As an adult I’ve been fortunate enough to build a career as a professional actor and have always wanted to offer children in my local area, the place that I was looking for as a child and the feeling that I got when I went to drama school. Somewhere that offered the best performing arts training and took acting, dance and singing all as seriously as one another. I wanted to offer somewhere with a real family vibe, where everybody felt welcome, part of something special and where personalities were celebrated! I wanted to offer amazing opportunities, where children could get the real-world experience of being in a show and where it was treated as professionally as if it was a West End production.
My interest was doubled after a chat with Kevin Dowsett, Artistic Director. I realised that although Theatretrain was a big company, it wasn’t a ‘company’, it was a family. Kevin shared my passion, my love of theatre, my commitment to professionalism and belief that ‘good enough’ wasn’t good enough. I was thrilled when I was offered the chance to open my own Theatretrain in Portsmouth, but also nervous. It felt like a big undertaking and whilst I knew I had the passion and desire, there were a lot of ‘business-y’ things, I had no idea about. I needn’t have worried. Theatretrain guided me through the whole process of opening and supported me every step of the way. The training process felt detailed and was delivered in a way that wasn’t overwhelming and I never felt like I was in it alone.
While I was a drama teacher and I had lots of administrative, as well as some managerial experience, I had never run my own business and it was initially quite a scary experience taking on a new venture. However, the training and support I received from the Theatretrain head office really helped me to get the school off the ground, and to understand all the business side of running a franchise.Carol Soper, Theatretrain Franchisee, Sutton
I have always wanted to own my own performing arts school. Eight years ago I expected it to be a part time thing, as an income supplement, doing something I love. Now I have three schools, additional weekday classes and this has been my full time job for 5 years! My schools are my passion as well as my job.Jess Fairfield, Theatretrain Franchisee, Royston and Welwyn-Hatfield
When I took over the Chester school in 2005, I didn’t realise how quickly I would be able to turn a hobby into a business. Theatretrain provides wonderful experiences, not just for our pupils but also for our teachers and centre directors…the support between centre directors and from head office is a key part of our success.Steve Davies, Theatretrain Franchisee, Chester, Mold and Wrexham
Personalised support and guidance
National performance opportunities at iconic venues such as the Royal Albert Hall
Theatretrain dare to be different