UK Enterprise 2020

116 | UK Enterprise Awards 2020 Razzamataz Theatre Schools Cambridge is a part-time theatre school offering affordable performing arts training to children and young people aged 2-18. Offering training in dance, drama and singing, and access to some of the UK’s most talented performers, Razzamataz is dedicated to nurturing the confidence and self-esteem of its students. Now awarded the Most Inclusive Theatre School 2020, we explored what it was that made this theatre school shine. Most Inclusive Theatre School 2020 & Performing Arts Customer Service Excellence Award – Cambridgeshire Aug20088 Established by performer and choreographer, Emma Louise Campbell, Razzamataz Theatre Schools Cambridge is not just a theatre school. Through their dance, drama and singing classes offered to children and young people of all ages and genders, Razzamataz are building their students’ confidence, improving their coordination and communication skills and promoting healthy, active lifestyles, and all while in a fun and safe environment. Covering a range of singing and dancing styles, from musical theatre to street dance, Razzamataz is this year celebrating twenty years of inclusivity, and this is the primary key to their success. The ‘Razz Family’ is the community that includes students, teachers, parents, families volunteers and venue providers, and by maintaining an honest relationship with all the members of the family, Razzamataz is able to offer a student- centred approach that ensures each child is getting the most from their classes. Campbell says, “we build a community in our school of acceptance, tolerance and support. We are frequently reminded that we are not only helping to mould the next generation of performers, but the next generation of adults too.” Perhaps most laudable about this organisation is its priority for keeping the performing arts accessible by making classes affordable. In addition to the low training costs, Razzamataz offers three scholarship places each year, so children who may not have the means to attend a performing arts school do not miss out on immeasurable benefits such as self-confidence, teamwork, speech and language acquisition and motor skills, that research has linked to performing arts. Whilst the classes may never exceed the bounds of affordability, they remain of the highest quality, with frequent teacher training and constant developments to keep up with the ever-evolving industry. In the past two years alone, Razzamataz have piloted and successfully launched two new classes for their students: Razz Street Dance and Razz Acro Arts. The success of Razzamataz has been easy to see. After achieving national recognition in 2007 on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, this remarkable school has seen some major achievements and opportunities. These include performing with Britain’s Got Talent winners, Collabro, and The Kingdom Choir on their respective tours, a performance at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London’s West End, a bespoke performance package at Disneyland Paris, TV appearances on CITV and ongoing guest workshops with industry professionals, including Broadway and West End star Kerry Ellis and Diversity’s Ashley Banjo. In addition to their new classes, Razzamataz has implemented a new business management system, which includes a personalised ‘parent portal’ for each family. While many organisations have struggled with the recent lockdown that meant many group activities and clubs had to be put on hold, Razzamataz remained as adaptable as ever, and used these online systems to their advantage. The Razz Online community offered classes, private tuition, guest workshops and fun events online, so as to continue their hard work, and to remain a consistent positive presence for the Razz Family. This enterprise has enabled some elements of ‘normal’ life to continue for children and young people who, like all of us, are living in confusing and unprecedented times. Having now reopened the Razzamataz Theatre Schools’ doors after an extensive Covid-aware audit for their hugely successful summer schools, the Razz Family are well on their way to returning to the norm, continuing to make the arts affordable and fun as ever for as many children as possible. Company: Razzamataz Theatre Schools Cambridge Contact: Emma Louise Campbell Web Address: www.cambridge.razzamataz.co.uk