Drama Kids Franchise Opportunity: More Than Just An ‘act’

As a mother of four, a youth minister and a former college communications professor, Toni Henson has devoted much of her life to building communication skills and confidence in children. Today, as an entrepreneur operating a successful Drama Kids franchise in Princeton, New Jersey, she has found the ideal vehicle to build “the great communicators of tomorrow” while fulfilling her own personal and financial goals.

“I have always believed that solid communication skills lead to confident children, and confident children grow up to lead happy, successful lives,” Henson said. “I know in my heart that what we do in our Drama Kids classes will make a positive impact on society. When I discovered the Drama Kids franchise opportunity, it fit perfectly into my goals as a parent, teacher, community member and business owner. I know we are helping develop skills that will last these children a lifetime.” Henson is one of 28 franchise owners around the country who operate a Drama Kids franchise, part of Drama Kids International, which is the exclusive United States provider of the Helen O’Grady Children’s Drama Program, the most popular after school program in the world operating in 9 countries with 140 franchise owners. After being launched in the United States, the concept has gained traction around the country by attracting women with entrepreneurial dream and desire to work with and for children. “As a former college professor, I consistently observed very bright students excel in every academic area, yet fumble during individual presentations,” says Henson. “I realized that strong speaking skills can be taught, and the earlier the better. That’s why I fell in love with Drama Kids when I was seeking a business opportunity. It was the uniqueness of the program, where kids can develop a lifelong skill, coupled with an emphasis of fun.” A Dramatic Difference Realizing the opportunity to make a ‘dramatic’ difference in communities and schools throughout the nation, Doug Howard, CEO of Drama Kids International, Inc., and a former Vice-President of Sylvan Learning Centers, joined Drama Kids International, Inc. in 2000 to expand the concept to the United States market. Currently, more than 4,000 students are enrolled in Drama Kids in the United States market. “I’m pleased but not all surprised by the popularity of Drama Kids in the United States,” Howard said. “The Drama Kids program is appealing to parents and children, as well as entrepreneurs seeking a flexible business opportunity that makes a difference in society. I predict tremendous growth of this concept in the next five years.” Unlike most other drama classes for children, where children memorize and recite lines for a performance, the Drama Kids curriculum utilizes fun, creative and interactive activities that are new each week to the students. Teachers are well trained to pace each class in an up-tempo style to ensure that speaking skills and positive self esteem are developed, while keeping students actively engaged and enjoying themselves. “It’s definitely broadband drama,“ said Mary Cruz, mother of a 12-year-old student. “I can’t believe how many dramatic activities are included in a one-hour class, and how the curriculum allows all students to participate.” Drama Kids maintains that drama is a fundamental part of education that teaches children to speak out clearly and relate confidently with peers. One parent reported that her child’s reading improved, and that her teacher noted how much more expression she uses in her reading since participating in Drama Kids. The Drama Kids copyrighted curriculum features original, creative lessons with a built-in advancing scale of language, speech, and acting development that enables students of different ages and abilities to relate to the program and progress at their own rate. The curriculum differs significantly from traditional drama programs, with an emphasis on activities that focus on verbal dynamics, speaking exercises, creative movement and dialogue development. Proprietary teaching techniques ensure that quiet and shy children, as well as the more extroverted children, benefit from the drama activities. “We help students realize their creative potential,” said Howard. “We’re not aiming to create Broadway stars. We’re building creative thinking skills, communication skills, confidence and self-esteem. These skills are not being taught in the classroom and are important for success later in life.” Drama Kids offers age-appropriate once weekly classes for students ages 5 through 12 years old. The program is designed to allow new enrollment throughout the year, space permitting. Drama Kids also offers Summer Camp, Youth Theater classes for ages 12- 17 and an In School program that brings its innovative curriculum directly into the classroom. Grooming Successful Franchise Owners While Drama Kids International handles multiple inquiries from prospective franchisees daily, the company takes pride in its selectiveness � for the past four years accepting no more than one new owner a month and awarding those franchises to only the most qualified candidates who want to build a strong business that offers a quality program for children.

“We have made sure that the owners we select all have the same qualities and principles that we believe in. Owners do not need to have teaching degrees or have a long history in theater, but a background with some teaching or child development experience is ideal,“ Howard said. “What drives our franchise owners is a real passion for children and a strong desire to make a positive difference in their life through their business.” The Drama Kids business advantages that are attracting owners and students alike include a 13 year cycle of curriculum, plays, productions and drama activities so that a child will never repeat any Drama Kids International lesson regardless of their length of stay in the program. Special awards are given to students who stay in the program on a long term basis. This year, a student will receive her 5-year participation award for being with Drama Kids since commencement of classes in the U.S. market. In addition, Drama Kids International requires a low-investment level of $35,000- $42,000, with excellent upside potential. It offers a low overhead, high margin business model for people looking for a full time business but with flexible work schedules over the summer and over school holidays. Prior to their first semester of classes, Drama Kids International franchise owners attend a week-long training seminar held during the Spring and Summer months and 3 support visits from corporate staff take place throughout the first year of ownership and teaching. “It’s a fun business,” Henson added. “Our initial training and annual conferences always include sessions where owners act out upcoming scenes and spring productions. Not too many businesses offer hands on acting during their conferences. We get to see the lighter side of some pretty serious business people,” she said. About Drama Kids Drama Kids is the exclusive U.S. provider of the Helen O'Grady Children's Drama Program, the most popular after-school drama program in the world. More than 40,000 students attend the program at 1,000 locations throughout Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Southeast Asia, United Kingdom, the United States, and most recently Spain. This award-winning program has been internationally recognized for its creative drama curriculum and teaching methods.

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