Welcome to
Footlights Media City
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:
Buile Academy, Eccles New Road, M6 8RD
Your child is welcome for a free trial at anytime, for more information email enquiries@footlightstheatre.co.uk or call Jo on 07956 423 895.
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 MEDIA CITY?
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 Media City is the right place for them!
What to expect?
During your child’s time at Footlights Media City, 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 Media City 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
Saturdays
3yrs – 4yrs 9.30am -11am
5yrs 6yrs 11.30am -1pm
Main School (7-18yrs) 9:45am – 1pm
Sundays ACTING SCHOOL only
Main School (7-18yrs) 9:45am – 1pm
Our Staff
Jo Fisher
Founder
Read Bio
You will find Jo in her Footlights t-shirt and trackies any Saturday at one of her four company owned units in Media City, Prestwich, Urmston or Wigan. If you arrive between 9.45-10am, be warned; she’ll probably ‘persuade’ you to join in the most energetic warm up of your life! At 50 years of age she is more passionate and livelier than ever.
Jo is always hands on with classes at the schools as well as her franchisees. She thrives off the buzz of Footlights and of course inside theatre she and Sue have built over the last four years at Media City ‘The Empty Space’
Harriett Bibby
Acting Tutor, Sat
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Harriet Bibby is a professionally trained actor and singer who graduated from the prestigious Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA). You may recognise her from the famous cobbles of Coronation Street, where she plays the much-loved regular character ‘Summer Spellman’.
We’re incredibly honoured that Harriet brings her wealth of experience, talent, and passion to teach your children and young people each week — and why wouldn’t she? They’re absolutely fabulous!
Harriet brings so much to our acting and singing classes in Salford. Her deep understanding of performance and her natural warmth create a space where every child feels supported to shine. She combines her professional insight with a nurturing approach, helping each student discover their voice and confidence both on and off the stage.
Harriet loves singing and is wonderfully encouraging with her students. She teaches both musical theatre and popular vocals, ensuring every learner reaches their full potential in a supportive, inclusive, and engaging environment.
Here’s what Harriet has to say:
“My aim at Footlights Media City is to lift the confidence of our amazing students and help them reach a level of performance they’re proud of with their singing voices. I want our children and young people to use the techniques they learn — pitch work, projection, and harmonisation — and apply these in their shows and performances at Footlights Media City.”
Ada Clintworth
Acting Tutor, Sun
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Ada studied acting at Arts University Bournemouth. They have been part of amateur dramatics since they were 11 until they went on to study at Runshaw College’s Professional Performance Programme. Since graduating university in 2021, they have worked professionally in a TIE tour of Dorset, performing Jack and the Beanstalk wherein they played Jack for children and the local disabled community. Ada ensures that every student owns their individuality, and provides a very safe and collaborative space for our students to develop their skills.
Anthony Barrios
Singing Tutor
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Musician, songwriter born in Nicaragua, brought up in Miami, sings to sell out shows, currently training at LIPA In Liverpool (Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts).
His warm friendly nature and passion for singing is what Anthony wants to bring to the children and young people at Media City. And he can’t wait to get started!
Alice Youd
Dance Tutor, Sat
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Alice has been part of the Footlights family for over five years, sharing her love of dance and inspiring children and young people to shine. With roots in Salford, professional training in London, and three years living in South Korea, she brings a unique global perspective to her work. Holding an MA in the arts, Alice combines fearless creativity with a passion for nurturing talent, and she has exciting plans to bring her vision to life at Media City.
Tiny's 3yrs -6yrs
Tiny’s Teacher
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Our Tiny’s classes are specially designed for little stars aged 3 to 6 years old, offering the perfect introduction to acting, singing, and dance. At this early stage, children learn through creative play, imagination, and gentle structure, helping them develop vital skills for both the stage and everyday life.
Each week, our experienced and nurturing tutors guide the Tinys through fun, age-appropriate activities that encourage:
• Acting: using stories, games, and role play to build imagination, focus, and confidence.
• Singing: exploring rhythm, pitch, and voice in a joyful way that enhances listening and language skills.
• Dance: developing coordination, balance, and expression through simple movement and musicality.
As they grow, our Tinys begin to perform small routines and mini showcases, learning to take direction and work as part of a team — all while having loads of fun!
These early experiences gently prepare them for joining our Main School (ages 7–18), where they’ll continue to develop their performance skills in acting, singing, and dance at a more advanced level. By the time they move up, our Tinys are confident, curious, and ready to shine!
Took my 3 children aged 6, 5 and 3 to the open day. All the staff were very welcoming, friendly and helpful. They were all great with the kids and are obviously very good at what they do. My kids loved every minute of it and want to go back every week!
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