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

Tiny's (4- 6 yr olds) 9.30 – 11.15am

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.

Children aged between 7 -16yr will be split into 3 age groups.

Footlights 1 (7-9yr olds) Footlights 2 (10 -11 yr olds) Footlights 3 (12-16yr olds)

The main school children will join in a group warm up from 9.45am – 10am then at 10am will be split into their age groups (as above) and rotate between 3 tutors in all 3 disciplines of dance, drama and singing

Drama (Main school) 9.45 -1pm

The tutor will use there experiences and there great skills in drama they will introduce the children to some drama . The tutor will support your children throught Lamda exams. In Drama the children also get the opportunity to discover improvisation, comedy, scriptwriting, mime, verse, tv and film acting and theatre scripts, helping them to become confident well rounded young actors.

Dance (Main school) 9.45 -1pm

Our tutor will specialises in different aspects of dance the tutor will incorporating ballet, jazz, and yoga as part of her lesson planning. Dance can be used in so many different ways we feel that dance not only teaches skills but can also be used as a form of expression,. Dance can be empowering, creative and above all fun! Dance brings people together but can also be a fantastic form of exercise. It encompasses cardio vascular practices as well as increasing coordination, balance, flexibility and strength. Also there are so many forms of dance to explore and identify making it inclusive of all cultures, times and bodies.

Singing (Main school) 9.45 -1pm

The Voice tutor will work with every aspects of voice even the shyest children will be singing by the end of the session. , the tutor will focuses on both solo singing and group singing and always encourages everybody to sing in front of each other as it helps to build confidence. The children have the opportunity to learn different musical styles within pop and musical theatre. It doesn’t stop there; the tutor will also covers Music Theory and musical staging in his lessons. Breathing technique and how to support the sound correctly is also in the curriculum. Finally (and more importantly) the children have fun and have a great time singing.

Fees

There will be lots of open day offers in September and 50% discounts for siblings. Book now to ensure you reserve your place.

Directions

From M60/J17  take the exit Bury New Road toward Prestwich village you will pass Tesco on your right hand side. Keep goping straight and you will come to Marks and Spencers on your left, at the lights turn left and then take your second right onto Heys Road. The school is about half a mile down on the left hand side, park in the car park and come to the main entrance where our delightful receoptionist and team will meet you.

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.