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Celebrating ten years of turning dreams into reality

By: Razzamataz Theatre Schools |  0 Shares     103 Reads

March 31, 2025 // Franchising.com // This year marks a milestone for the Razzamataz Future Fund as it celebrates its 10th anniversary, having awarded thousands of pounds in scholarships to support young people in pursuing their dreams in the performing arts. Over the past decade, the Future Fund has provided vital financial assistance to students, enabling them to access training and take their first steps toward professional careers.

The initiative was launched by Razzamataz Theatre Schools’ Founder, Denise Gosney, who was inspired by her own experience of having to drop out of performing arts college due to financial constraints. Determined to prevent talented young performers from facing similar barriers, Denise established the Future Fund to ensure that passion, talent, and hard work, not finances, dictate a student’s ability to succeed.

“The Future Fund represents everything we stand for at Razzamataz: opportunity, inclusivity, and creating confident futures,” says Denise. “Over the last ten years, we have witnessed students go on to achieve their dreams, whether that’s starring in West End productions, training at prestigious colleges, or even returning to Razzamataz as teachers, assistants, and franchisees of their own schools. It’s a full-circle moment, and we couldn’t be prouder.

“When I first started Razzamataz, my goal was simply to share my passion for the performing arts and the confidence it gave me with young people. As the business has evolved, that passion, driven by purpose and people, has remained at its core. Today, it not only inspires but also thrives as a successful, profitable venture.”

Last year, Lerato Thamaga from Razzamataz Mansfield was taken completely by surprise when she found out she had won and put the money to good use, enabling her to take her first steps into the industry. She attended Nottingham College and the money helped her pay for all of the uniform and equipment. After graduating, she decided to strengthen her training and is now a student at the prestigious Emil Dale Academy, where she is thriving on a Musical Theatre Degree course and embracing every moment.

When asked about her experiences and if others should apply for the Future Fund, Lerato shares: “I would say, 100%, do it! I didn’t think I would get it, and I was fortunate enough to do so. Just be completely and authentically yourself. I had such a great experience and would love to thank every single person who has or does donate to the Future Fund. Your donations make it possible for people like me to continue training and reach for our goals.”

Abbie Grimley won the Future Fund in 2022 while training at Razzamataz Glasgow North and alongside her studies, she is now teaching back at the school. With the scholarship, she was able to attend The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film and Television, formerly known as the MGA Academy of Performing Arts. Now in her final year, she is preparing for her last show, 9 to 5 the Musical, and actively auditioning for roles in the industry.

“Winning the Future Fund was such a big help towards my funding, and I’m now about to graduate. I’ve already started auditioning, and I also now teach at Razzamataz Glasgow North, which is a full-circle moment and I absolutely love it. I would encourage anyone that is thinking of applying to absolutely go ahead and do it, it’s such a great process and all the team are so lovely. Just be yourself and have fun.”

The Future Fund stands out because it offers young performers the chance to showcase their talent and receive invaluable feedback from industry professionals on the judging panel. Past judges have included Felicity French, Casting Director at Cameron Mackintosh Ltd.; Peter Houston, a former Razzamataz student and West End musical theatre performer in shows such as Hamilton, Matilda and Marry Poppins; and Jennifer Tierney, a seasoned West End performer.

“The panel is industry professionals which is incredible to be given the opportunity to work with them, the feedback they gave me was super helpful and I was able to use this to help me improve my materials,” adds Abbie. “I would love to say the biggest thank you to every single person who has fundraised and contributed to the Razzmatazz Future Fund. To be able to study what I love so much and further this into a career is a dream come true, and thanks to being part of Razzamataz I was able to do this.”

Applications for the Future Fund open on April 7th and this year’s judging panel of industry experts are just being finalised and will be revealed shortly. To apply to the Future Fund, contact your local Razzamataz school for a full list of terms and conditions.

SOURCE Razzamataz Theatre Schools

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