Returning for the fifth consecutive year, Razzamataz is delighted to announce that the scholarship auditions in association with The Stage newspaper are now officially open.

There are a bumper 40 scholarships up for grabs across the UK to both current students of Razzamataz and those that don’t currently attend a part-time theatre school.

As well as being offered a free place at their nearest Razzamataz, the scholarship is a huge boost of confidence and can lead to amazing experiences. Take Megan Wharton from Razzamataz Carlisle who was awarded the scholarship last year after she submitted a video of a commercial dance that she had choreographed herself. Since winning the scholarship, Megan was delighted to attend The Stage photo shoot and has recently accepted a place on a professional dance course at Scotland’s leading performing arts institute the MGA Academy of Performing Arts.

“If it wasn’t for Razzamataz, I doubt I would be going on to further my performing arts training in September,” says Megan.

For other students, such as Charlotte Waygood, age 14 from Razzamataz Rickmansworth, applying for the scholarship has given her the opportunity to join a theatre school. Charlotte impressed the judges with her mature and in depth acting monologue. “Charlotte displayed an outstanding level of skill for her age,” explains Amy Latchman, Principal of Razzamataz Rickmansworth. “Razzamataz wanted to give her the chance to blossom and work on other aspects of her performance and felt joining in with the singing and dancing classes would give her this opportunity.”

It doesn’t matter whether you are like Megan, who has been with Razzamataz for 11 years or like Charlotte who is brand new to the theatre school, the scholarships are open to all children from the ages of 8 to 16.

“We are looking for raw talent so it doesn’t matter if you have not taken part in any performing arts classes before,” says Denise Hutton-Gosney, MD and Founder of Razzamataz. “We can spot the potential in these youngsters and know that with training from our highly experienced teachers, these young people can acquire the skills they need to progress in the performing arts.”

As well as talent, the judges are looking for a strong dedication to the performing arts, maturity and a real desire to learn.

To ensure as many youngsters as possible can enter, Razzamataz has created a scholarship system where students and potential students film a short demo of no more than two minutes long showing them performing either a musical theatre song and dance, commercial dance (hip hop or street), pop song, drama improvisation or scripted drama piece. The demo does not have to be professionally filmed. Applicants will also complete a short application form detailing why they would like to take this opportunity.

The deadline for auditions is July 31st. Apply directly to your local school or visit online at http://www.razzamataz.co.uk/what-we-do/the-stage-scholarship/

Megan Wharton, Razzamataz Carlisle                                                                      Charlotte Waygood, Razzzamataz Rickmansworth