Students from Newcastle and their Principal Kayleigh Redford came out on top to win the coveted Best New Franchise Award at the recent Conference for the Dragons’ Den backed theatre school franchise.
There are nearly 50 schools in the Razzamataz network, and the Newcastle school beat off stiff competition from the 5 new franchises which opened up in the past year. Principal Kayleigh Redford, who opened the school in September 2016 said
“The most important part of all of this is the recognition for my students, and these Awards prove how committed and hard working and amazing they all are,” says Kayleigh. “I was delighted to receive this Award! My students motivate me and this has inspired me and my team to reach new levels going forwards.”
The Award was presented at the annual conference and awards ceremony. The highlight for many at this year’s Conference was a motivational session led by Brian Costello from Headstrong, accumulating in a Fire Walk. So how do you teach someone to walk on fire? The answer was to get them to do something else totally outside of their comfort zone, in this case break a wooden spear with their neck!
The whole session was designed to show that in business and life, we all fear and worry about doing certain things but we can overcome it if we have the right mindset and that is something that we can all work on.
Students at Razzamataz Newcastle are currently in rehearsal mode making plans for this year’s summer show “Razz Air” based around a theme of and believing in yourself and flying it will contain extracts from hit musicals such as “Wicked and “Shrek” as well as songs, dances and drama pieces from pop to street dance.
“Giving children lots of opportunities to perform is a huge part of the ethos of Razzamataz,” says Kayleigh. “One of the reasons we were chosen to win this award was all the different opportunities we have provided to our students, from masterclasses with street dance experts, west end performers and TV stars to community events and positive life experiences.”
The students at Newcastle all attend Razzamataz every
Saturday morning during term time. Ages range from just four up to 18 and each week they attend singing, dance and drama classes and experience a range of styles from traditional West End musical theatre to pop singing and street dance. The emphasis on the school is keeping fit, having fun, improving confidence and making new friends as well as nurturing young talent. Plans for next year are to travel to London perform on a West End stage.
To enquire about joining Razzamataz Newcastle and being part of this year’s summer Showcase email Kayleigh on newcastle@razzamataz.co.uk. Alternatively call 01914 065372 / 07772577855 or visit www.newcastle.razzamataz.co.uk. Classes are every Saturday morning in term time at The Performance Academy at Newcastle College.