Unique theatre school training in Acting, Singing & Dance

3 specialist tutors

3 hours of learning

A lifetime of transferable skills

Our brand new Cheadle school opened in September 2009 with a fantastic streetdance marquee and fun by the pool. It was such a lovely hot day and we had a tremendous turnout.

Saturday mornings

9.45 - 1pm  ( 6 – 16yr olds)  Main school

These are separated into age groups  6-8yr olds, 9-11yr olds, 12-16yr olds and rotate classes in acting, singing, dance every 55 minutes.

11.30 - 1pm  (4 - 6yr olds)   Tiny's

The Tiny's are all together in groups of no more than 15.

Staff

Our staff are recruited on expertise and experience, and are all trained and hold current enhanced CRBS. Most of our team work in the performing arts industry and come to us highly recommended.  We have regular meetings to plan, prepare and update on childrens' needs and ways of learning to help us promote inclusivity and an 'every child matters' policy. We also discuss shows, exams, opportunities and evaluate progress and action plan for improvements to the service we offer.

Click on the images to view their profiles

Classes

Tiny's (4- 6 yr olds)

Your wonderful, expressive 4 - 6 year olds are introduced to theatre and performing in a safe, fun, energy-driven yet structured way of learning. Each week the Tiny's are taught in all three disciplines -  dance, drama and singing - in bite size chunks of 20 - 25 minutes each. They have a little break in the middle to have a snack and a drink, which the children seem to enjoy as much as the classes! Its their chance to express themselves with each other, identify with their peers and have a good old chit chat (they're like little old men and ladies nattering given half the chance). However, under the close supervision of their tutors they are encouraged to be individual and express them freely in a supportive forum. The tutors spend quality time getting to know the children and plan their sessions according to abilities, learning styles and what that particular group seem to enjoy. Confident in their teaching, the tutors at Footlights aim to let the children perform as often as possible, usually all sharing equal roles to promote teamwork and a sense of camaraderie from a young age. The Tiny’s are always part of the main school shows at Christmas and during the Summer, so you will regularly see your child perform.

Main school (6 - 16yr olds)

Drama
In Drama the children learn improvisation, comedy, scriptwriting, mime, verse, TV and film acting and theatre scripts, helping them to become confident well rounded young actors. Natalie has years of experience having peformed in the West End as well as several other high profile theatres. Natalie also has extensive experience as a TV actress - you may recognise her from a very well known soap in which she had a long standing role. Natalie's teaching style is inclusive and super fun, she is proving to be very popular and her work is unique and inspiring.

Dance
Zara is one of the best streetdancers I've ever seen, she dances with every hair on her body and she is so energised. This is evident in her teaching as she has the children constantly on the move while encompassing cardio vascular practices as well as increasing coordination, balance, flexibility, and strength. Zara combines the latest dance moves and songs and tailors them to the childrens' abilities whilst challenging them in a supportive, encouraging manner. She also uses musical theatre and jazz as a source of inspiration but you can be sure Zara will put her own unique spin on routines.

Singing
In singing the children learn harmony skills as well as solo and group singing and Jenny really is brilliant at getting the very best out of the children, both natural singers and those that need a little more help. Jenny has a lovely friendly manner and has such a vast experience of musical theatre for such a young performer that she is thrilled to be able to share her knowledge through her teaching.  Although musical theatre-trained, Jenny will also teach pop etc., and encourages her students to bring in ideas for songs as her teaching technique is very much about the individual, although she encourages thinking 'out of the box'.  Jenny also understands that children learn at different paces and considers this in her planning.

Facilities
We are set in the beautiful grounds of Ramillies Hall School in Cheadle Hulme village.

Directions

From Cheadle Hulme Village, you will pass Cheadle Hulme train station on your left, look out for a church and 'Daisy' florist then take your next left  onto Ramillies Avenue the school is at the end of the avenue on the left.

From Bramhall direction once you are on Station road, take the 3rd right onto Ramillies Avenue the school is at the end of the avenue on the left.

History
We started in Stretford in very humble beginnings at Stretford Grammar school in 2004. We soon built up an excellent reputation and moved to better facilities and more room to Lostock Arts College. We are currently in our 5th Year at Lostock Arts College, with a roll of over 70 children. We try not to turn anyone away, however places are limited at Prestwich so we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. We have had massive successes over the past 4 years producing some fantastic performances at festivals, theatres, as well as charity events and many of our students have also appeared on screen too. The right honourable Beverley Hughes (recent minister for children) commended us in the House of Commons for our work with special needs children.

Achievements
We have had so many great experiences over the past years, with many of our children appearing on tv, some have even appeared in film, one child even got to star with Johny Vegas!  Our successes are many and we do strive to keep everyone updated in our latest new section, however the best way to get a full view on the school is to subscribe to our FREE newsletter. In July 2009 the children and young people performed at the renowned 'Lowry Theatre' where they raised  £750 for a local cancer charity.  We also achieved 100% pass rate in our first year entering the prestigious LAMDA examinations, where one of our groups Footlights 1 (aged 6-8yr olds) all received Distinctions in musical theatre.