Razzamataz Goes International with Expansion into Ireland

In an exciting development for Razzamataz Theatre Schools, long-standing franchisee Jessica Chandler-Smith is making history by becoming the brand’s first Master Franchisee, taking Razzamataz beyond the UK and into the Republic of Ireland.

Jessica first joined the Razzamataz network in 2017, opening Razzamataz Brentwood with a vision to provide young people with incredible performing arts opportunities while supporting their mental health, something that she is passionate about. Fast forward to today, and her dream has multiplied, she now manages seven locations across Essex alongside her dedicated team. This year, Jessica embarks on her biggest venture yet: launching Razzamataz Ireland.

A Personal and Professional Connection to Ireland

Jessica’s ties to Ireland run deep, with Irish roots on her mother’s side and a passion for the country’s vibrant culture. However, it was her son Dawson’s love for Irish dancing that truly strengthened her bond with the country.

“When Dawson was four, we took him to see Lord of the Dance, which he loved. When he was nine, we revisited the show, and he became obsessed with Irish dancing,” Jessica shares. “Now, he trains four nights a week with an Irish dance company, and as a family, we spend a lot of time in Ireland for competitions. The more time we spent there, the more we fell in love with the country, the people, the culture, and the deep appreciation for music and the arts.”

Recognising a gap in performing arts education for young people in Ireland, Jessica saw an opportunity to bring Razzamataz to the country, providing the same high-quality training and opportunities enjoyed by her Essex students.

“There’s so much talent in Ireland, music and performance run through their blood, but there just aren’t as many structured opportunities for young people to train and showcase their skills,” Jessica explains. “With our experience and connections, we can offer something really special, including the opportunity to perform on London’s West End and regular workshops with performing arts professionals.”

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A Family-Run Success Expanding Further

Jessica has a unique approach to business, successfully integrating family and friends into her operations. Following the pandemic, her sister Fliss joined the network as a franchisee and co-owner, followed by best friend Kasey and sister-in-law Paige. Together, they have built a strong leadership structure that now oversees seven Razzamataz schools.

As Razzamataz expands into Ireland, Jessica’s husband Jamie will take on a management role, ensuring the new schools uphold the family-led ethos that has been so successful in Essex.

“The amount of time we spend talking about Razzamataz, it just made sense for Jamie to come on board,” Jessica laughs. “He shares my love for Ireland, and we both want to ensure we respect and celebrate the country’s rich talent and traditions.”

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The Future of Razzamataz Ireland

The first Razzamataz Ireland school is set to open in Dublin in September 2025, with plans to launch two more locations over the next five years. To navigate the international expansion, Jessica will be supported by Razzamataz consultant Suzie McCafferty, an expert in international franchising.

 “Taking Razzamataz international is a new challenge, and I do sometimes feel imposter syndrome,” Jessica admits. “But I know the brand so well, and I’m passionate about what we can bring to young people in Ireland. That excitement outweighs any nerves.”

Jessica’s extensive experience in managing multiple schools, mentoring other franchisees, and running large-scale productions, including 10 annual shows, performances in the West End, and trips to Disneyland Paris, ensures she is well-prepared for this new venture.

“My goal is to replicate the success we’ve had in Essex, combining structured training with incredible opportunities to perform on iconic stages,” she says. “But at its heart, being a Razzamataz student is about more than just performance, it’s about building confidence, learning life skills, and developing self-esteem.

“My hopes for the students in Ireland are the same as for those in Essex, to help them believe in themselves,” Jessica shares. “I’ve been open about my own struggles with anxiety, and I want young people to know that with the right support, they can achieve anything. I can’t wait for Razzamataz to become part of young people’s lives in Ireland and to open doors to incredible opportunities in the performing arts.”

The Power of the Razzamataz Network

Jessica credits the unwavering support of Razzamataz’s Head Office and Founder, Denise Gosney, for giving her the confidence to take this leap. “The amazing thing about Denise is that she truly believes in us as franchisees,” Jessica says. “She has put her faith in me, and I’m so grateful she trusts me to lead Razzamataz’s first international expansion.”

Denise is delighted that Razzamataz is making this significant expansion adding: “Jessica will be involved in decision-making processes at all levels, to ensure that both franchisors are aligned and on the same page. It’s important to us both that there’s a strong sense of collaboration and unity in our approach.”

Jessica’s journey highlights the limitless opportunities within the Razzamataz network. From opening a single school to managing multiple locations and now leading international expansion, her success story is a testament to the strength of the Razzamataz franchise model.

UK opportunity

Join us in time for our 25th Anniversary celebrations at The Eiffel Tower, Paris in September! Ask about our finance options to help you fund your future! Don’t make finance an obstacle. Potential turnover is in the region of £400,000+ if working on the business full time and with adding our additional revenue streams.

Every now & again we have resale opportunities, please contact us to find out more!

International opportunity

The final plans are in place for the launch of our first school in Dubai in 2025. We are looking for business partners in Abu Dhabi.  Contact us to find out more about the opportunities we have in the UAE. Contact the Head Office on [email protected] or Denise on WhatsApp  +44 7801843007.

Get in touch

Training takes place regularly at the Razzamataz Head Office in the beautiful Lake District and Flagship school Razzamataz Carlisle.

Get in touch

Email: [email protected]

Visit: https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/

Book an online Discovery Den:  https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/franchise-opps/book-discovery-den/

Meet the Franchise Training Team

Starting a business can be daunting, but joining a franchise offers a unique opportunity to build on an established brand with proven success. One of the greatest advantages of franchising is the access to a robust support system. From comprehensive training to ongoing mentorship, a franchise gives you the tools and resources you need to thrive, especially for those new to the world of business.

That’s where our incredible team comes in during our upcoming franchise training. With their wealth of expertise, they provide invaluable guidance to help you navigate the ups and downs of business ownership. Whether it’s mastering operational processes, marketing strategies, or leadership skills, having this support makes all the difference in ensuring long-term success.

And one of the best parts? Denise, the Founder and Managing Director of Razzamataz, is personally involved in this process, offering her decades of experience to help you succeed.

Having launched Razzamataz 25 years ago, Denise is still deeply involved in the business, bringing her wealth of knowledge, passion, and experience to ensure every franchisee is supported during their Razzamataz journey. Her dedication has not only shaped the brand into what it is today but continues to inspire and guide our franchisees. This is a huge benefit for new franchisees joining our network, as Denise is always ready to offer guidance, mentorship, and support to ensure their success.

“I always look forward to our franchise training week, it’s such a fantastic opportunity to connect with our new franchisees, share ideas, and learn from their fresh perspectives,” says Denise. “I’m a big believer in the power of collaboration, and being able to offer my personal support throughout their journey is something I’m deeply passionate about. Starting a business is a big step and knowing that you have a supportive network behind you makes all the difference.”

Want to find out more about attending the next Razzamataz franchise training? Book onto a Discovery Den to learn more: https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/franchise-opps/discovery-dens/

How to build a career in the arts

Building a career in the performing arts requires dedication, training, and opportunities to develop the required skills. But it also takes mentorship and a wide range of career options. This is where Razzamataz Theatre Schools step in. They don’t just help students build confidence, refine their talents, and take their first steps towards a successful career in the performing arts, they do the same for their teaching assistants and
teachers too.

If you are passionate about theatre and inspiring young people and want to take the next step in your career, then we have the perfect training platform for you. Many of our incredible teachers have already progressed into management roles, and some have even gone on to run their own Razzamataz schools as Principals.

Through our Management Franchise Training, you can take your leadership skills to the next level, supporting the growth of the school in which you teach in. This opportunity allows you to manage a Razzamataz venue, opening up doors to career progression, business development, and personal success, all within the Razzamataz family you already love.

Why consider enrolling in Management Franchise Training?

✅ A structured path from teacher to leader
✅ The chance to level up your skills
✅ Increased earning potential and long-term career stability
✅ Full training and ongoing support from Head Office
✅ The opportunity to inspire and mentor new team members
✅ The gateway to becoming a business owner of your own Razzamataz school

Building Our Teams

For our current franchisees, the opportunity to offer career progression for their teachers is a game-changer. It allows them to open multiple venues, expanding the business while developing talented team members. It’s a win-win for everyone, business grows, and team members progress in their careers.

Ready to take the next step? We’d love to chat with you about how you can transition from teacher to manager and beyond. Chat to us about your career development at [email protected]

The Key to Unlocking Creative Young Minds

Every child learns in their own unique way, with some thriving through traditional academic methods while others benefiting from more creative and hands-on experiences. Participating in the performing arts offers an invaluable opportunity for children to explore different ways of learning and self-expression, in a way that benefits all young people.

As students prepare for mocks and then summer exams, the pressure to succeed can be overwhelming. But what many parents may overlook is the invaluable role performing arts can play in supporting academic achievement. Beyond creativity and self-expression, performing arts offer children transferable skills that bolster their confidence, resilience, and cognitive abilities, skills that are essential for success in the classroom and beyond. At Razzamataz Theatre Schools, we have 25 years’ experience in performing arts education and watching our students flourish.

Enhancing Social Mobility and Leadership Skills

One remarkable story comes from Jessica, a former Razzamataz Medway student from a low-income family who went on to become a UK parliamentary and policy advisor, as well as a UN Ambassador. Recognised as one of the UK’s top 100 outstanding future leaders of African &  African Caribbean descent, Jessica attributes much of her confidence and success to her time at Razzamataz: “My world became much bigger through the arts, and it was one of the greatest gifts I could ever have as a young person,” she explained.

Jessica’s journey underscores the critical role that performing arts can play in building social mobility and developing the confidence required for leadership roles. Through acting, singing, and dance, students learn to communicate effectively, empathise with others, and present themselves confidently, skills that serve them well in professional and academic environments.

Building Communication and Empathy

Ella Lacey, now a teacher working with children with autism, credits her time at Razzamataz Sheffield with shaping her teaching career. Starting at age 15 and leaving when she graduated at 18, Ella reflects on the life-changing experiences she had, including winning The Stage scholarship and performing on a West End stage.

“Razzamataz gave me leadership skills, communication skills, time management, and resilience,” says Ella. “All of these have benefited me in my teaching career. The safe space Razzamataz provided allowed me to push myself out of my comfort zone and gain the confidence I have today.”

These communication and leadership skills are directly applicable to subjects like English, history, and even science, where students must articulate ideas clearly, engage in group projects, and present findings confidently.

Nurturing Confidence and Teamwork

Daniela Dawkins attended Razzamataz Carlisle for 11 years and is now a primary school teacher with a passion for fitness and coaching children. She recalls initially being a shy child who didn’t want to leave her mother. Through performing arts, she learned to push herself out of her comfort zone and developed essential skills like teamwork and self-discipline.

“Razzamataz taught me to push myself out of my comfort zone,” says Daniela.

“Through performing in the annual shows, I became more confident in myself and what I could achieve.”

While the children love being part of all the shows and performances that Razzamataz offer, many don’t realise they are learning skills that will help them with their studies. These include teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability, not to mention overcoming any fears they may have about stepping on stage.

Fostering Resilience and Self-Belief

Isabella Graham, a Health Care Assistant in the paediatric department of A&E, credits Razzamataz with teaching her resilience and helping her build confidence. “I was never the most confident or outgoing person, but when I was at Razzamataz, I felt like a different person,” she shares.

Performing arts help children develop the courage to take risks and the resilience to learn from mistakes, qualities that are essential during exam preparation and in navigating academic challenges.

Encouraging Creativity and Problem-Solving

Creativity is often discovered through the arts, but it directly supports problem-solving and innovative thinking in subjects such as mathematics, science, and design too.

After attending Razzamataz Carlisle for 11 years, Hannah-Mae, became an Assistant Video Producer in London. While she did not pursue a performing arts career, she finds the creative skills she gained invaluable in her current role.

“The skills I learned at Razzamataz are super transferable,” says Hannah-Mae. “From writing scripts and prop buying to teamwork and communication, all these experiences have shaped my ability to produce creative content.”

Support Your Child’s Development

Secure a FREE taster session at your local Razzamataz school:
https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/schools/regions/

Lead Your Own Razzamataz School

Book an online Discovery Den:

https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/franchise-opps/book-discovery-den/

First day of starting your new business, what should you do?

The answer is probably not what you expect. The truth is right from day one, you should be considering your exit strategy, which will include a succession plan.

Why? Because building a business with the end in mind ensures you make strategic decisions that increase its value, scalability, and long-term success. Whether you plan to sell, pass it on, or step back eventually, having a clear roadmap will shape how you structure operations, financials, and leadership.

The benefit of being part of a franchise network is that we don’t expect you to do this alone. Supporting all our franchisees with this is Hayley, our business coach and former multi-award winning franchisee who sold Razzamataz Medway for a significant amount with her business partner Emily after an initial investment of just £10,000.

“One of the biggest lessons my experience in business has taught me, franchising and beyond, is that real value isn’t just in the numbers – it’s in the people, the vision, and the legacy you build. From day one, we focused on creating something deeper than just a business, bringing our team into that vision and setting a strong foundation for the future.  When you think long-term, invest in people, and grow with purpose, exciting things happen. It’s great to see others embracing that mindset and watching where it takes them,” Hayley.

During Hayley’s mentoring sessions, she supports each franchisee to work out their own roadmap and discover what their succession plan could look like. This highly individual and strategic approach allows them to build a business that aligns with their long-term goals. By focusing on sustainable growth and structured planning, Hayley ensures that each franchisee has the clarity and confidence to create a future-proof business.

Hayley’s top 5 tips

• Define Your Vision – Know where you want your business to go and what success looks like in the short and long term. That’s not just about the numbers, it’s about the people and the impact that you can make.
• Establish Strong Systems – Create processes that allow the business to run smoothly without relying solely on you. This is something that you will be guided on during your initial training, but it’s important to maintain this.
• Prioritise Financial Planning – Keep your finances in order from day one, tracking revenue, expenses, and profitability. How will you assess your growth month to month if you don’t do this?
• Build a Strong Team – Invest in your people to help bring your vision to life.
• Think About Who Will Take Over – Razzamataz Medway was sold to a long-term teacher who was already invested in the brand. This made perfect sense, as students and families already had a strong connection with her, creating a seamless transition. Since taking over, she has continued to grow the school, building on its existing success.

Curious about joining the Razzamataz network? Click her to find out more: https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/franchise-opps/book-discovery-den/