Pilot Interview 1 (Answers)

I had an interview with Luke* the Principal of Razzamataz using Hotmail emails. 

1. What are your views on Performing Arts Teaching in schools and Drama schools?

In main stream schools I have bad experiences and have found the students find it a lesson to play games and muck about and the teachers have little control. At specialist schools and Razzamataz the teachers are mostly working professionals that teach exactly what needs to be taught to develop the children's knowledge and skills.  

2. In your opinion How has Razzamataz beat most theatre schools in the last few years?

Razzamataz offer specialist workshops from industry professionals and I think it is vital. Our older students have seen a lot of west end shows and dream of one day being in them. What we can do by offering guest workshops like this is bring the real person along, this is not a character appearance but a hard working professional that once went to a children's theatre school like Razzamataz that worked her way up and believed in her own ability to become the success that she is. I think it is important for the children to hear from the professionals that they are doing exactly what they did, and that with hard work and determination they too can achieve their dreams. Also to be complemented by someone that they look up to and respect is a huge confidence boost and very important for their development. This is just one aspect of what we offer at Razz not to mention our Annual stage shows and summer schools. 

3. What rules and regulations are in place for Razzamataz Staff and Children? 

There are safety measures in place, fire checks and risk assessments on a regular basis and our teachers and class room assistants are all well aware of the things to look out for to ensure the children's safety. There are rules on uniform for equality and there is a manuel that every teacher has read about working effectively with children with special needs and learning difficulties. Bullying is absolutely not tolerated at any Razzamataz Theatre school. Our schools are a safe fun and creative environment at all times.  

4. How do these compare to say for example Italia Conti's rules and regulations? Meaning Do you find their rules/practices/regulations more stricter than that of Razzamataz? 

I am not familiar with the rules and regulations at Italia Conti and as that is a full time establishment it would be difficult to compare. What I can say is that we all fully insured, risk assessed and and all teachers have public liability insurance and CRB checks done. There is also always a first aider on site and safety is our number one priority. 

5. Finally What is it like to be a principal of a theatre school to being a professional in the Performing Arts industry?

In many respects it is very much the same but on a larger scale. You have to get along with everyone as if you were in a show cast, listen and respect, you have a responsibility to your students as you would to your audience and you are always on "show" the main difference is over seeing everyone else, you are a director to your staff, an entertainer to your clients, and a producer when it comes to putting on a show. The roles for me as an actor and as a principal are equally as challenging, exciting and varied but both give me a huge amount of satisfaction and with a great teaching team behind me at Razzamataz Hampstead things are looking very promising for our exciting Summer term ahead. 

*Name has been changed to protect identity