Amidst the glitz and the glamour of the performing arts, there exists an integral ecosystem of professionals whose diligent work often goes overlooked.
These individuals are not the actors, dancers, or singers that we see shine on stage.
Instead, they are the ones operating behind the scenes, crafting a platform for performers to shine, and in doing so, carving out rewarding careers for themselves.
Matty Rayson had yearned for a future as a geography teacher when he was 16 years old, but this soon changed when his sister joined her local theatre school.
Mr Rayson said: "I had always enjoyed drama, but I was lacking in confidence, and I really didn’t particularly enjoy being on stage.
"But when my sister joined Razzamataz Carlisle and I watched her in a show, it was sort of a lightbulb moment, and I knew I wanted to be part of it."
In June 2010, Matty expressed a desire to Denise Gosney, the then principal and founder of Razzamataz, a network of more than 60 schools, to gain work experience with them.
He has since donned various roles – assistant, manager, and now, the award-winning principal of Razzamataz West Cumbria.
As Razzamataz approaches its 25th year in business, Matty has taken up yet another key role, that of the operations manager, which he will undertake alongside his role as principal.
In this capacity, he will be instrumental in executing the company’s ten-year plan.
"We are looking to expand the network to support more entrepreneurs to run successful theatre schools, inspiring even more young people in their communities," said Mr Rayson.
Over the past five years, Matty has been at the helm of his own Razzamataz school, a period that has instilled in him a keen sense for business and growth.
With this experience, Matty plans to guide other franchisees in expanding their own schools.
Expressing excitement over his new role, he said: "There’s no hiding that I’m passionate about the Razzamataz brand and all that we stand for.
"This new role will allow me to support others to ensure that everything that I’ve learned can be shared with both new franchisees and those looking to expand, as well as giving young people inspiration for careers in the performing arts that don’t need to be on stage."
His role as operations manager will draw on his diverse range of skills, including project management, leadership, and the ability to collaborate with individuals from various backgrounds and experience levels.
His ongoing tasks will involve working on large scale projects such as performance opportunities in West End theatres, overseas trips like the ones to Disneyland Paris, and the annual Conference.
Reflecting on his career, Mr Rayson said: "What Razzamataz taught me was to seize every opportunity and not to worry about setbacks because they are a way for you to learn.
"Razzamataz helps every young person celebrate their uniqueness, because that is the thing that will help them forge a career path fuelled by a passion and purpose."
Founder Denise Gosney said: "I’m delighted to offer Matty the role of operations manager and know that he will excel in it like he has in every role that he has taken on.
"He is a huge asset to the Razzamataz network, and his wealth of experience will help guide us to our ten year vision while giving so many of our students inspiration for their own careers."
Razzamataz Theatre Schools offer numerous career opportunities from teaching roles to administrative tasks, with numerous growth opportunities from work experience placements to leadership roles.
The company is committed to training and empowering more individuals to become successful part of its network, with training taking place at the Razzamataz Head Office in the Lake District and Flagship school Razzamataz Carlisle.
The next training session is set for the week commencing May 20 for a September launch, just in time to be part of the 25th anniversary celebrations.
To secure a place on the next virtual Discovery Den, visit: https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/franchise-opps/book-discovery-den/
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