SPEED Plus makes stage school dream a reality for Rachel

‌After attending many stage schools as a child, Rachel Hardway had a dream of one day opening her own.

That dream became a reality with the help of SPEED Plus, a successful project that helps students, graduates, alumni and staff of the University of Wolverhampton to start and run their own business.

Since joining the project in January 2013, Rachel, who completed an MA Drama course, launched Breakout Performing Arts, teaching children aged three-16 to sing, dance and act.

Rachel said: “The school is suitable for all abilities, whether the aim is to pursue a career in the arts or to learn some new skills to perform to family and friends. Lessons in the arts are fun, exciting and ideal for building confidence and enhancing the imagination.”

All classes take place in the multi-million pound Performance Hub building, located at Walsall Campus, University of Wolverhampton, where there are first class professional facilities.

In addition to group classes, Breakout also offers private tuition in piano and singing in Wednesbury.

Rachel added: “Joining SPEED Plus was definitely a speedy way of bringing my business idea on paper to life – it happened rather quickly. I was offered a place and never looked back.”

She added: “I have created a business plan for the future of Breakout Performing Arts and will now be expanding the school shop, setting up more classes and looking to introduce franchises of Breakout Performing Arts across the UK and abroad. SPEED Plus has definitely given me a great starting point and I now feel confident in following through my ideas for expansion."

The SPEED Plus project is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which offers help, support, consultancy and development.

ENDS

For more information please contact Emma Pugh in the Media and Communications Office on 01902 322736.

Date issued: Wedensday19 March 2014