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.
Theatretrain is like a family; the head office team are so welcoming and gave amazing support and insight into how to run a new centre and this has continued so there is always a great support network. The wider network of Centre Directors is also so encouraging and generous of best practice sharing.Erin Griffiths, Theatretrain Franchisee, Waltham Forest
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
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
Personalised support and guidance
Theatretrain dare to be different
National performance opportunities at iconic venues such as the Royal Albert Hall