“The training continues to build at Razzamataz and it is responsive to the changing nature of business”

Claire Walford, principal of Razzamataz Yeovil, brought her managerial skills to her new role as a franchisee

“When my children were young, it was important to only take on a job that allowed me to be in the school playground at both ends of the day. I also wanted to be able to use my accountancy/business skill set. A theatre school specifically wasn’t actually on my radar. However, my sister was working as a dance teacher at Razzamataz when the opportunity came up to take over the school,” says Claire.

“I’ve always loved performing arts, but it would never have crossed my mind that I could run my own theatre school until I looked into Razzamataz and understood that as a franchise, they would offer you a toolbox of training and support that would teach you all you needed to know. Working as an accountant meant that I got involved in many different aspects of the business including marketing, sales and even some IT.

“I had been working in a managerial capacity and understood how to recruit people so although I didn’t have strong performing arts skills myself, and wouldn’t be able to actually teach the classes, I felt confident that I had the knowledge needed to recruit the best people and I already had a good idea about how to actually run a business.

“I’m also never afraid to learn or challenge myself which has proven invaluable. By choosing the franchise route, it was possible to start a business even though I didn’t have a background in it, which was very exciting. Without Razzamataz, I definitely wouldn’t have even thought this could be an option for me but by being part of the network, I have access to everything I need to know.

“The training continues to build at Razzamataz and it is responsive to the changing nature of business, for example pivoting online. The network is a very collaborative environment too. While we are like-minded in our belief that performing arts can teach children amazing life skills, we all bring different experience and skills to the table which we happily share to develop best practice.

“We all learn from each other and everyone is very happy to share their success and also what went wrong so we don’t all have to make the same mistakes. If you have an interest in promoting children’s confidence and wellbeing and want a flexible business opportunity that is terrifically rewarding then Razzamataz is a great option.”