New classes launch in Medway aimed at the stars of tomorrow, preparing them for a professional career int he performing arts
You just need to switch on the TV to see the endless programmes surrounding making it in the world of show business. From the X Factor to Britain’s Got Talent and even children’s shows such as The Next Steps, the desire to be an actor, singer or dancer shows no sign of abating.
But with this increased desire comes increased competition and to make it into one of the top performing arts colleges, it takes determination, talent and top class training.
In response to this growing demand, Razzamataz Theatre Schools is launching a new product to designed to support students who wish to pursue a professional career within the performing arts.
Razz Project Intense is launching at Razzamataz (Area) in September 2016. It is one of just a handful of Razzamataz schools across the country which has been selected to trial this exciting new class.
Hayley Limpkin, Principal of Razzamataz Medway explains: “Over the years, many of our students have gone on to secure places at prestigious colleges to study performing arts and although as a school we’ve helped individuals with their auditions, it is incredibly exciting to offer a class where we can work with a group of young performers and prepare them for the tough round of auditions that the top performing arts colleges expect.”
Razz Project Intense will allow staff to teach in the specialist areas of dance to help build a strong technical skill base to equip the Razzamataz students with the correct guidance, skills and confidence to be better prepared for professional vocational college auditions.
“As well as improving their technical skills, we will also work closely with individual students to emotionally prepare them for the auditions,” says Hayley. “This may be the first time that any of these young people have auditioned so mental preparation is equally important.”
One of the benefits of Razzamataz is that as well as having many teachers who are experienced performing arts professionals, the schools run regular workshops with industry experts, allowing the students to get a real feel for what it means to work as a professional performer.
“All the guest teachers who come to put on workshops are very generous with their time and give the students the opportunity to ask questions about working in the industry,” adds Hayley. “Not only does this give our students practical advice, but it is also very inspirational to have this level of support available.”
As well as Razz Project Intense, Razzamataz is very proud of its Future Fund charity, which offers grants for students going on to study full time at college.
Each year, the auditions are judged by a team of industry experts from the world of dance, acting and singing. Past judges have included dancers who work with Take That, Ellie Goulding and on Strictly Come Dancing, West End musical performers and an associate director on various tours.
“At Razzamataz, we take the ongoing development of our students very seriously,” adds Hayley. “We believe that Razz Project Intense will be a real stepping stone onto further performing arts training for many of our students.”
The students at Razzamataz Medway attend classes in singing, dancing and drama every Saturday at Mid Kent College. During the session, they participate in many different areas of performing arts covering various styles from street dance and pop singing through to classic West End musical theatre numbers as well as acting for stage and screen. Classes start at the age of 4 through to 18. There are also parent assisted classes for Tots aged 2 and 3.
For more information about joining Razz Project Intense or the main Razzamataz school, contact Hayley on medway@razzamataz.co.uk or call 01634 893514.
