Big Mouth Theatre was founded in 2013 by Adrian Woolner and Holly Clarkson with a clear mission: to enhance children’s wellbeing through drama. Both founders experienced highly competitive theatre clubs as children, where the focus on roles and recognition often eroded self-esteem and confidence. They wanted to create an alternative – a drama environment where personal growth matters more than competition, and every child feels valued and supported.
At Big Mouth Theatre, we recognise that while some children may aspire to professional acting careers, many simply want a place to enjoy the creative process, make friends, and express themselves. Drama, when approached with encouragement and care, can be a powerful tool for building confidence and self-worth. Our sessions are designed to nurture emotional wellbeing, foster creativity, and provide a safe space for children to explore their potential without fear of judgement. Every child is encouraged to find their voice, celebrate their achievements, and embrace their individuality.
With support from the Prince’s Trust Business Enterprise Programme, Adrian and Holly launched their first after-school club in 2013. Since then, Big Mouth Theatre has grown steadily, reaching thousands of young people through weekly classes, holiday workshops, and community programmes. Today, we operate multiple locations, each guided by our non-competitive, supportive ethos. Our experienced team of coaches shares this commitment, ensuring that every child’s experience is positive, inclusive, and confidence-building.
Franchising has become a natural step in our growth journey. After over a decade of refining our model, ethos, and delivery, we now offer franchise opportunities to passionate individuals who want to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives. Our franchise model provides comprehensive training, ongoing support, and a clear framework for delivering our unique approach consistently across all locations. Each franchise is built on the same values and standards that have defined Big Mouth Theatre since its founding, ensuring the same high-quality experience for every child, wherever they attend.
Our long-term vision is to grow Big Mouth Theatre into a trusted national franchise while remaining true to our founding values. We aim to expand responsibly, offering more children across the country access to safe, inspiring, and confidence-building drama experiences. As we grow, our focus remains on what matters most: helping young people develop self-esteem, find their voice, and carry the confidence gained through drama into all areas of life.
At Big Mouth Theatre, we don’t just teach drama – we nurture happy, confident, and empowered children who leave every session feeling proud of who they are and excited to explore their potential.
At Big Mouth Theatre, we don’t just offer a franchise – we offer a fully supported journey to running your own successful children’s drama business. From day one, you’ll have access to a structured, hands-on training programme, ongoing mentorship, and cutting-edge resources to ensure you feel confident, capable, and connected.
Tailored, Hands-On Training
We know everyone learns differently, so our dynamic, multi-format training programme combines classroom learning, practical exercises, and real-world experience. Over five days of initial classroom-based training, you’ll:
This approach ensures you gain the practical skills, business knowledge, and confidence to deliver outstanding drama sessions in your own territory from day one.
Ongoing Mentorship
Your support doesn’t stop after training. During your first year of trading, our management team will provide up to seven on-site visits at no extra cost. These visits are tailored to your needs, helping you refine your delivery, grow your business, and reach your full potential.
Smart Technology and Resources
Running a franchise has never been easier thanks to our in-house operational app. Acting as your central hub, it gives you instant access to:
With this app, you’ll always feel connected, supported, and part of a thriving network, no matter where your franchise operates.
Commitment to Excellence
Big Mouth Theatre is a proud member of the Children’s Activities Association (CAA), demonstrating our dedication to compliance, safeguarding, and industry best practice. Membership provides ongoing professional development and trusted guidance, giving you confidence in the standards you uphold.
Why Big Mouth Theatre?
Joining us means more than owning a business – it’s joining a supportive community where your success matters. From initial training to ongoing mentorship, practical resources, and technology-driven support, we give you everything you need to deliver incredible experiences for children while growing a thriving franchise.
Being a Big Mouth Theatre franchisee is a hands-on, rewarding role that blends creativity, leadership, and small business ownership. Each day brings variety, but there is a clear structure that helps you balance inspiring children, supporting families, and growing a successful local business.
Most days begin with light business administration. This includes checking emails and messages from parents, schools, and venues, confirming bookings, updating registers, and responding to enquiries. You may also touch base with any coaches you work with, ensuring everyone feels supported and prepared. From the very start of the day, you are shaping an experience that puts children’s confidence, wellbeing, and enjoyment at the centre.
Preparation is a key daily activity. Franchisees review session plans, adapt activities if required, and ensure resources are ready. Big Mouth Theatre sessions follow a clear, proven structure, but there is plenty of room to bring your own energy, personality, and creativity to the delivery. You are not expected to “perform” all session; instead, you guide children through drama games, storytelling, role-play, and performance-based activities that encourage teamwork, imagination, and self-expression.
Delivering sessions is the heart of the role. This may include After School Clubs, Theatre Program sessions, Drama Camps, or workshops in schools and community venues. You lead groups of children in a warm, inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. A large part of your week is spent encouraging participation, celebrating small wins, and helping children grow in confidence session by session. Seeing children who were once quiet begin to speak up, perform, and believe in themselves is one of the most fulfilling parts of being a franchisee.
Between sessions, franchisees focus on running the business side of their franchise. This can include managing bookings and payments, planning timetables, scheduling venues, and preparing for upcoming terms or camps. Marketing is also a regular activity, such as creating social media posts, sharing updates with parents, distributing flyers, or promoting sessions within the local community. These actions help build visibility and keep your franchise growing steadily.
Community engagement is another important part of the role. Franchisees build relationships with schools, PTAs, community centres, and local organisations. This might involve meetings, follow-up calls, or attending local events. These connections help strengthen your reputation locally and open doors to new opportunities.
Throughout the day, franchisees also engage in ongoing development. This may include online training, franchise meetings, reviewing new resources, or receiving guidance from the Big Mouth Theatre support team. You are never working alone; support, mentoring, and shared best practice are built into the franchise model.
At the end of the day, franchisees reflect, plan, and prepare. You may review what worked well, note areas for improvement, and look ahead to upcoming sessions. Life as a Big Mouth Theatre franchisee is busy, purposeful, and deeply rewarding. You are building a business that fits around your life while making a meaningful difference in your community, helping children grow in confidence, creativity, and self-belief through the joy of drama.
