Theatretrain offers five free franchises for aspiring entrepreneurs

Theatretrain started life in 1992 with one centre in Ilford, Essex. Three decades later, it has grown to more than 65 centres across the country, with thousands of young people aged four to 18 attending classes each year to learn the essential skills of performing.

Many young people who have attended Theatretrain classes have gone on to careers in the performing arts, with some of them considered among the best in their fields. Superstar singer Sam Smith and television presenter Stacey Dooley both enjoyed Theatretrain training, and the company counts Derek Jacobi and Catherine Tate among its patrons.

Theatretrain was born out of Dowsett’s long experience as a theatre educator, both as a drama teacher and examiner in schools, and as an acting tutor at drama colleges. “I wanted to create a space for young people to grow and develop,” he explains, “and to bring a methodology that I know works – one that focuses on the dynamics of the group.”

The Theatretrain approach is about working as a group, understanding you are part of a bigger picture while also learning the fundamentals of singing, dancing and acting. “We’re not star-makers,” says Dowsett. “There’s a huge focus on the ensemble: on creating theatre and telling stories together. Nurturing people who are not just out for themselves makes a real difference to the futures of these young people, and to the future of the world.”

He adds: “What marks us out from other providers is that we specialise in large-scale performance. Every year we take a group of up to 1,500 young people to perform a huge show at the Royal Albert Hall. We’ve even played the O2 with 3,500 young people, all in one go.”

There’s something magical that happens when performing as a group, Dowsett explains. “I call it an emotional contagion. You are inspired by the people around you, and you step up. You support and uplift each other.”

But, he stresses, the performances in smaller, local groups are just as important: “We want to encourage young people to adapt to different kinds of theatre. We’re keen to attract people who wouldn’t think the performing arts are for them. Theatretrain is a space where they can learn about empathy, and how to put themselves into someone else’s shoes.”

Continues…

So what sort of people would make the ideal candidates for Theatretrain’s free franchise opportunities?

“Our focus is on people who have performing arts experience,” says Dowsett. “They need to be au fait with how the world of performance works. They don’t need to be a triple threat, but they should have some background in that world, which gives us a starting point where we can meet them.”

For him, the perfect Theatretrain franchisee is someone who “is able to see where theatre is being created. Sometimes you can be dancing or singing or acting, but not actually creating theatre.”

As well as a performing arts background or experience, applicants should be able to dedicate about 15-20 hours per week to making their new business a success, with availability to run their theatre school on Saturdays.

The five successful applicants will benefit from rigorous training as they set up their franchise, the cornerstone of which is Theatretrain’s new SUCCESS training system. Consisting of seven comprehensive modules, the SUCCESS system provides video tutorials, written content, downloadable resources and links to everything franchisees will need to establish themselves as part of the Theatretrain family.

“Once you’re part of the family, you’ll always have our support, and you’ll never be alone,” says Dowsett. From dedicated marketing teams, artistic guidance and safeguarding advice to annual conferences and regular contact with head-office staff, franchisees can rest assured that there is always a helping hand available.

“We also want to make sure that franchisees feel like they’re part of a community, with private Facebook groups and networking opportunities,” Dowsett notes.

Julia Dodd launched her Theatretrain company in 2023. “I quickly realised the potential to change lives while building a thriving business,” she says. “The support from head office and the community of franchisees has been invaluable. My students’ growth and the joy on their faces during performances are the most rewarding aspects of this journey.”

For Erin Hankin, making the move from being a drama teacher to running a Theatretrain franchise was “initially a scary experience”. But the training and support she received from Theatretrain ensured her company in Waltham Forest has become a huge success.

“They helped me understand all the business side of running a franchise,” she says. “I am now in my eighth year and I am so glad I took that initial leap as it is truly my happy place.”

The deadline for applications is Friday, October 18, 2024, after which shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview. Dowsett is excited at the prospect of welcoming the five individuals who will take up the unprecedented offer of a free franchise. “We can’t wait to see who’s out there.”

---

Click here to find out more about Theatretrain’s free franchise opportunity