Meet Jo Fisher

If you visit a Footlights school on a Saturday morning, there’s a good chance you’ll find me in a Footlights T-shirt and trainers rather than sitting behind a desk. Whether I’m at one of our company-owned schools in Pendleton, Prestwich, Urmston or Wigan, I still love being part of the excitement of class day. If you arrive just before 10am, don’t be surprised if you’re encouraged to join in one of our famously energetic warm-ups!

Although Footlights has grown into a multi-award-winning organisation teaching thousands of children every week, my passion has never changed. I believe every child deserves the opportunity to build confidence, develop friendships and discover what they’re capable of through the performing arts.

Footlights began in 2005 with just £300 on a credit card and a simple vision: to create high-quality, affordable performing arts training that was accessible to every child, regardless of their background. I wanted to build a place where children could feel safe, encouraged and inspired—a place where confidence mattered just as much as talent.

More than two decades later, I’m incredibly proud that Footlights has become one of the UK’s leading children’s performing arts franchises. Alongside our exceptional team, I’ve helped develop a business that supports thousands of children every week while providing passionate entrepreneurs with the opportunity to build successful businesses in their own communities. As Founder and CEO, I remain closely involved with franchise training, mentoring and business development because I believe our people are the heart of everything we achieve.

I’m incredibly grateful to have received recognition including Entrepreneur of the Year at the Salford Business Awards and the Inspiring Young People Award. While these achievements mean a great deal, the moments that matter most to me are seeing a child who once lacked confidence walk onto a stage with pride, or watching one of our franchisees build a thriving business that changes lives within their local community.

For the teaching teams, the children and young people Jo uses her previous 20 years teaching experience to ensure your child gets the BEST experience at Footlights and beyond. For franchisees Jo is always on hand and delivers MOST of the training herself.

Jo’s drive is central to the company – she is quick to identify opportunities to grow the business and has a successful track record in doing so.

In 2019 Jo’s commitment to education and notable on creating educational theatre on WW1 was invited to Westminster Abbey to celebrate the Centenary of WW1,

I firmly believe great businesses are built by great people. That’s why collaboration, integrity, continuous learning and genuine care remain at the centre of everything we do at Footlights. Whether you’re a parent looking for the right performing arts school for your child or someone considering becoming part of our franchise family, I hope you’ll discover what has inspired me every single day since 2005.

I look forward to welcoming you to Footlights.

EMAIL info@footlightstheatre.co.uk to get your child involved.