Pyjama Drama

Franchisor Interview - Pyjama Drama: The Flexible Franchise!

9th June 2009

Sarah Owen has turned her passion for teaching and drama into a home based business. In 2005 she started Pyjama Drama and this year is looking forward to building the business, through franchising.

When did you start Pyjama Drama?

"In April 2005, in my home town of Welshpool."

What were you doing before becoming your own boss?

"I was trying (unsuccessfully) to juggle the demands of family life, work part time as a supply teacher and drama workshop leader and run the household. It was difficult because very often I found I was fitting my children in around my job, rather than the other way around which is the ideal!"

How many classes do you personally run?

"I run around 12 classes a week, although this can vary. Playgroups and nurseries are always on the look out for fun activities for their groups so I’m often contacted by playgroup leaders to deliver ‘one off’ sessions – at their summer or Christmas parties for example. pyjama drama"

What motivated you to take the franchise route to expanding?

"I have seen the benefits that children gain from Pyjama Drama classes and believe that all children should be exposed to opportunities to explore the world through the medium of drama and play. By training other enthusiastic, like minded people to deliver sessions, I hope that more children will have this opportunity. On a practical level, my youngest daughter starts school soon and expanding my home based business will enable me to fit my work around my family. If I went back in to teaching drama in schools, this would be much more difficult."

What is the cost of a franchise and what does that buy?

"The initial cost of the franchise is just £2,500 with a yearly fee of £500 thereafter. I know that many potential franchisees will, like me, have busy lives and probably children of their own so I wanted to ensure that even by working on a part time basis, this initial cost could be recouped fairly quickly. For this fee franchisees will be given:

• A full day’s training
• Space on the Pyjama Drama web site in which to advertise their area
• Further support in the form of a ‘buddy’ system whereby franchisees are in regular contact with an experienced Pyjama Drama leader
• An exclusive territory in which to deliver unlimited numbers of sessions, including sessions in nurseries, pre schools and playgroups
• Clear, easy to follow session plans for each group
• CD’s of original Pyjama Drama music
• Instruments
• A parachute
• A ‘starter pack’ of leaflets and posters
• Access to all other material needed to run a business – registers and letter heads for example"

Have your own children helped design the course?

"Without a doubt! My youngest daughter was only a few months old when I first started so has been there from the very beginning and at three and a half is still being dragged to sessions and luckily is still loving it! I have composed a lot of music for the programme and I always sing the songs with my children before recording them – if they like them I know I’m on to a winner!"

What is the one thing in your home office you couldn’t do without?

"Apart from the Internet which I don’t know how I ever survived without, I would have to say my little heater. My office is a small room downstairs and I can’t justify heating the whole house when I’m working so I rely on the heater to get me through the day!"

To find out more about starting your own Pyjama Drama Franchise, click on the 'Request Information' button below.

Further Information

Franchise Information

BFA Membership Status

UK Years Established
1 year

Current UK Coverage
10%

Franchisee Support Staff
4

Personal Investment Req.
£1,000

Total Startup Cost
£6,880

Why Choose Us?

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