Going Solo: Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School

Had you asked me 25 years ago if I saw myself as running my own enterprise, the answer would certainly have been ‘no’. I had trained to be an actress and I didn't want anything to get in the way of that dream – not boyfriends, social life, other jobs etc.

Then at the age of 27 I had an idea to turn a little drama club that I was running on Saturdays into a slightly bigger venture to include singing and dance classes. The notion was to give myself a job that gave the flexibility to still pursue my acting career while at the same time giving something back to the local community. I went to the Prince's Trust for some guidance on how to write a business plan, and three months later the first branch of the Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School opened in Hackney with 72 students aged 7 – 16.

If I had known back then what I know now, there is no way on Earth I would have continued down that journey! I would have freaked myself out with all the red tape, health and safety regulations and the potential of ending up behind bars because of a law that I had unintentionally broken!

But thankfully I opened in complete naivety and taught myself along the way. Now I am overly cautious about regulations which can be very hindering, but at least I can sleep slightly better at night.

Growth and opportunities

For the most part I have absolutely loved running my own business that nurtures young people. I have always passionately believed that the performing arts is a great tool for helping young people develop their confidence, self-esteem, and transferable life skills. There is always a feeling of achievement when you see a child come out of their shell or win a leading role in a television series. And over the years I have been fortunate enough to produce shows at the Hackney Empire, Greenwich Theatre and Arts Depot in Finchley, to name but a few. Giving children their first taste of working in a professional theatre with stage mangers and technicians creates a buzz like no other.

This enterprise has also given me plenty of opportunities to expand and try other things. No two days are the same. Soon after opening my first branch, I opened a theatrical agency allowing my students to audition for professional work. I then opened three other branches throughout London and developed partnerships with several mainstream schools.

© Michael Bourke

For the many, not the few

I have always believed that the performing arts industry should be inclusive and not remain elitist. In 2011 I opened the Fiorentini Foundation; the charitable arm of the school, which raises money for less privileged families and those suffering with health conditions. In 2015 I opened Stage & the City: after work performing arts classes for adults who wish to have fun, with all profits going towards bursaries for kids that wanted to come to the Fiorentini School.

Having a loyal team behind you that shares your values is paramount for the success of any business but also for keeping your mental health positive. Thankfully, I have attracted some wonderful staff who have supported my vision and kept me on track. But of course, there have also been the odd exception which can cause self-doubt and a horrible working atmosphere. Being able to deal with these situations quickly is a skill in itself.

© Peter Gettins

Mary Poppins performed by students of the Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School

A business mindset

I used to be somebody who wanted to be liked by everybody. I hated for anybody to misjudge me and I would constantly justify decisions I had made. I have learnt, sometimes the hard way, that you cannot please everybody all the time. Trying to be a people-pleaser will lead to your downfall and in the end nobody wins.

One of the things I have hated about running my own enterprise are the financial worries: constantly having to worry about cash flow not just for the school itself and the livelihoods of my team, but also for the charity so that we can fulfil our aims of supporting less privileged children.

Of course, Covid-19 added to the stress of our cash flow and almost brought us crashing down. Thankfully, I managed to get a disruption loan for £180,000 but this just covers the fixed overheads that had to be paid for in 2020 and will have to be paid back over the next 6 years. More sleepless nights! It certainly wouldn't have been worth it unless I absolutely loved what I do.

Being in control of your own destiny is very rewarding. But, of course, you must be willing to make huge personal sacrifices. I'm looking forward to the next few years and am in the process of researching franchising my schools, on the condition that I can keep the high standards. Watch this space!

For more information on the Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School, visit www.afperformingarts.com