A group of Principals from a part-time theatre school have really got behind their students by taking part in one of the toughest races in the UK.

Tough Mudder is an endurance event series in which participants attempt a ten-mile long run through a military-style obstacle course. It was designed and created by a British Harvard Business School post graduate and a former corporate lawyer, and tests mental as well as physical strength.

The Principals are all part of Razzamataz Theatre Schools and entered the event to raise funds for the theatre school’s charity Future Fund, which has been set up to support a Razzamataz student going on to study full time performing arts in college. As part of its commitment to its students, Razzamataz will help finance a scholarship to train and will be offered to an exceptionally talented and dedicated student who attends one of the part-time schools.

Razzamataz has been busy with various fundraising efforts from cake bakes to fancy dress days. A few years ago, Principals, teachers and staff also took part in the Sheffield half marathon but the Tough Mudder was the toughest task to date.

“It’s an incredible achievement considering that many who took part have never even run this distance before let alone had to climb in mud, crawl through tiny passageways and throw themselves into icy waters,” said Michael French, Principal of Razzamataz Barnet and the group’s team leader. “The day was fantastic; challenging, impossible at times, cold, wet and very muddy but overall it was a lot of fun and we are delighted to have raised funds for our students and we certainly will give them a lot to laugh about once we show them the photos.”

Razzamataz Principals, staff and teachers took part in Tough Mudder in the Midlands on May 22nd. The event is designed to pull you out of your comfort zone by testing your physical strength, stamina and mental determination. The obstacles drag participants in mud and freezing water throughout the course and the aim is to work as a team because some of the obstacles cannot be completed without help from your team mates.

Many of the Razzamataz Principals have themselves trained at performing arts colleges and appreciate how difficult financially for young people it is today. “The Future Fund looks to reward students with the dedication, commitment and talent to secure a place at college,” says Denise Hutton-Gosney, MD and Founder of Razzamataz. “It is a real privilege to help support one of our students through college and I’m incredibly proud of our team who took part in Tough Mudder and helped another student to fulfil their potential.”

The Future Fund auditions will take place at Pineapple Dance studios in front of a panel of industry experts including a member of street dance crew Urban Strides and Jonny Bowles, a choreographer and performer from a plethora of shows including Billy Elliot as well as being the resident children’s director at The Sound of Music.

Razzamataz has more than 40 schools through the UK with a number opening this September. The schools offer a wide range of performing arts styles for children with classes in dance, drama and singing. Students experience various genres from classic West End musical theatre through to pop singing and street dance. In all sessions, the emphasis is on having fun and bringing out the creativity and unique potential in each and every student.

There are lots of opportunities to perform and take part in local community events, where students can get a chance to build on their confidence and get a taste of life as a professional performer. There are also many guest workshops where industry experts from the stage and screen come into the school and take a master class.

Razzamataz is a franchise business and is constantly on the look out for dedicated people to join the company. To find out more about becoming a Principal come along to one of our regular but informal Discovery Den days in London or Carlisle 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. www.razzamataztheatreschools.co.uk