BBC’s The Voice has show how important mentors are in encouraging and supporting rising talents and performing arts franchise Razzamataz believes it offers the same mentoring emphasis for its franchise owners.
Denise Hutton-Gosney, Managing Director of Razzamataz, rose to prominence when she appeared on Dragon’s Den and Duncan Bannatyne invested in the business. She said: “In much the same way that Duncan has become my business mentor, we encourage our schools to bring in mentors to show the children first hand what it is like to be a professional performer.
“Mentoring enables the students to feel supported and encouraged and will allow them to maximise their potential, develop their skills and improve their performance levels. These are important life skills to have and just as important to those children who don’t take their performing arts training any further than just having a bit of fun on the weekend.”
At Razzamataz Rickmansworth in Hertfordshire, husband and wife team Neil and Lisa Roberts (pictured) are great examples of how this can work. Both are professional performers and the flexibility of owning a Razzamataz franchise has allowed them to continue to perform. Mr Roberts has recently landed the role of Harry, the part Colin Firth played, in the West End’s Mamma Mia!.
Mr Roberts said: “To be in a show that’s so popular and one that people love so much is going to be great fun. Our students are also really excited about it because we are planning a Mama Mia master class and also going to see the show. The fact that I’m in it and will be talking to them about it will give them a whole new experience.”
The couple firmly believe that having professional performers coming into the school really adds that extra bit of excitement and gives the students something to aspire to. “We believe it is not just good for those budding performers but also for all children to help build their confidence and help them communicate effectively, which is a vital life skill,” added Mr Roberts.
Published: 28 May 2012
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