Open your own drama school
Grow your own business with Theatretrain
Start your own Theatre Training Company and make a difference doing something you love
Open your own Performing Arts Company for young people with the support of the Theatretrain family
Do you have experience or qualifications in acting, dancing or singing? Are you ready to be your own boss and take control of your own schedule? Want to follow your passion and support young people to do the same?
We’ve spent over 30 years making Theatretrain an active community and not just your average theatre training company, and we’re always looking for like-minded professionals to grow along with us!
Who we’re looking for…
Dedicated Professionals
It takes a collaborative, committed and enthusiastic kind of person to turn their expertise into a business. We’re searching for performance arts professionals who can encourage young people to follow their passion for acting, dance or singing in a welcoming and buzzing environment.
Committed Leaders
Do you want to work for someone else, or are you ready to take control of your future with your own business? As a Theatretrain franchisee, you’ll be leading a creative team of directors, choreographers and specialists to inspire the next generation of enthusiastic performers.
Passionate Creatives
If you know what you want and are willing to follow your own path, we’re here to support you! We do things differently at Theatretrain, empowering you in your own business while offering training and community where you need it most.
Put your personal and professional development centre stage at Theatretrain!
Full artistic and business training provided
We provide two training conferences per year, covering business and artistic growth essentials, so you never feel alone. You can also take advantage of our ongoing support programme if you want a helping hand!
Be a part of large-scale events
Be part of large-scale national productions at venues like the Royal Albert Hall and iconic London West End theatres, where you will relish precious moments seeing your students fulfil their dreams and potential.
Grow your company your own way
Your company is your own, and Theatretrain is here to help you grow! You have the opportunity to purchase another company for a second business territory if you wish to, expanding your reach and bringing your own brand of theatre training to another area.
Take creative control
With annual themes and productions designed by Theatretrain founder, Kevin Dowsett, you can take artistic control to make every show and rehearsal your own. We know your Theatretrain company will perform at its best when you’re able to work your way.
Experience incredible moments alongside your students
Become a Theatretrain franchisee and give young people the expert training and safe environment they need to become well-rounded performers and people.
Want to follow your passion and be your own boss, leaving the rat race behind?
Choose your franchisee package to get started!
Getting started as a Theatretrain Director…
We know you’re interested in the details, so here they are!
Your initial investment ranges from £5995 to £34995 + VAT. This covers the purchase of your business territory, training programme, website and launch support, as well as the Start-Up Kit. Our packages are designed for flexibility to suit you, with packages made for those with limited start-up capital and those seeking a quicker return on their initial investment.
Join a supportive community of thriving performance arts professionals
We work collaboratively, not competitively, at Theatretrain. When you join Theatretrain as a franchisee, you join a collective of 50+ creative directors coming together to make the Theatretrain experience better. Every company is spearheaded by a uniquely experienced and passionate individual, and that could include you!
Starting a Company FAQs
How do I start my own Theatretrain company?
The first step is booking a call or filling in an application form.
What does being a Company Director involve?
The Company Director role in Theatretrain is the cornerstone of our operating model and the most important one to ensure we deliver high-quality work in training, rehearsals and performances. It’s a rewarding role with multiple tasks fully laid out in our franchisees’ operating manual; you will receive training, coaching and mentoring from one of our senior team members.
Will I be the owner of the business?
Yes! This is a franchise which you own and operate autonomously. As part of your franchisee package, Theatretrain will support you through all stages, from concept and setup to ongoing growth. We will provide guidelines, methodology and knowledge on every aspect of your business. We expect all our franchisees to follow those guidelines to ensure consistency and the best outcome for our students and parents.
How much can I earn as a Theatretrain Company Director?
This depends on how many sessions and young performers you can attract to your company. We have models of projected income and can show examples from our current team, a large number of whom have worked with us for many years.
On average, with moderate success, our directors earn £30K-£50K per year, rising to £70K-£80K.
Who can I talk to about starting a company?
You can book a call with Jenny Dowsett to register your interest and have a general chat about the opportunity.
The whole process is a two-way street. While it is important that you choose the opportunity that is right for you, we must carefully select Company Directors who share our values and purpose. We follow a customer-focused process to help potential Company Directors learn more about the opportunities we offer. At each stage of this process, we will check if you want to proceed.
What’s so special about the Theatretrain philosophy?
It combines the two essential parts of high-quality training: working on the self – individual skills in sessions – and then using those skills in a team to make theatre for an audience.
Performing in a range of professional theatres welds the company. It’s fun too! The fun is in the work.
What’s the ideal location?
A local population with enough young people. Funnily enough, the presence of other performing arts and children’s activities sessions demonstrates a need in the area. Our specialist mapping software allows for insightful analysis of the demographic in a potential business territory. Don’t worry – our team will help you select a location and venue that’s ideal.
Why do you call them companies and not schools? Why Company Directors?
In short, it’s to be different from school. We’re a theatre company, and we want parents and students to identify separately from their school life. We make sure to mark out the space so that our students can truly step into a different world. A world where their imagination can run wild. And that world is theatre.
The Company Director leads a theatre team who are not teachers, but musical directors, choreographers, and directors. You are more than a school…you make theatre.
Find out more about starting your own theatre company with Theatretrain…
Book a call with Jenny or leave a message to talk about your thoughts, hopes and ideas, and how to take the first step toward owning your own performing arts company!