“I just couldn’t build a theatre school like this if I were on my own, that’s the biggest benefit of being part of a supportive franchise.”
Profile: Meet Brittany Arthur, age 24 and the new franchisee of Razzamataz Lancaster.
Background: I’ve been part of the Razzamataz community since I was just five years old. I joined Razzamataz Dumfries as a student in 2005 and after leaving went to university and achieved a BA Hons in photography.
Business experience: I always had an ambition to run my own theatre school but knew I needed some sort of experience in the world. After university, I became a support worker supporting young people and adults with additional needs, which although could be challenging, was also very satisfying. I didn’t have any business experience before becoming a Razzamataz Principal which would have put me off if it were not for the franchise training and support that we are offered.
Why Razzamataz: As a child attending Razzamataz, it was so much more than just learning singing, dancing and acting. When I started, I lacked confidence and self-belief, but it was through the nurturing of the Principal and staff, that I found my voice. I wanted to give this back to the younger generation and help them the way that I had been. Working with young people within performing arts is something I have always dreamed of being able to do because that is where I developed life skills and found the confidence to believe in myself.
Why franchising: The Razzamataz franchise system has been so successful throughout the UK and without it, people like me with no experience would really struggle. The training and support from Head Office and the network are so valuable and we are provided with a huge number of resources and knowledge.
First steps into becoming a franchisee: Although I knew Razzamataz very well, it was only from a student/customer point of view. I attended a Discovery Den which explains more about the business side of setting up a theatre school as well as what it means to be part of a franchise. The whole process was very open and transparent, and I was encouraged to speak to other franchisees within the network.
Any worries or concerns: I love the creative side, but I was concerned about things like bookkeeping and not knowing exactly what to expect. We all have things that we are more comfortable with but running a business means you must step outside your comfort zone and understand every part of the business. This is where franchising makes all the difference because you can lean into the support and training that is being offered.
Training: The Razzamataz training is very intense and covers everything that you need to know and although there was a lot of information to absorb, I really enjoyed it. In fact, I surprised myself by finding employment law very interesting, and in general finding out that there are plenty of things that I could do even though I had no previous experience. I came away from it feeling more confident thanks to the support of the trainers and my support mentor.
What are your goals: Running a successful theatre school business while instilling confidence in my students. I made so many wonderful friendships during my time at Razzamataz and I’m looking to make a place where other young people can do that too. Now that Razzamataz Lancaster is up and running, I’m also delighted that I’ve been able to create a team of teachers and staff that will provide the students with the mentorship and support that I received as a child. It’s a full circle moment and I’m grateful that the Head Office team has allowed it to happen.
Advice and top tips: Don’t be afraid to do it because there is so much support from Razzamataz. Make sure you really have the time to focus on your business because there is a lot more to running a theatre school than at first seems. There will be ups and downs but if you have a clear reason about why you want to do it, then it really helps you focus and stay motivated. I’ve only just started and can’t wait to develop the business and provide lots of exciting opportunities for the students at Razzamataz Lancaster.
Make a difference to young lives in your community
Join us NOW for a 2023 launch. Current fee is £12,995 plus VAT or ZERO upfront fee with a flat fee return, ask us about this!
Resale opportunity has arisen in Glasgow North! Contact us to find out more.
Training takes place regularly at the Razzamataz Head Office in the beautiful Lake District and Flagship school Razzamataz Carlisle.
Next training:
Week commencing 25th September 2023 for a January 2024 launch.
Week commencing 18th March 2024 for a September 2024 launch.
Contact us to secure your place on our next short informal virtual Discovery Dens
To book contact 07801843077 or click here to book your place: https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/franchise-opps/book-discovery-den/
Razzamataz Theatre Schools is a BBC’s Dragons’ Den backed theatre school franchise established in 2000. Every school offers FREE taster sessions for all potential students to try, and every team member will have access to the Razzamataz Training Academy, a platform that we believe will revolutionise the ongoing development of our staff. Upon completion of the course, each teacher will receive a diploma that is recognised throughout the network. We are proud our average network turnover running as a mainly part time business is circa £80-100k in our network with our top performing franchise partners operating the business full time reporting turnovers of circa £300k with a 70% gross profit!
Neither Razzamataz Ltd, nor any of its directors, associated companies, employees, professional advisors or associates makes any representations, warranties or guarantee as to the reasonableness or accuracy of the financial information supplied to franchisees or the likely financial performance of individual franchisees. The information provided above is purely based on a number of general assumptions based on a full school however the individual performances of franchisees will vary depending on factors such as local competition, pro-activeness of franchisees to follow the systems, the promotion of the brand & other factors.
