How to have a career within the performing arts

Razzamataz Theatre Schools is doing a major marketing push to recruit more teachers to be part of the award-winning network

Razzamataz Theatre Schools is a huge provider of job opportunities to people wanting to work in the performing arts industry. Operating for more than 21 years, the franchise also has a rich history of progressing teachers’ careers.

“The teachers are the heart and soul of our theatre schools and are responsible for directly influencing the students’ experiences,” says Denise Hutton-Gosney, MD and founder of Razzamataz Theatre Schools. “We really invest in our teachers because of the crucial role they play, which is why many stay with us for years and many build their careers with us.”

Razzamataz teachers come from a wide range of backgrounds, some work professionally in the performing arts industry and others start their journey when they are very young.

Matty Aitchison-Rayson, franchisee from Razzamataz West Cumbria, started his career with Razzamataz when he had just turned 17 years old as a work experience placement student.

“I absolutely loved the work experience working with Denise and the team of teachers and all the students,” says Matty. “I learnt and developed so many key transferable skills from this experience such as how to communicate effectively when working with both staff, students and parents and guardians. I learnt so much about the business and developed my love for the performing arts and working with young people.”

There are many other examples of teachers who now run their own Razzamataz schools including Michaela Crumpton, multi-franchise owner of Razzamataz Bristol North and Bristol South, Marc Kelly, multi-franchise owner of Razzamataz Hackney and Radlett, Asha Richardson, multi-franchise owner of Razzamataz South Lakes, Penrith, Kendal and Appleby, Debbie Mitchell, multi-franchise owner of Razzamataz Carlisle and Dumfries and Chloe Lee, franchise owner of Razzamataz Chester.

Although this career progression has been happening for a number of years, Razzamataz is supporting it further with the launch of a Teacher Training Academy to guide those looking to take the next steps in their careers.

“We already offer manager training, which allows our multi-unit franchisees the option of promoting a teacher to a manager. They then go on to our course and receive the exacting Razzamataz training in customer service, marketing and PR and how to run the school on a day-to-day basis,” adds Denise. “We have really ambitious growth plans, which includes giving teachers a huge range of opportunities within our network with the launch of our Teacher Training Academy.”

The multi-award-winning network is currently looking for singing, dance and drama teachers across the UK to inspire children and gain work in a supportive and nurturing environment.

At newly opened Razzamataz Radlett, singing teacher Tasha says: “There are so many things that I love about teaching at Razzamataz. Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces and the way they come into the room a little bit shy and the way they leave the room full of confidence, it is just so lovely.”

Image: Matty Aitchison-Rayson with his team of teachers at West Cumbria