Thriving in Chaos: Courtney Clarke is Setting the Stage for Success
I am so excited about this edition of the Thriving in Chaos: A Feature on Women in Small Business series!
This business owner is local to my area, and although I’ve seen her posts and our kids go to school in the same district, I have never had the opportunity to meet her. I’m so glad that this series gave me that chance!
Courtney Clarke, Owner and CEO of Drama Kids Wilmington
Without further ado, meet Courtney Clarke, the owner of Drama Kids of New Castle County, Delaware and South Delaware County, Pennsylvania.
Buying the Business
Former classroom teacher Courtney Clarke has been performing since her twenties. When she noticed that the Delaware franchise of Drama Kids was for sale, she became interested in combining her two passions – teaching and performing.
However, both Courtney and her husband were school teachers, so the possibility of buying a business felt totally out of reach. Although the idea seemed exciting and it was definitely something Courtney was interested in, she resisted it for a while.
Eventually, curiosity got the best of Courtney, and she reached out to the seller. Just as she suspected, the financial situation didn’t work out, but the former owner was so captivated by Courtney and her passion for teaching and performing that they worked it out. Before she knew it, she was the owner of Drama Kids Delaware.
The Perfect Marriage of Motherhood, Teaching, and Performing
Drama Kids at the Wilmington Drama League
Like most women entrepreneurs, another big driver for Courtney was the birth of her kids. Even though she loved teaching, she desperately wanted more time at home with them, especially during their formative years. Drama Kids gave her exactly that while also providing a creative outlet and income stream.
It’s been a pretty seamless transition from one career to the next. Her educational background has given her the valuable skills of classroom management and parent communication. In contrast, her performance experience gives her all the skills she needs to lead successful classes that keep kids coming back for more.
In the ten years since she’s taken over, Courtney has expanded the program to a team of 13 teachers, running classes in four of Delaware’s largest public school districts, as well as many charter and private schools.
The program starts with Kinder Kids, a program for children ages 4-5 years old, and runs through the high school, ending with the Grade 6-12 Acting Academy. They also offer an add-on program called Take 2 that focuses on stage productions. With over 700 children enrolled in the Delaware program alone, it’s easy to see how many lives Courtney Clarke influences for the better.
A Space on the Stage for Everyone
Courtney and some of her students
To Courtney, Drama Kids isn’t about finding the next Oscar-winning actress. It’s about giving every child the opportunity to explore, create, and have fun. Although she absolutely loves the kids who come into her program, knowing exactly who they are and what they bring to the table, she spends much of her time thinking about the kids who haven’t discovered their talent yet. It’s those kids she wants to reach the most.
Regardless of their raw talent, every child is welcome with Courtney and her staff. She says that the arts have given her so much, and she wants to pass on those lessons to the next generation of kids.
Her goal for Drama Kids is not to churn out the next Hollywood It Girl. It’s about meeting kids where they are. Elementary and middle school can be such a confusing time, and a lot of kids suffer from a lack of confidence. The goal of Drama Kids is to help them build the confidence they need to succeed inside and outside the classroom.
A Q&A with Courtney Clarke
Q: What is your favorite part about owning a small business?
I just love the community connections! Through Drama Kids, I’ve built a special place in the community. It’s like a whole other family for me. When my mom passed, a lot of students and parents came to the funeral. Knowing that I have that support is just incredible.
Q: How did you know it was time to step into your new role and going back into the typical classroom was not an option?
It was sort of decided for me. I didn’t think I was going to leave teaching forever. I thought I would just step back for a year or so to focus on our growing family, but then this idea fell into our lap and it was perfect.
Q: What sets your business apart from other similar businesses in your area?
I’m not competitive with other places. I honestly think there is space for all of us. I will also recommend other programs, whether acting, singing, or dancing. Parents can tell how much we truly take joy in being a safe space for their kids. As long as a child is performing, I’m happy wherever they end up.
Q: If another woman came to you about starting a business in your industry, what would you tell them?
Some of the Drama Kids students
Make sure you have passion for what you’re about to embark on. The first two years are the hardest. If you believe in your business and yourself and you know you can succeed, keep pushing forward. You have to have an overwhelming sense of passion because it can feel scary sometimes.
Also, make sure you have support. Do the research to understand your audience and your competition, and use that information to find ways to stand out in a great way. Lean on other businesses because those connections are invaluable. Small businesses want to help other small businesses.
Q: If you could go back in time to 2004, what would you tell yourself about your life now?
One day, you actually won’t bounce a check! haha!
You’re going to find your passion, and you’re going to be okay. It feels hard sometimes, but I’ve always been happy and blessed. Just hold on; it's coming.
Q: Why did you want to be featured on this blog?
I think what you’re doing is interesting. I love just spreading the word about what people are doing. You never know who will see it. And, besides, the word chaos just jumped at me. Because running a business while being a mom is just that – chaos. Plus, I loved that you were a local mom within the same school district as me!
My Take on Courtney’s Story
I don’t know about you, but 10000 years ago when I was in school, the “theater kids” were always some of the most inviting, unique, and interesting people. They embraced their imaginations, lived to entertain others, and always welcomed new people with open arms.
That’s exactly who Courtney Clarke is.
From the moment we hopped on a call for this conversation, Courtney was easy to talk to and engaging. It is no surprise that she has created such an incredible business for herself.
It’s also no surprise that so much of that business involves instilling these same characteristics in the children in her classes. I say all the time that I have so much hope for the next generation. These kids are strong, confident, and accepting. I truly believe so much of that comes from the incredible adults who dedicate their lives to helping them find their true passions and encouraging them to build the confidence to achieve their goals – adults like Courtney.
As a former dance teacher and mom to two competitive dancers, I agree with Courtney. The arts can give kids the creative outlet they need to explore their personalities, express themselves, and build the confidence they need to truly chase their dreams. I absolutely love her mission and am here to support it in any way possible!
If you want to learn more about Courtney or Drama Kids, please check them out on Facebook or Instagram. You can also find a ton of information about their classes and upcoming events on their website.
