Meet our Franchisees

Khara has a bubbly personality and a deep love for her franchise at Footlights Old Trafford. She began her journey as a tutor at Footlights, and her passion for the work led her to invest in her own franchise. Through hard work and dedication, she has built a thriving business, overcoming personal struggles along the way. Whether it’s managing the challenges of raising her lively toddler, Matthias, or navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, Khara has demonstrated resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to her community.

Her students have been involved in exciting community events like the carnival and various dance competitions across the UK. Khara has built a reputation for creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where children of all backgrounds and abilities are encouraged to shine. She feels deeply valued at Footlights, particularly because of the company’s commitment to diversity and equality. Footlights ensures all children have the opportunity to express themselves fully, and Khara believes that diversity is key to nurturing creativity and empowering the next generation of performers.

One of Khara’s parents shared the impact her school has had on their child, Tyrese: “Tyrese has been going for over a year now, and he fully enjoys it. It is part of his routine now on Saturdays. The confidence in Tye has dramatically improved each time he goes. The team is friendly, dedicated, and take pride in their work and the kids who attend. I am officially a stage mom!”

As a successful franchisee, Khara exemplifies how investing in a diverse franchise can lead to both personal and professional success. Franchising with a company like Footlights allows entrepreneurs to run their own business while being part of a larger, supportive network that values inclusion, creativity, and the empowerment of individuals from all walks of life. Khara is excited to continue growing her business and inspiring young performers in her community while staying true to her values of diversity and equality.

Introducing Jayne Doherty, a mature and experienced franchisee who has successfully built a thriving Footlights stage school in Huddersfield. As a mother to six now grown-up children, Jayne brings a wealth of experience in both family dynamics and child development. Her background in social work has given her a deep understanding of families’ needs, making her uniquely equipped to support not just the children but the parents as well.

Jayne’s stage school is known for its inclusivity and welcoming atmosphere, where children of all abilities feel supported and valued. She takes great pride in nurturing each child’s individual talents, providing them with professional training in the performing arts while also fostering a sense of belonging and community. Jayne’s approach is grounded in empathy, understanding, and a commitment to building confidence, helping children not only grow as performers but also as individuals.

Her social work expertise shines through in her ability to connect with children from diverse backgrounds and ensure that every child receives the care and attention they deserve. Whether a child is shy and needs encouragement to come out of their shell, or is already brimming with confidence and ready to take the stage, Jayne’s nurturing approach adapts to meet their unique needs.

Jayne’s franchise is an ideal example of how a Footlights stage school can blend professional training with a compassionate, family-centred approach. She continues to make a lasting impact in the Huddersfield community, proving that with the right guidance and support, every child can thrive.

Tony George’s journey in the performing arts world began as a teacher of the fantastic Tiny’s (3yrs – 6yrs) in Rossendale, where he spent over five years nurturing young talent. In the summer of 2023, he took a bold step and opened his own Footlights stage school, a move that has propelled his success in the world of franchising. Since then, he has taken his territory to a whole new level, combining his natural enthusiasm with innovative ideas that engage both the community and his students in exciting ways. Whether it’s professional projects, fun community events, or new creative initiatives, Tony is always working on something exciting to bring to his performers, keeping them inspired and motivated.

Tony’s infectious personality and deep passion for children, young people, and his community shine through in everything he does. He runs the school with the help of his wife, Sheree, and their bubbly, beautiful daughter, who attends the school each week, adding to the lively and energetic atmosphere. The entire George family has brought an incredible vibe to the school, creating a warm, welcoming, and professional environment where children feel supported, confident, and ready to shine on stage.

As a Footlights franchisee, Tony has built a highly successful business while making a lasting impact on his local community. Franchising with Footlights offers an incredible opportunity for individuals looking to start their own performing arts school. With the support of a trusted brand, proven systems, and the chance to nurture the next generation of performers, Footlights is an ideal choice for aspiring entrepreneurs passionate about the arts and helping children grow. Tony’s success story showcases how owning a Footlights franchise can lead to professional fulfilment, personal growth, and a thriving business.

Good things really do come to those who wait! Richard and Debbie, owners of Footlights Worcester, took 18 months of careful communication and consideration before signing their franchise agreement—but they are so glad they did. Despite launching their school just five months before the pandemic hit, they’ve thrived with online classes and even managed to welcome a new baby into their family during this time! Their journey is a testament to the resilience and growth possible when you invest in a Footlights franchise.

When asked what took them so long to decide, they shared, “We felt we were in as good a place as any to take the plunge. We had saved up enough to invest without breaking the bank and felt it was now or never. We had been focusing on other personal matters before committing to the franchise, but in the end, we decided it was time to grow in another direction.”

Regarding their training experience, they said, “The training was intensive but done in a relaxed environment. It’s amazing the different things you need to think about when setting up a franchise. Without the in-depth training we received, we’re not sure we would have been fully ready for our grand opening! The CEO and Senior Leadership team are always on hand to offer advice and support—they’ve been amazing. The Franchise Groups are also brilliant for sharing ideas and getting advice, from lesson plans to show ideas and social media help.”

As the first Footlights school in the Midlands, Richard and Debbie are excited about their continued growth and success. They’re eager for the day when they can return to face-to-face classes and further strengthen their local community’s passion for the performing arts.

Franchising with Footlights is a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to run their own performing arts school while being supported by a trusted, established brand. With professional training, ongoing support, and access to a network of like-minded franchisees, Footlights offers the perfect foundation for those looking to start their own successful business in the performing arts industry. Richard and Debbie’s story is just one example of how the Footlights franchise model helps individuals turn their dreams into reality, no matter the challenges they face.

This sibling duo run Footlights Nottingham franchise and have the most wonderful school and relationship. Sophie had just moved to Nottingham from London and was looking for a way to earn a living where she could combine my 20 years of teaching and acting experience, as well as juggle her role as a single mother. She had never actually run a business before although she came from a family of grafters, so when her mother had come across Footlights Theatre she took the plunge! Sophie says The thought of owning a franchise was quite frightening for me as it would be going into unknown territory, as I would have to run the business. This fear, however, was very short-lived as when we went to visit the CEO Jo Fisher at one of the company owned units. I practically fell in love with what I saw! The energy and the atmosphere was simply magical as children were learning and having so much fun, which is so important for young performers as many stage schools have a very rigid approach to learning. It was then a done deal to open up a franchise in Nottingham because I felt that I had finally found my life’s purpose and this is a business that I would never want to retire from.

Alex’s story is one of steady growth, adventure, and a true love for the performing arts! Joining Footlights in January 2023, Alex has quickly made her mark, bringing a fresh, dynamic energy to the franchise, all while making it work in a semi-rural area.

Born in the UK, Alex moved to Portugal at a young age, where her parents ran a thriving restaurant. Growing up surrounded by the warmth of both the Portuguese sun and a successful family business, Alex experienced the best of both worlds. She trained as a professional dancer and built an enviable CV that showcases her dedication and love for the arts.

Her journey with Footlights began in 2018 when she joined as a dance teacher. She immediately fell in love with the brand, the children, and the community spirit. However, in 2020, just as the pandemic was about to disrupt the world, Alex moved back to Portugal for a new adventure. But the pull of the UK and her passion for Footlights were undeniable, and by 2022, Alex was back in the UK, this time with a clear plan—she was ready to open her own Footlights franchise!

Now, Alex runs a successful Footlights school set in the stunning Pennines at Saddleworth High School, OL3 5NU. It’s a beautiful, semi-rural location that has become the perfect setting for Alex to nurture young talent and bring the performing arts to her local community.

Her commitment to providing exceptional training, paired with her own diverse life experiences, has made her a beloved figure in the area. Alex’s journey proves that even in quieter, semi-rural locations, it’s possible to grow a thriving business while staying true to your passion.

If you’re ever in the area, why not meet Alex for a chat and take a lovely walk in the hills? You’ll get a glimpse of her vibrant personality and see firsthand the exciting things happening at her Footlights school!