The Future Fund 2026 Winners Announced to Fuel the Next Generation of Creatives

“Being part of Razzamataz Mansfield for the last 10 years has definitely shaped me into the performer I am today. If it weren't for them and my wonderful teachers pushing me and giving me confidence, I wouldn't have realised I wanted to do this professionally and wouldn't have been inspired to pursue musical theatre in further education. Being selected for the Future Fund is such a big honour, and having Razzamataz's continued support as I begin training at drama school means so much.

The funding will greatly help with the costs of training in London, and it will ease a lot of pressure allowing me to be fully focused on my progression in my studies. It will even allow me to have more opportunities I previously may not have had. Whether this be extra classes or headshots or tickets to shows, I can fully surround myself in the arts.”

This year's Future Fund auditions were judged by two accomplished musical theatre performers who know first-hand what it takes to build a successful career in the industry.

Lulu-Mae Pears professional credits include playing Cosette in Les Misérables on the World Arena Tour and in London's West End. Joining her on the panel was Joshua Lloyd, with impressive theatre credits including Barman in The Choir of Man on the UK tour, in the West End and at the Sydney Opera House, Amos Hart in the UK tour of Chicago, and covering the roles of Scar and Pumbaa in the UK tour of The Lion King.

“Mia was well presented, professional, clearly practiced and taken the time to really show off her talents. Great musicality, great acting and she came across very well. Carry on working like this for a promising future.”

Since launching in 2015, the Future Fund has supported students pursuing professional training at leading performing arts colleges and universities. But the Future Fund is far more than financial support. Like all areas of Razzamataz, it is about nurturing confidence, resilience and self-belief, helping young people recognise their potential both on and off the stage.

Bo Welch from Razzamataz Newcastle, who is going to Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts to study for a Musical Theatre Degree, explains that from day one, she was made to feel welcome by staff and students which has helped her become more confident.

“I was encouraged to be myself and to audition for roles that were out of my comfort zone and was also given the opportunity to showcase my talents from my very first performance. This encouragement along with being in a warm and safe environment made me lose any shyness and nervousness and allowed me to grow as a performer. Receiving the Razzamataz Future Fund has helped validate that others see and appreciate the talents that I have and gives me hope that I do have a future in the industry.

The Future Fund will allow me to pursue my dream by aiding me to equip myself with what I need to get there.”

The impact of the Future Fund is not just about the initial financial support. The feedback from judges and support from the teaching teams and Principals is all geared to ensure a positive first professional step. Former winners have gone on to perform in the West End, international tours, television productions and across the wider entertainment industry. Many return to the schools as teaching assistants, teachers and workshop leaders, staying connected to the places that supported their early development.

Increasingly, alumni are progressing even further within the network by becoming Principals and franchise owners. This progression from student to professional performer to business owner demonstrates the strength of the Razzamataz franchise model and its focus on long-term personal and professional development. Previous recipients of the Future Fund include Jodie Hall, franchisee of Razzamataz Derby who after her training, returned to Razzamataz as an assistant, then teacher and then assistant Principal until the opportunity to become part of the franchise became available.

The Future Fund reflects the wider philosophy behind the Razzamataz franchise network: combining commercial success with meaningful social impact. Franchisees are not only building businesses in performing arts education, they are contributing to a national ecosystem that supports children from their first class through to professional careers and beyond. This approach is increasingly attractive to entrepreneurs seeking a franchise opportunity that delivers both financial reward and measurable social value.