I want to expand the school and provide additional opportunities to the students,” says Paige. “Before I attended I definitely had imposter syndrome and negative thoughts of should I just stay in my comfort zone of teaching, but Head Office have made the transition very easy and now I know I have all the tools needed to succeed.”
Although Paige already has a supportive group of peers within the Razzamataz Essex schools, she is delighted to have a further support group with the new franchisees she met on training as she explains: “It is lovely have connected with other Principals who are at the same stage of their journey as me. I came away from training with a reinforced idea of how warm and supportive the Razzamataz network is. During training we went on a lovely walk in the Lake District with Founder Denise and she really took the time to get to know us individually, which means a lot.”
Since training has finished, Paige has hit the ground running and already booked lots of exciting opportunities for her students to get involved in. This includes a Tots Fair at the local farm and a summer festival, where Paige’s students will be performing, an incredible chance for them to showcase their skills and build confidence in front of
a live audience.
Paige has also been invited to speak on local radio about the importance of keeping children active over the holidays, a testament to her passion and commitment to the wellbeing of young people in her community as she explains: “I have family members who attend Razzamataz, so I’ve seen first-hand the incredible impact it can have. It really brings a tear to your eye to hear parents say how much their children have grown in confidence and it’s a real privilege to play a part in their journey and make a positive difference in their lives.”
In terms of being a franchisee, Paige credits Razzamataz with the flexibility to work to her own timescales although she readily admits to being a bit of a workaholic. “I love what I do and being my own boss is great that I’m happy to put the hours in,” says Paige. “However, it is having the franchise model behind us that makes all the difference. The opportunities we can offer our students are incredible, anything from performing on a West End stage, to leading the Disneyland Parade and overseas trips, you just wouldn’t be able to do this by yourself. Being able to give these experiences to my students is amazing, what makes it even better is that I get to join in too.”
As well as offering high-profile performance opportunities, Paige is passionate about creating a nurturing and inclusive environment. She wants her school to be known as a place where young people can build confidence, form lasting friendships, and unlock their full potential. Paige is committed to connecting with the local community and being a consistent, supportive presence for her students, someone they know they can always turn to.
“Of course, the big events are exciting,” says Paige. “But for me, it’s just as important that every child walks through our doors feeling seen, valued, and supported. I want them to know this is their safe space to grow, express themselves, and have fun.”
If you want to inspire and support the next generation with the wonderful experiences that Razzamataz offers, find out how you can become a Razzamataz Principal and give young people in your community incredible opportunities. As a Principal, you’ll be part of a network dedicated to nurturing talent, shaping lives and creating confident futures.
Curious to find out more
Join us in time for our 25th Anniversary celebrations at The Eiffel Tower, Paris in September! Ask about our finance options to help you fund your future! Don’t make finance an obstacle. Potential turnover is in the region of £400,000 annually with a 70% gross profit if working on the business full time and with adding our additional revenue streams.
Every now & again we have resale opportunities, please contact us to find out more!
Get in touch
Training takes place regularly at the Razzamataz Head Office in the beautiful Lake District and Flagship school Razzamataz Carlisle. The next two available sessions are: Week commencing 16th June and October 6th for January 2026 school launch
Email: [email protected]
Visit: https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/
Book an online Discovery Den: https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/franchise-opps/book- discovery-den/
