Welcome to
Footlights Prestwich
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
The Heys School, Heys Road, Prestwich, M25 1JZ
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 Prestwich?
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 Prestwich is the right place for them!
What to expect?
During your child’s time at Footlights Prestwich, 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 Prestwich 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
Tuesday
Tiny’s (3-4yrs) 5.30pm – 7pm
Dance School (7-18yrs) 5:30pm – 8pm
Thursday
Tiny’s (5-6yrs) 5:30pm – 7pm
Main School (7-18yrs) 5:30pm – 8pm
Saturday
Tiny’s (3-4 years) 9.30am – 11am
Tiny’s (5-6 years) 11.30am – 1pm
Main School (7-18 years) 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 55 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’
Claire Oldham
Front of House
Read Bio
Claire has been a Footlights mum for nine years, so she knows us inside and out. She works three days at week at the Footlights Head Office ‘Head Of Merchandising’ as well as being a taxi service to her adorable son Matthew (sorry mum), she looks after everyone at Footlights Prestwich including the staff!. Any questions you need answering, or if you have any worries or concerns, Claire can help and put your mind at ease! email info@footlightstheatre.co.uk
Eleni Veron
Acting tutor, Sat
Read Bio
Eleni is an experienced acting and musical theatre teacher who has worked as a director for young people as well as adults since graduating ULCan. She is passionate about the arts and the influence it can make on young peoples lives, as well as the world!
She works as a professional actor alongside teaching and continues her own training in the industry.
Eleni can be described as loud, enthusiastic and occasionally even dramatic. She is excited to bring her industry expertise into footlights as well as working with LAMDA and even some dance!
Daisy Mitchell
Singing tutor, Sat
Read Bio
Daisy is a classical singer, trained at the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music. Whilst her career has focussed on Opera, Daisy has varied musical taste and believes that her strong foundation in healthy technique will benefit all genres of singing!
Whilst at the Royal Academy of Music, Daisy completed the Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music (LRAM), their teaching qualification. Daisy is so excited to nuture young voices and instil the joy of singing. Students will learn breath control, expand and strengthen their vocal range, sing in harmony as well as learning basic music theory and the physiology of the voice.
Mastery of these skills will allow students to unleash their creativity and experience freedom through singing. Most important is that all students enjoy themselves, connect with each other and build confidence!
Beth Mitchell
Dance tutor, Sat
Read Bio
Beth is a dancer/choreographer. Dance has been one of her major joys and passions for as long as she can remember. Beth first started ballroom & latin at the age of 3 and the rest is history! She has trained in various dance facilities over the years, aiming to master as many dance styles as possible. She has represented the country as a member of the England Dance Squad, travelling and performing in places such as LA, Italy, Austria & Hungary.
Beth completed her professional training at Addict Dance Academy and graduated in 2022. Here, she pursued all areas of performing arts and found a true love for teaching & creating, as well as performing. She hopes to, one day, use her talents to see the world – but not before she harvests as much of my love and knowledge of performing to the next generation!
Ebony Lawrence
Tiny’s tutor, Sat
Read Bio
To come
ADA
Acting Tutor
Read Bio
Ada is a talented and passionate performer with an impressive background in acting. Having studied at the prestigious Arts University Bournemouth, Ada has been involved in amateur dramatics since the age of 11, eventually pursuing professional training at Runshaw College’s Professional Performance Programme. After graduating in 2021, Ada gained valuable experience performing in a TIE tour across Dorset, playing Jack in Jack and the Beanstalk for children and the local disabled community.
Now, Ada brings this wealth of experience and expertise to students in Prestwich, offering a range of engaging acting classes that focus on developing individual talent in a supportive and collaborative environment. Their classes are designed to empower each student to embrace their unique voice and build the confidence to shine on stage. Whether you’re looking to explore acting as a hobby or pursue it as a career, Ada ensures a safe and welcoming space where students can hone their craft and grow as performers.
Join Ada’s acting classes in Prestwich to unlock your potential, build your confidence, and explore the exciting world of drama and performance. Whether you’re new to acting or looking to refine your skills, these classes offer something for everyone!
Amy Millington
Dance tutor, Tues & Thurs
Read Bio
Amy is an enthusiastic and dedicated dance teacher with a passion for helping children explore and develop new skills in a variety of dance styles, including commercial, ballet, street, and, of course, musical theatre. With a deep love for the art of dance, Amy’s energy and drive create an engaging and exciting environment where every child can flourish. Her dynamic teaching style ensures that her students are not only having fun but also building essential skills that will stay with them for a lifetime.
In her classes, Amy focuses on perfecting timing, precision, technique, and choreography, all while keeping the lessons fresh and fun. She is adept at tailoring her approach to meet the unique needs of each student and group, ensuring that every child is both challenged and supported. For more advanced dancers, Amy will push their limits, introducing them to more complex routines and refining their skills. For beginners, she sets short-term, achievable goals to build confidence and encourage a sense of accomplishment.
Amy is known for giving “tough love,” as she firmly believes in each child’s potential and strives to push them to achieve their best. While her approach may sometimes come across as challenging, it is rooted in her deep desire to see every child reach their full potential. Her ability to challenge her students in a constructive way helps them build resilience, discipline, and confidence. Amy’s dedication to nurturing talent, along with her genuine care for her students’ development, ensures that they are always striving to improve while feeling supported and motivated every step of the way.
Lily-Rose Sutherland
Singing tutor, Thurs
Read Bio
Lily is not just an exceptional singing teacher, but also a mentor who builds meaningful, yet professional, relationships with her students. Having trained at Footlights since the age of 7, she has an innate understanding of the challenges young people face when it comes to building confidence in their abilities. Lily goes beyond teaching technical skills; she truly connects with her students on a personal level, ensuring they feel heard, understood, and supported throughout their musical journey.
Her ability to relate to young people is one of the reasons she is so effective in encouraging and inspiring them. Lily takes the time to get to know each student’s unique personality and learning style, tailoring her approach to make them feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. She fosters a positive and inclusive environment where her students feel safe to express themselves, whether they are learning a new song, preparing for a performance, or simply exploring their vocal potential.
Lily’s encouragement is empowering. She takes pride in celebrating every student’s progress, no matter how big or small. By offering constructive feedback with warmth and positivity, she helps her students see their own potential, instilling in them the confidence to take on new challenges. Through her meaningful, yet professional, relationships, Lily ensures that her students feel supported not just in their singing abilities but in their personal growth as well. Her genuine care and the real connection she builds with her students help them grow not only as singers but as individuals who believe in their own abilities.
Jess Doherty
Tiny’s tutor, Thurs
Read Bio
Jessica is a true Footlights Veteran at just 23!. Having begun her journey at Footlights as a student in 2013 at just 10 years old. Throughout her time at Footlights Rochdale, she quickly stood out for her unwavering commitment to her tuition, infectious positivity, and boundless enthusiasm. These qualities didn’t go unnoticed, and at just 14 years old, Jessica was selected to participate in a pioneering training program as a Student Teacher.
After completing two years in this role, Jessica successfully graduated from the training program, which allowed her to take on her own classes and develop her own material from the age of 16. Over the years, her leadership skills have only grown stronger through further training, including an apprenticeship in Business Development and Theatre Management. Today, Jessica serves as the Personal Assistant to the founder of The Footlights Group, in addition to taking on the role of a theatre and sound technician.
Alongside her leadership and managerial roles, Jessica has accumulated a wealth of professional performing experience. She has worked with Anton Benson Productions and toured nationally nine times with theatre-in-education, educating children and teachers about important topics such as Internet Safety, Cyber Bullying, and Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE). Jessica’s journey with Footlights reflects her passion for the performing arts and her dedication to making a positive impact both on and off the stage.
Jessica also has a wonderful accumulation of professional performing credits such as working with Anton Benson Productions & has toured nationally 9 times in theatre in education, educating children and teachers on Internet Safety, Cyber Bullying & CSE.
My daughter loves Footlights. The staff are excellent. The online classes and support during lockdown has been great. We look forward to many more years in the Footlights family x
Cathy Fieldhouse
