It is said that ‘teamwork makes the dream work’ and that couldn’t be more true than at the recent Conference for the BBC’s Dragons’ Den backed theatre school franchise.

Many entrepreneurs state that running your own business can sometimes feel like a lonely place to be. The biggest advantage of being part of a franchise network is that it allows you to create the business that you want but with the support of a vibrant network.

At the annual Razzamataz Theatre Schools Conference, the theme was exploring the many benefits of teamwork. Throughout the day, the hashtag #WinningTeams was prominent to inspire the franchisees to think about how to make the most of their own teams and the network in general.

Razzamataz Theatre Schools takes pride in supporting all Principals during their whole journey with the franchise business. From those that have just started out to those that are enjoying more than 12 years as Razzamataz Principals, the Conference is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to gain new skills and bring back lots of new ideas to implement in their own schools.

One of the most enjoyable parts of the day is actually hearing about the successes and challenges that Principals face on their day to day journey. Three school Principals spoke about their first year and shared best practice, the highs and the lows and just how much they have learnt during their first year.

One of the highlights was a segment on exploring colours and personality traits, a motivational session led by Brian Costello from Headstrong. During the talk, Principals found out how to make sure that they have a team of people who complement each other’s personality traits and also how it applies to their own students.

To run a successful theatre school, a key ingredient is what happens in the ‘back room’. Meticulous planning and attention to detail is an important part of the process, which will now be made a whole lot easier thanks to a new Business Management System.

Razzamataz has spent years trialing and perfecting the new system at the flagship school in Medway. It has been especially created to fit in with every element of the schools and will make communication with parents much more streamlined.

The day session ended with a fun Cryptic Chase where Principals were put into teams to compete against each other to win a number of physical and mental challenges. The session was designed to highlight the importance of working as a team and to make the most of each individual’s skill set.

“There was one year I couldn’t make the Conference as I was filming and I found that year so tough without any drive or motivation,” says Michael French, Principal of Razzamataz Barnet. “It is useful to bounce ideas off each other, discuss the same challenges, possibly lend a hand to someone else and talk about how you dealt with a certain situation. I think for a lot of us who work from home it can be mentally challenging and sometimes we need to remind ourselves we are changing lives with what we do. The network is filled with driven, like-minded people which makes it so unique and exciting.”

After such a busy day, another highlight this year was the wonderful evening performance by the students of Razzamataz Carlisle and Penrith who were selected to entertain all the Principals during the Awards celebration, where they performed their piece from RazzaMagique at Disneyland Paris.

To conclude a truly wonderful day and night, the Awards ceremony was a chance for everyone to congratulate the franchisees on their successes of 2017.

The Franchise of the Year Award is the much sought-after award of the evening and the judges were looking for someone who shows above and beyond commitment. For the third year running, Hayley Limpkin and Emily Miller, joint Principals of Razzamataz Medway was delighted to accept on behalf of their students and teachers.

“The amount of effort put into making the Conference an informative, productive, fun and rewarding day for all franchisees was just brilliant,” adds Debbie Mitchell, Principal of Razzamataz Carlisle. “One of the highlights of the Razzamataz calendar every year and feeling really inspired and focused for the year ahead now! I particularly loved the Casino tables and photo booth as little extras.”

If you would like to join our network of amazing Principals and join us at our Conference in 2019, come to one of our Discovery Den sessions to meet the team. To book a place contact Head of Franchisee Recruitment Suzie McCafferty on [email protected] or call Suzie on 07793 054 233.

Who won what

Franchise of The Year Award: Hayley and Emily from Razzamataz Medway.
We are delighted that these two passionate Principals have achieved the success that has been unprecedented and there are no plans to slow down. Keep growing, keep believing and we know you will keep achieving.
#WinningTeams

Business Builder: Nick and Gemma from Razzamataz Sutton Coldfield.
In just two short years, this school is now in our Top 5 and the enthusiastic, positive attitude of the Principals is a strong reason for this.
#WinningTeams

Brand Ambassador: Charlotte from Razzamataz West Cumbria
It’s been an amazing 12 years and we are hugely looking forward to the impact that this person will make on support, marketing and special projects. Here’s to the next 12 and beyond!
#WinningTeams

Best New Franchisee: Jessica from Razzamataz Brentwood.
This franchisee is simply buzzing with enthusiasm and energy and has already made a name for the school in the local community.
#WinningTeams

Best Marketing Campaign: Helen from Razzamataz Sheffield
By taking a targeted marketing approach, this franchisee has been able to expand the school to fit the growth opportunities, has maximsed every single room in her venue to its fullest and grown her numbers to a whopping 400 students. All while being a first-time mummy!
#WinningTeams

Rebecca Rennie Award: Karen Spedding from Razzamataz Head Office
We thank you for your loyalty, support and professionalism.
#WinningTeams

One to watch Award: Lauren from Razzamataz Penrith
Starting out with very limited business knowledge, this Principal has taken on the challenge of learning everything from scratch and has consistently impressed us with her ability to keep asking questions and reaching out to learn more
#WinningTeams

#BelieveInYou Award: Claire from Razzamataz Mansfield and Razzamataz Nottingham
Although Razzamataz is a business, we must never lose sight that we are creating the next generation of performers and this Principal understands this 100% and is able to nurture and inspire the youngsters at her schools.
#WinningTeams

Outstanding Contribution: Debbie from Razzamataz Carlisle.
She is an inspiring Principal who willingly gives her time and experience to help individual franchisees and offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for her students.
#WinningTeams

Most committed fundraiser: Helen from Razzamataz Sheffield
This award is to say a huge thank you to our most committed fundraiser. We would like to take this opportunity to also thank each and every one of you who has helped us and supported our students with the Future Fund charity.
#WinningTeams

Most Outstanding School: Helen from Razzamataz Sheffield
#WinningTeams

Best Team Member: Laura Dennis from Razzamataz Cambridge
#WinningTeams

Best Customer Service: Nick and Gemma from Razzamataz Sutton Coldfield
#WinningTeams