The Stage/Razzamataz Theatre Schools scholarship winners 2024

For nearly 15 years, Razzamataz Theatre Schools has been providing year-long scholarships in association with The Stage. With its franchises reaching to practically every corner of the UK, the school founded by Denise Hutton-Gosney offers young people an introduction to acting, singing and dancing in a friendly environment. This year, with 50 schools across the country and up to 100 hours of training available, the value of the scholarship is in excess of £46,000.

In Carlisle, 16-year-old Hanna Davidson is thrilled to be the scholarship winner for the franchise in what will be her final year. “I am over the moon to be the winner of The Stage Scholarship at Razzamataz Carlisle this year. I have attended the school since I was three years old and have enjoyed taking part in lots of performances all over the country, as well as in New York last year. Throughout the years I have made many great friends for life at Razz, and made memories along the way, too. I have grown up alongside the Razz staff, who feel like family to me.”

Meanwhile, nine-year-old Julia Kowalewska from Maidstone in Kent understands the positive mental health aspects of performing: “I love dancing because it makes me so happy and it feels amazing. I think Razzamataz has really built up my confidence and helped me achieve this.”

In Sheffield, 16-year-old winner Lily Ward is already reaping the benefits of her time at Razzamataz, as she will be starting at the Creative and Performing Arts College in Wakefield this year. “I was completely shocked but so grateful to win,” she says.

“I can’t wait to start professional training at CAPA in September with the added confidence this has given me. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone at Razz Sheffield for all the support and performance opportunities over the past 11 years.”

Of course, it’s not just the winners who are proud of their achievements. In Chester, 13-year-old Sophie Burdett’s mother is bursting with pride. “When we found out Sophie won the scholarship, we were beyond emotional, proud and absolutely over the moon. She works so hard and puts 100% effort into everything she does. We as a family are extremely grateful for the scholarship as this will help us so much. My husband, Sophie’s father is terminally ill, so watching Sophie grow and mature and persevere makes us the proudest parents ever.”

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