Wakefield's Razzamataz theatre school working with The Stage to bring back opportunities for talented kids

Razzamataz Wakefield is working with The Stage newspaper to offer youngsters the chance to win hundreds of pounds worth of training in dance, drama and singing.

During lockdown, the local theatre school remained active and held many online classes for children.

Principal, Helen Mayes, and teachers have been in awe of the dedication of children to continue to participate in their performing arts training from their living rooms, bedrooms and gardens.

Helen said: “Our students have shown a huge amount of resilience during the last twelve months and have proved their dedication to the performing arts.

“We are delighted to be able to offer them this opportunity to give them something exciting and challenging to aim for.”

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 Razzamataz Wakefield.

Former students in the Razzamataz network 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.

Many past students have also shown how performing arts has made a positive impact on their lives and given them the belief that through hard work and dedication, they can go on and achieve their dreams be it becoming a doctor, lawyer or teacher.

Razzamataz is passionate about the power of performing arts and the positive impact that it makes on young people.

With the many missed events for children that has occurred during the lockdowns, Razzamataz is able to open up the audition to both current students and those that have never had any performing arts training before.

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.

Helen said: “With so many activities suspended over this past year, it’s has been tough on many children who live for the thing they are most passionate about.

“Razzamataz teach thousands of children across the UK and we know through feedback from parents just how performing arts can transform young lives. Although we have many children who go on to perform as professionals, we also have many students who come to us to build their confidence and learn valuable life skills.

"We urge all children to give the audition process a go and we applaud them all for stepping out of their comfort zone and trying something new.”

To ensure as many children from the age of 6-18 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.

“We will be working with a team of professionals to help myself and my team select the winning candidate,”Helen said. "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.”

To apply to The Stage scholarship, contact Razzamataz AREA on [email protected] or visit www.razzamataz.co.uk/what-we-do/the-stage-scholarship/stage scholarship- application-form/The Stage scholarship is just one of the ways in which Razzamataz helps support and nurture young talent.

There are lots of plans for masterclasses with industry experts in theatre, musicals and TV as well as performing opportunities, when it is safe to do so. Razzamataz Wakefield is still accepting new students to join the school located at Kettlethorpe High School, with the age groups ranging from 4-18.

For new students, booking for the first free trial session is essential due to limited numbers and social distancing measures.

To find out more, contact Helen on 07915991971, email: [email protected] or visit: wakefield.razzamataz.co.uk