Razzamataz brings back opportunities for talented kids

In a bid to boost self-esteem and confidence, the award-wining franchise is partnering with The Stage to offer a year’s worth of free tuition

Razzamataz Theatre Schools is once again working with The Stage newspaper to offer youngsters the chance to win thousands of pounds worth of training in dance, drama and singing.

During the lockdowns, the franchise theatre school remained active and held many online classes for children up and down the country. “Our students have shown a huge amount of resilience during the last 12 months and have proved their dedication to the performing arts,” said Denise Hutton-Gosney, MD and principal of Razzamataz. “We are delighted to be able to offer them this opportunity to give them something exciting and challenging to aim for.” In fact, Denise started her own journey in the performing arts by responding to an advert her mum had seen in the local paper for auditions looking for local raw talent.

For young people with the drive and determination to make it in the world of performing arts, but who don’t have the training behind them, this is a fantastic opportunity to win a year’s worth of tuition, worth up to £855, at their local Razzamataz. Former students have gone on to be successful in many West End shows including Hamilton, &Juliet, Matilda, School of Rock and many TV shows as well as starring in a Disney movie.

As well as the financial assistance, the scholarship offers a huge boost in confidence with many past winners explaining that it gave them the belief to go on and follow their dreams.

To ensure as many children from the age of six to 18 can enter, Razzamataz has created a scholarship system where students and young people in the local area film a short demo of no more than two minutes long showing them performing either a musical theatre song and dance, commercial dance (hip hop or street), pop song, drama improvisation or scripted drama piece. The demo does not have to be professionally filmed. Applicants will also complete a short application form detailing why they would like to take this opportunity. 

“There will be teams of judges throughout the UK helping principals select a winning candidate,” added Denise. “We are not looking for a fully polished performance, it is the potential that we want to see. In fact, natural talent and a willingness to learn are what we are really looking for. Our teams of teachers will be able to take this raw talent and nurture it to give the young person an all-round theatre arts training.”

Past winners within the Razzamataz network include Robson Broad, current cast member of Hamilton in the West End. Robson was a scholarship winner when he was 12 and said at the time: “I was thrilled to win the scholarship. Seeing my picture in The Stage newspaper, being interviewed, going to a proper photo shoot has been amazing. I have much more confidence and ambition because Razzamataz and The Stage have shown their belief in me. One day I hope I will get the chance to go to The Stage party wearing a RED badge (cast member!)  The biggest advice I got from the day is work hard and keep trying because what at first seems impossible can become possible. Dreams can come true…so fingers crossed!”

The Stage scholarship is just one of the ways in which Razzamataz helps supports its network of more than 50 franchisees with numerous opportunities for their students.

Image credit: Alex-Brenner