Razzamataz Theatre School hosting free Creative Development Day in September
Wherever you are in the UK, you will not be far from a Razzamataz Theatre School. The industry-leading franchise, founded by Denise Gosney in Cumbria in 2000, now has more than 60 schools across the country. From Edinburgh to Exeter and Yeovil to York, Razzamataz tutors are running their own businesses, delivering expert training in dance, drama and singing to children of all ages, from two to 18.
“Our aim is to shape future leaders with confidence, creativity and community,” says Gosney. “We have created a strategy for the next 10 years to teach children weekly, giving them not just performing arts training but also the soft skills they will need to grow into adaptable and resilient individuals, which will be vital for whatever career they choose.”
Every Razzamataz school is different, with different tutors and different timetables, but they all have one thing in common, according to operations manager Matty Rayson. “They all deliver Razzamataz’s cutting-edge curriculum, and they are all focused on building children’s confidence, developing their health and fitness, and allowing them to explore the performing arts industry in a safe, fun and inspiring environment.”
A key date in the calendar is fast approaching for Razzamataz tutors across the country – and for anyone delivering performing arts training, or interested in doing so, wherever they are. On Sunday September 29 at the Manor LDN dance studio in London, Razzamataz will be hosting its free, annual Creative Development Day.
“The Creative Development Day is our free day of continuing professional development for performing arts practitioners,” says Rayson. “It is a pretty full-on day, with a jam-packed schedule featuring immersive and empowering collaborative workshops, masterclasses, deep dives and other events on everything from lesson planning to modern techniques to neurodiversity.
The day will feature a workshop on how to design and deliver an energising and effective drama lesson
“The day is not just for our Razzamataz teams,” Rayson emphasises. “It is not just for our principals, teachers and classroom assistants. It is also for performing arts practitioners working elsewhere who want to develop their practice. It is also for anyone interested in getting involved with Razzamataz with a view to opening their own school. It is also for anyone not currently involved in teaching that thinks they might want to be.
“The day is totally free and it is for anybody, inside or outside our network, who wants to take that next step in their career,” he continues. “If that is you, then come along. Be quick, though, because places are limited and you don’t want to miss this opportunity.”
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The Creative Development Day begins at 10am with a welcome and warm-up from host Emily Louise Connor, Razzamataz’s creative director, who will then run a masterclass in delivering engaging and invigorating training for students at the earliest ages, when tutors have the chance to lay the foundations for lifelong confidence and creativity.
“Razzamataz schools teach children from the age of two,” says Rayson. “Emily is going to run a great session that will help everyone understand how to teach children of that age so that their passion for the performing arts is nurtured into a lifelong love.”
The day continues with a workshop on how to design and deliver an energising and effective drama lesson, followed by a deep dive into neurodiversity and the skills and techniques necessary to ensure that every student feels supported and encouraged. Both will be run by Jason Marc-Williams, head of acting and voice at Laine Theatre Arts.
There will be a masterclass to help students bridge the gap from theatre school to vocational training
“At Razzamataz, we believe everyone should have access to the performing arts,” explains Rayson. “Jason’s brilliant sessions will provide insight into how you can plan and then deliver innovative and enjoyable drama classes for every unique mind.”
After lunch, which is available from myriad restaurants and cafes nearby, the Creative Development Day continues with a masterclass in helping students bridge the gap from theatre school to vocational training, delivered by Connor, and workshops from musical-theatre star Katharine Pearson and actor and vocal coach Grace Galloway.
“We are really lucky to have Katharine and Grace joining us,” says Rayson. “Katharine has been in so many shows, including Hairspray, 42nd Street, Back to the Future and Heathers. She is going to be doing a musical-theatre workshop. Grace is a terrific actor and vocal coach who has just finished performing in Priscilla the Party. She is going to be explaining to everyone how to teach the fundamental aspects of singing.”
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The formal part of the Creative Development Day will end with Rayson himself sharing his journey through the ranks at Razzamataz, from apprentice to operations manager. This will be followed by a VIP reception offering valuable networking opportunities.
“I will explain how I started at Razzamataz in Carlisle at 16 doing work experience, then became a classroom assistant, then a teacher, then a principal, and now work as Razzamataz’s operations manager alongside running Razzamataz West Cumbria,” Rayson says. “I want to inspire everyone, whether they are in our network yet or not.”
“Everything finishes at 4.30pm, after which everyone is invited to stay for a VIP reception at which they can meet and chat to Razzamataz founder Denise Gosney, as well as myself, Emily and Hayley Limpkin, our strategic business coach,” Rayson adds. “We are really excited to talk to anyone about the opportunities within our network.
“If you want to teach at one of our schools, come and chat to us,” he continues. “If you want to own a franchise, come and chat to us. Razzamataz can be part of your career in so many different ways, from part-time teaching to running a sustainable franchise yourself. The reception at the end of the day is your chance to find out more about that.”
Razzamataz tutors deliver expert training in dance, drama and singing to children of all ages, from two to 18
The ultimate aim of Razzamataz’s Creative Development Day, continues Rayson, is to foster innovation and creativity in performing arts practitioners, whether they are currently part of Razzamataz’s network, teach elsewhere, or are interested in exploring these opportunities.
“The mission of the day is to inspire, energise and empower everyone – whether they currently work with Razzamataz or not – in both their personal and professional growth,” he concludes. “We want everyone to learn from these industry-leading professionals. We want everyone to feel invigorated and motivated. We want everyone to feel passionate about teaching the performing arts, because that passion is so important when it comes to nurturing and developing the next generation of practitioners.”
To register for a free place on Razzamataz’s Creative Development Day, email franchise@razzamataz.co.uk or contact Razzamataz through social media. For more information about Razzamataz click here
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