Rehearsal rooms and classrooms might seem a world away from boardrooms and business plans, but the journey from the arts to entrepreneurship is becoming increasingly common – and increasingly successful. The qualities developed through teaching and performing – adaptability, empathy, creativity and confidence – often align closely with what it takes to run a thriving business.
Drama Kids has seen this play out across its franchise network, where many of its most dynamic and driven business owners began their careers in education or the performing arts. With a natural ability to engage, inspire and lead, they bring something truly distinctive to their roles as franchisees.
Here, Becky Goodfield, COO of Drama Kids, shares why a background in performance or teaching can provide a powerful springboard into business – and why so many creative professionals are finding fulfilment and success in franchising.
You know how to lead without being the loudest voice
In teaching and theatre, leadership looks different. It is not about being in charge for the sake of it – it is about creating an environment where everyone feels safe, seen and inspired to contribute. Whether you have directed a cast of teenagers or guided a group of five-year-olds through a dress rehearsal, you know how to encourage, motivate and draw out the best in people.
That kind of leadership builds trust – and that is essential in business. Customers, staff and parents don’t want a boss with a clipboard. They want someone who listens, leads with heart and knows how to bring people with them. These are the kinds of leaders we see time and time again in our franchise network.
You are used to making things work – even when the plan changes
No show is ever entirely smooth. You plan. You prepare. And still, someone forgets a line, a prop goes missing or the lights don’t come on. Teachers and performers are masters of flexibility. You are used to keeping your cool when the unexpected happens and finding a way forward with humour and grace.
That adaptability is gold dust in business. Whether it is responding to changes in the market, solving day-to-day challenges or pivoting when something is not working, business owners need to stay nimble. If you are someone who naturally keeps moving when things go sideways, you have already got one of the most important tools in the box.
You understand that growth takes patience – and persistence
In drama and teaching, you don’t expect perfection on day one. You know that confidence builds with time, that skills improve through repetition and that feedback is part of the process. You have seen the shyest child find their voice by the end of term. You have watched a chaotic first rehearsal become a standing ovation.
That perspective is so valuable when launching a business. Things don’t always click overnight – but with consistency, care and a little creative problem-solving, they do grow. Our franchisees often tell us that their experience helping children develop has helped them stay focused and optimistic during the early stages of running their business.
You know how to connect with people – not just speak to them
Communication is at the heart of everything in performing and teaching. But it’s not just about talking – it is about listening, noticing and responding. It is about creating moments of connection. You have learned how to adjust your tone, read between the lines and make people feel seen.
In business, that emotional awareness builds relationships. It helps you support your team, build rapport with parents and create a brand that feels genuinely warm and personal. In franchising especially, where connection and community play such a big part, that empathy becomes one of your biggest strengths.
Where passion finds purpose
For those who have dedicated their careers to inspiring others, creating something meaningful of their own often feels like the next natural chapter. Drama Kids offers a platform to harness creativity, lead with heart and make a lasting difference – not just in the lives of young people, but in your own journey as well.
With tailored support, practical tools and a franchise model built around purposeful work, Drama Kids turns that vision into a reality. It is an opportunity for anyone eager to build something they truly believe in, supported by a community that shares their passion and values.
So, if you have ever wondered whether your experience in the performing arts or education could take you somewhere new, this might just be your cue.
