Welcome to
Footlights Old Trafford
JOIN THE NORTHWEST’S LEADING STAGE SCHOOL!
Does your child want to learn how to act, sing and dance?
Register now for a FREE TRIAL
Where we are:
We’re based at
Stretford Grammar School
in Old Trafford, M32 8JB
Your child is welcome for a free trial at anytime, for more information email oldtrafford@footlightstheatre.co.uk or call Khara 07389 838910.
About Us
The Footlights Head Office is based at Media City in Manchester, just around the corner from the main hub of the BBC & ITV studios. We were established in 2005 by our founder Jo Fisher, a trained actor and teacher, and who continues to have a hands-on role across our stage schools. Read more about Footlights and our history here.
We have robust processes to keep your child safe; all of our staff have DBS status and a trained first aider is always on site at each of our venues. You can read and download our safeguarding policy here.
What are you waiting for?
Book a no-obligation free trial today.
Do you live in or around OLD TRAFFORD?
If so, does your child…
Love performing & dream of being on the West End stage, on TV or in film?
Want to learn how to act, sing and dance?
Want to meet & make friends with children who share their interests?
Does this sound like your child?
Then Footlights Old Trafford is the right place for them!
What to expect?
During your child’s time at Footlights Old Trafford, our tutors will mentor them to help them realise their dreams of becoming a performer, by sharing their professional experiences, as well as facilitating and teaching performance techniques.
Footlights delivers quality performing arts training and our aim is to ensure that each child gets the most out of their experience by building their essential life skills and instilling confidence, whilst having lots of fun and meeting new friends. In addition to core performing arts skills, they will:
- Have confidence when socialising and in nursery or school
- Be encouraged to talk expressively in a structured, yet exciting forum
- Be inspired when taking part in discussions
- Be listened to when building skills in decision making
- Always be working as part of a team
Their learning will give them the basics and arguably the most important components of the performing arts.
The younger the child is when they take up an activity or interest the better, as in the right environment and with the right teacher they underpin the foundation to their learning and will already have a head-start on their peers.
You will find the Footlights approach friendly and energetic. We pride ourselves on inclusivity and being an encouraging company for your child to thrive in acting, singing and dance. We have superb progression rates from our schools, with the majority of our young students going onto performing arts colleges and drama schools.
We know you want to find the right balance between ensuring your child gets a good performing arts education, has fun and at the same time keeps up with their important mainstream education. We understand this, so this is why our method to developing your child’s Acting, Singing and Dancing will complement their academic studies. Plus, at Footlights, your child will benefit from the opportunity to take internationally recognised examinations through LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts).
There is also the option for students to audition for professional work in film, theatre and modelling via our agency, Footlights Personal Management (our recent successes include Game of Thrones and the CBBC series ‘KATY’).
Book a free trial today at Footlights Old Trafford and see for yourself.
Want to know more? Why not take a look at our FAQ’s
Shows
Each summer, all of our children take part in a performance. It’s a full-scale show where parents/carers, family and friends can come and watch their progress.
The Autumn/Winter and Spring term schedules focus much more on skills and technique with a shorter informal presentation at Christmas.
The teaching teams provide written feedback each Easter, so you can track your child’s progress. We also practice an open door policy for anytime that you wish to discuss your child’s progress. You can use this form to contact us, or speak to us directly.
We hope you enjoyed reading all about us and look forward to greeting you and your child at our school – just sign up here or message us.
Exams
We offer both Arts Award and LAMDA exams – find out more via your school,
Class timetable and venues
Friday evening dance School. -
During the classes, the students learn a mix of multiple dance styles and gymnastics led by our amazing, qualified teachers, all in a relaxed environment so they feel engaged and able to join in.
Footlights Dance school time:
Minnie: 5.00pm 6.00 pm age 6-9 years
Main : 6.30 pm -8.00 pm age 10- 16 years
Venue and Parking
Our dance classes are held at
St John’s Centre Old Trafford, ( off Ayres Road ) M16 7GX
Limited side street Parking
Saturday Morning Stage School. -
During the classes, the students learn a mix of Acting, Singing and dance styles led by our amazing, qualified teachers all in a relaxed environment, so they feel engaged and able to join in.
Footlights Stage school times:
Tinys Stage School:
Red: 9.30 am-11.00 am age 3-4 years
Blue: 11.30 am -1.00 pm. age 5-6 years
Main Stage school:
Main: 9.45 am-1.00 pm age 6/7 -18year’s
Venue and Parking
The classes are held at
Stretford Grammar School, (off Edge Lane) M32 8JB.
Open Car park
Old Trafford Team and Teachers:
Khara Pemberton
Owner and Director
Read Bio
Once upon a time, the Footlights family welcomed Khara with open arms, fresh off her theatre school debut and boy did she make her mark!
Khara Graduated from the Arden School of Theatre with a BA Hons in Acting for Live and Recorded Media in 2015, She has always had a passion for all things performance and has a natural talent.
Khara has performed in various venues across the UK including The Lowery, Contact Theatre, and Manchester Z Arts. She captivated audiences with her soulful tunes and comedic prowess at poetry slams and stand-up shows. Khara has a passion for writing; she has written songs, some of her own sketches, poetry stand up and some of the student’s show.
Fast forward to today, and Khara has been leading Footlights Old Trafford and has taught at multiple Footlights schools. for almost a decade, with her heart full of love for the community. Recently won an Award via Trafford Council for her outstanding work in the community She’s got a natural talent for connecting with kids and grown-ups alike, and her warm and caring vibe makes everyone feel like family.
Khara’s motto? No one’s left behind! No matter your skills, Footlights is for YOU. And you know what else? They’re a family, not just a school. Everyone who walks in is a VIP, and they’re welcomed with open arms.
“I love what I do for our community and surrounding areas and am happy to be able to provide accessible performing arts to all. Come and experience it for yourself.”- Khara
Ellisia Oakley
Friday Dance
Read Bio
Ellisa is an exceptionally talented dancer who has dedicated over 10 years of her life to training in various dance styles. Her journey led her to pursue a Dance and Performance Degree at The Arden School of Theatre, where she further honed her skills in Jazz, Commercial, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Ballet, Tap, and Street dance. She has graced renowned stages such as Move It, Fresh Yorkshire, Udance, and Her Majesty’s Theatre, showcasing her remarkable talent and dedication to her craft.
Ellisa’s passion for working with young individuals in the Performance industry is truly inspiring. Her mission is to share her expertise in a way that fosters a nurturing and exciting environment for her students, enabling them to grow and build confidence in their own abilities. Ellisa strongly believes in making dance accessible to all and is committed to achieving this goal in her work. She is driven by the desire to impart her knowledge in a fun and inspiring manner that empowers her students to progress and shine.
Cheryl
Front of House/Manager
Read Bio
Say hello to Cheryl, the queen of credit control by day and theatre enthusiast by night! With over two decades of experience in the finance world, she’s also a musical maven with a wealth of knowledge about all things theatre.
Her son Rhys, a former Footlights tutor who is also a working actor and, might we add, triple threat, has stoked her passion for the stage even more. Her favourite show? The fabulous “Priscilla Queen of the Desert”! But wait, there’s more!
Cheryl loves nothing more than paddle boarding, hiking and taking her two furry friends for a walk. She’s also a big fan of challenges, having completed a marathon and even a Tough Mudder race!
When she’s not conquering new challenges, Cheryl can be found at Footlights Old Trafford, where she loves helping students and parents alike, and always has a good chat up her sleeve. So, if you need a helping hand, Cheryl is here to guide you every step of the way!
Amy Jackson
Tinys Teacher
Read Bio
Meet Amy, Fresh off the graduation stage from The Arden School of Theatre with a BA Hons in Acting for live and recorded media, but has skill’s in all three areas Acting, Singing and Dance.
Amy’s love for performance started young and grew into an all-consuming passion. She’s especially gaga about musicals and theatre, just like the rest of our Footlights family.
But here’s the twist: she’s also a kid-at-heart, making her the perfect fit for our young performers. Having a background in children’s entertainment means she can keep up with their boundless energy, while also bringing fresh ideas to their repertoire.
When Amy’s not wowing crowds on stage, she’s conquering the streets with her street theatre performances all over the UK. She’s a pro at captivating audiences in any setting!
We’re thrilled to have Amy on board, teaching our Tinys class everything she knows. She’ll help them develop their natural talents, build confidence, and bring out the superstar within!
Paisley James
Acting
Read Bio
Meet Paisley, who is a recent graduate from The Arden School of Theatre, where he honed his skills in the art of comedy and voice work. He is a firm believer that a performer’s voice is their instrument; he’s ready to rock and roll!
After his graduate showcase, due to his unspeakable talent, Paisley caught the eye of a savvy talent agent, was signed and now represents him as an industry professional and, just like that,
Paisley found himself landing professional gigs in both Theatre and BBC Radio drama. Who says you can’t make it big straight out of the gate?
Along side being a working Actor Paisley is ready to spread his knowledge and passion as a teacher at Footlights Old Trafford. His goal is to create a fun, supportive, and exciting environment for students to explore their acting abilities and let their voices run free.
We promise to help your child build confidence and self-expression through the power of voice, giving them the space to be themselves without holding back. It’s all about unleashing the inner superstar!
Alicia
Singing
Read Bio
Meet Alicia is a professional actress and singer originally from sunny Cleethorpes. Before moving to London for drama school she worked as a singer as part of the entertainment team at her local holiday park and then went on to train at Italia Conti, graduating in 2021 with a BA(Hons) in Acting. She also has her 8 LCM Musical Theatre Singing grades all at Distinction level.
Since graduating she has worked in professional theatre in Manchester, London and Edinburgh and also regularly works in Theatre in Education across the country. She absolutely loves working with children and does so in a variety of different settings, including one-to-one coaching, teaching in primary and stage schools, as a youth worker, and even as a nanny at one point!
She is really looking forward to working with the wonderful, talented children here at Footlights Old Trafford.”
Ciara-Alexandra
Dance
Read Bio
Meet Ciara-Alexandra, the musical theatre dynamo who honed her craft at Bird College Conservatoire of Performing Arts in London.
She’s graced the screen in the BBC’s ‘TS Elliot in Love’ and grooved as a dancer on ITV’s ‘Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway’. Recently, she sprinkled fairy dust as the Fairy in Guildford Fringe Festival’s Adult Panto, Sleeping Beauty.
She’s not just a performer, Ciara shines behind the scenes too, directing movement in short films and plays, and even stepping in as Assistant Choreographer for Frozen Jr. at The Empty Space.
With nearly 2 years under her belt at Footlights, she’s been sharing her expertise in Media City, Prestwich, and Wigan, gearing up to dazzle the Old Trafford crew next!
My daughter has been attending Footlights for just over a year now and it has really helped and enabled her to have more confidence when performing and also when she’s not in her comfort zone. She has learnt valuable stage/ performance skills. Khara has been a great mentor and teacher to the students
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