Drama Kids vs Sylvan Learning Centers Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Drama Kids vs Sylvan Learning Centers including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Drama Kids Franchise
Sylvan Learning Centers Franchise
Investment $33,800 - $73,500$70,270 - $163,625
Franchise Fee $27,500 - $57,500$24,000
Royalty Fee 8%16%
Advertising Fee 1%-
Year Founded 19791979
Year Franchised 19891980
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 5 years10 years
Renewal Fee $2K$1K


Business Experience Requirements

 
Drama Kids Franchise
Sylvan Learning Centers Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience

  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Education background preferred but not required

  • Financing Options

     
    Drama Kids Franchise
    Sylvan Learning Centers Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/YesNo/No
    Start-up Costs No/YesNo/Yes
    Equipment No/YesNo/Yes
    Inventory No/YesNo/Yes
    Receivables No/YesNo/No
    Payroll No/YesNo/No

    Training & Support

     
    Drama Kids Franchise
    Sylvan Learning Centers Franchise
    Training 1 day of regional training plus annual conference. Classroom Training: 52 hours Additional Training: Via webinar Absentee Ownership Allowed -
    Support Purchasing Co-ops Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Toll-Free Line Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations
    Marketing Co-op Advertising Ad Templates National Media Social media SEO Website development Email marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media
    Operations Franchise can be run from home.

    0% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1 - 4

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed.

    41% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2 - 4

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)


    Expansion Plans

     
    Drama Kids Franchise
    Sylvan Learning Centers Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion YesYes

    Company Overviews

    About Drama Kids

    In 1979, teacher Helen O'Grady began offering after-school drama classes to children in Perth, Australia. The positive response from both parents and students convinced O'Grady to open more studios. By 1987, she had opened 24 locations around Perth, operating under the Helen O'Grady Children's Drama Academy. The company began franchising in Australia in 1989 and first offered international master licenses in 1993. In 2000, the company began operations in the United States as Drama Kids International.
    Drama Kids franchisees offer children age 5 to 17 drama classes at schools, community centers and churches. The program runs on a 40-week school year basis, made up of a single hour-long session per week. Each year ends with a performance for family and friends.

    Seeking new franchise units Worldwide  

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Drama Kids franchised business with a standard territory is between $33,800 and $43,500. This includes $27,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate(s).
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Drama Kids franchised business with an optional expanded territory is between $33,800 and $73,500. This includes $57,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliate(s).

    #287 in Franchise 500 for 2020.

    About Sylvan Learning Centers

    Based in Baltimore, Sylvan Learning Centers was founded in Portland, Oregon, in 1979 to provide personalized instructional services to students of all ages and skill levels. Sylvan has been franchising since 1980 and has learning centers in North America and Asia.

    *Royalty includes monthly royalty; national advertising; mandatory assessment fees; SylvanSync server, support, and ongoing educational program updates; initial franchisee training; online staffing training.

    For more information, see our Franchise Disclosure Document.

    "Top
    #123 in Canada's Top franchises.
    #252 in Franchise 500 for 2020.