We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sharyl Sutton-troiani a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sharyl, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about your team building process? How did you recruit and train your team and knowing what you know now would you have done anything differently?
In August 2022, I launched the Drama Kids Charleston South on Johns Island. I was teaching nine classes a week and managing every aspect of the business. By the new year, I started hiring Theater Performance students at College of Charleston. They were a perfect fit for our downtown classes at City of Charleston Recreation on Bay Street and Memminger Elementary. When a private donor generously gave us a $40,000 musical grant, we expanded to West Ashley and Wadmalaw Island. This year, we’ve added four new private schools: The First Baptist School of Charleston, The Cooper School, John Wesley UMC Day School and Acton Academy. Our cash flow doubled over the first year. We could not have grown so swiftly without these talented, compassionated CofC students.
Sharyl, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Drama Kids International uses award winning, copyrighted, developmental drama classes to build confidence. Our students learn relationship skills, good studying habits and future soft jobs skills. All of our curriculum based classes provide public speaking, social emotional learning, listening, creative problem solving and collaboration skills. There are no auditions at Drama Kids, everybody has a part with lines.
When I was a kid, I loved “show and tell” moments at elementary school. Those experiences led to my interest and career in broadcast journalism. But when the newsroom schedule no longer fit with my family lifestyle, I chose to buy the Charleston South Drama Kids franchise. Our work helps children and families in my community grow closer, express themselves more clearly and celebrate together during their shows.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Pictures tell the story. As a longtime TV reporter/producer and anchor, I know the value of video matching your story. Talking heads do not advance a product, or service. Consumers want to see it, not hear about it. Shot sequencing sets the professional tone. This means paying attention to editing wide, medium and tight shots. A series of similar shots is boring. The best part of our social is featuring pictures and videos of our students rehearsing or performing at our partnering schools, rec center across from Rainbow Row or Johns Island Studio Stage.
Any advice for managing a team?
Everybody on staff deserves praise, education and bonuses. Too often, managers spend too much time correcting when they should be commending.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dramakids.com/johns-island-james-island-charleston-kiawah-island/classes-by-age/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramakidscharlestonsouth/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DramaKidsCharleston/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharylsuttontroiani
Image Credits
All images provided by Drama Kids Charleston South