--- title: "Young Performers Receive Exceptional Support From Franchise Community" url: https://burnaze.com/article/777a6438-a9c5-44f7-98d2-d540a364981e source: "Franchising.com" original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20240801_young_performers_receive_exceptional_support_from_franchise_community.html category: "Education & Childcare" industry: "Education & Childcare" published: 2024-08-01T12:00:00.000Z modified: 2026-10-31T17:25:32.316Z image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1507679799987-c73779587ccf?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop --- # Young Performers Receive Exceptional Support From Franchise Community **TL;DR:** The Razzamataz Future Fund provides financial assistance to students demonstrating exceptional talent and dedication to the performing arts. This year's winner of the Future Fund is Lerato Thamaga, a student from Razzamataz Mansfield. *originally published in Franchising.com on 2024-08-01. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20240801_young_performers_receive_exceptional_support_from_franchise_community.html).* ## Key facts - Razzamataz Future Fund supports students with financial assistance - Lerato Thamaga wins this year's Future Fund - Judges provide individualised feedback to students ## Story ## Future Fund Support The Future Fund is the franchise network’s own charity providing financial assistance to students demonstrating exceptional talent and dedication to the performing arts. It supports students entering further education in the arts, removing as much of a financial barrier as possible. This initiative not only advances the careers of young performers but also fosters a supportive community within the Razzamataz network, encouraging a culture of mutual respect and support. This year’s winner of the Future Fund is Lerato Thamaga, a student from Razzamataz Mansfield, who has been offered a place on the degree course at Emil Dale Academy. Lerato was praised for her exceptional abilities in singing, dance, and acting and her overall performance together with her mature approach to her craft. The Future Fund charity stands out because it offers students a rare opportunity to audition before a panel of industry experts. These professionals provide invaluable support and feedback, helping students refine their audition techniques and offering encouragement to advance their future careers. ## Judging Panel Feedback This year, Razzamataz was delighted to welcome to the judging panel Johnathan Hunt, Deputy Principal at Emil Dale Academy and a professional actor, singer, director and artist with a wide range of theatre credits. Alongside Johnathan was Laurie Scarth, a professional musical theatre performer featuring in hit shows such as Grease, Hairspray, Sister Act and CATS After meeting all the Razzamataz students, the judges provided individualised feedback to each one. This ensured that the audition was a positive experience and offered them valuable insights to apply to their future goals. “Lerato’s voice has so many levels already and this will only continue to develop and become even more powerful,” says judge Laurie. “Her acting was honest, truthful and authentic and I loved the use of her own accent.” The runners-up also received praise for their impressive talents. Dylan Rhodes from Razzamataz Carlisle has been offered a place at Rose Bruford College and was recognised for his technical prowess in dance, his natural tone and potential in singing, and the maturity and drive in his acting. Poppy Ball from Razzamataz Sheffield was noted for her energy in dance, and her acting was praised for its authenticity and use of her own accent, delivering with thought and heart. Poppy has been offered a place at Performers College. Creating exceptional experiences for every student is at the heart of Razzamataz, whether they choose to pursue performing arts as a career or not. The confidence gained from participating in events such as the Future Fund and the support of their Razzamataz community can really impact a young person’s life as student Amy, a recent Future Fund candidate from Razzamataz Rayleigh West explains: “Just wanted to send a message saying thank you to the judges for the helpful and valuable feedback. This was refreshing compared to the audition season when it is just a yes, no or maybe. It’s really helped solidify areas of focus as I move into training full time. Although I am leaving Razzamataz now, I'm really excited to be continuing my training. I know that without the support of my Principal and teachers, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Razzamataz will always have a special place in my heart and I thank you for this amazing opportunity.” ## Entities - Franchising.com (publication) - Education & Childcare (sector) - education support (topic) - franchise community (topic) - Razzamataz (company) - performing arts (topic) - financial assistance (topic) --- Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20240801_young_performers_receive_exceptional_support_from_franchise_community.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/777a6438-a9c5-44f7-98d2-d540a364981e).