We are delighted to have welcomed our first students back to the classroom in a hugely successful summer school reopening. After completing a new COVID-aware audit, the Razzamataz Rickmansworth was able to welcome back children and put a huge smile on their faces.
The summer schools have been a staple part of Razzamataz Theatre Schools’ curriculum, providing children with a fun environment where they can delve into the many aspects of performing arts. It has also been hugely appreciated by parents wanting to find an activity that can keep their children entertained over the long summer holiday.
As per Government guidelines, there were fifteen children per studio with social distancing measures in place. Although a traditional singing class was not allowed, that did not stop the school from offering dance, drama, outdoor play and many other fun activities. In fact, there was no shortage of imaginative ideas from the team who have been preparing for a long time and were used to being creative, having offered online classes since schools closed.
“We worked closely with our venue and Razzamataz Head Office to make sure we were putting thorough plans in place to adhere to the Government COVID guidelines,” says Amy Lewis, Principal of Razzamataz Rickmansworth. “We made sure we had all the PPE and cleaning equipment needed, including a strict cleaning regime for the rooms, staff and students. Everyone was briefed and constantly reminded each day to keep their distance and keep themselves safe and clean. With children it is always going to be a challenge so we tried to keep it fun and light despite having to have these rules in place. We filmed lots of the work and will be putting together some footage for the parents to keep watching as we couldn’t hold a live performance for them at the end of the week. The children worked really hard and produced some amazing work and we could see how much they flourished over the course of a few days.”
Hear from parents about the reopening
There were many words of thanks from parents for not only helping to bring back some fun for their children but also for the safe and secure way that the team managed the reopening process.
“We were so pleased when we heard that Amy and the Razzamataz Rickmansworth team were putting on a Summer School despite all the challenges of the current climate. Our little girl has always loved the school holiday weeks, but this time it was more beneficial than ever. Amy and the team delivered a fantastic week of high energy, positivity, and good old-fashioned fun. We’re very grateful and especially at this time, when our children are stuck at home lacking social interaction and engagement,” Julie (mum to Sophie aged 8).
“Thank you so much for your hard work arranging a Summer School for the kids. My two were excited and happy and would come home full of enthusiasm telling us of the new things they’d be doing that day. They came home yesterday (the last day) and set up a Razzamataz class for themselves complete with a sign in sheet and some awesome moves. You and your team have done an amazing job during these strange/challenging times and made the kids feel happy and energized,” Leyla.
“Thanks Amy and team for a wonderful week of Razz-ing. Anna thoroughly enjoyed herself and felt safe and comfortable throughout. It felt like a slice of normality at a strange time. It also got her moving and grooving! Fun times!”
“My granddaughter has been attending Razzamataz for a number of years now and there has never been a time when she has not wanted to go. She loves it. She also loves the staff too. They are so, so enthusiast and understanding of all the age groups they teach. This summer has been very challenging for all the health and safety issues, but the procedures were meticulously followed which enabled everyone attending to relax and thoroughly enjoy the week,” Christine Watson.
“I loved it because I got to make new friends. I enjoyed the dancing and drama. Zoe and Katie were great teachers. I hope to go again,” Gracie.
Supporting Principals
During the pandemic, Razzamataz Head Office has done everything possible to help their franchisees through this challenging process. Classes were put online to continue to provide families with performing arts fun and every school offered multiple free activities from online storytelling, kitchen discos and Zoom night’s in where students got a chance to reconnect with their friends and teachers and talk through any worries they had. The Head Office put on a number of free training events for franchisees to help guide them through this unique situation in business and also support them emotionally.
Before Razzamataz Rickmansworth reopened, the Head Office helped Amy to create a COVID-aware environment for the protection of students, families, staff and the wider community.
“The support we received from Head Office has been amazing, they worked so hard and fast for solutions making it possible for us to transition our business online and reopen safely once we were allowed to do so,” adds Amy.
Due to the overwhelming success of the summer school, Amy and her team have announced a second date on the 17th to 21st August. The summer school is expected to book up quickly and is open to current and non Razzamataz students. Amy is also taking booking for taster days when the main school reopens in September.
Gearing up for reopening across the UK
Currently, all schools in the network are gearing up for reopening for either a summer school or when term starts. There are five new Principals who have joined the network during the pandemic and have completed their training and are being fully mentored and guided by a dedicated Support Manager.
Exciting offer to join award-winning network
Furthermore, Razzamataz is currently offering a very special offer to those working in the theatre industry who have lost their job due to the pandemic. This is an exceptional offer to join the award-winning network without paying a joining fee and no management fee until 2021. The same offer also extends to those in the education and airline sector.
Over August, Head Office is also running a number of online sessions to share with performers and teachers everything they have leant through the pandemic about increasing your online presence, how to engage students remotely and how performers can utilise all of their skills and take control of their careers.
To speak to our Head Office about how to join our network including information on our online Discovery Dens and theatre arts training sessions email:
[email protected] or visit https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/franchise-opps/introduction/
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