Unique theatre school training in Acting, Singing & Dance

3 specialist tutors

3 hours of learning

A lifetime of transferable skills

This is our newest school, owned and managed by Director Joanne Walkden. Joanne has been working tirelessly over the past six months alongside Managing Director Jo Fisher to bring your child the best possible teaching in a fantastic venue.

Saturday mornings

9.45 - 1pm  (6 – 16yr olds)

11.30 - 1pm  (4 - 6yr olds)

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 ( 6-16 yr olds)

Drama
Daniel has lots of experience in performing and teaching, he has an enviable CV but is also very keen to pass on his knowldege to your children. In his lessons Daniel will be covering improvisation, comedy, scriptwriting, mime, verse , TV and film acting and theatre scripts, helping them to become confident well rounded young actors, whilst having heaps and heaps of fun!

Dance
Gemma specialises in Streetdance and Contemporary as well as incorporating musical theatre and jazz as part of what she will be teaching your child. Gemma has worked worldwide touring with major companies and choreographing professional shows. Gemma is a fantastic tutor adding energy enthisiasm and committment to her classes as well as lots and lots fo fun.  She manages to find the balance between learning and fun, and the children leave energised and excited. Dance is a great art form and can be empowering, creative and above all fun!

Singing
Victoria has a great interest in Estill techniques. Estill teaches you how to use not only your voice but your body to achieve different sounds and styles. She will teach and develop the importance of linking text within a song to its performance and will use a number of acting techniques. She will look at creating a character and acting through song . Through techniques she will improve the students singing ability and musicality which will help them build confidence which is a necessity not only in the world of performing arts but also in everyday life. With her vast teaching experience your child is sure to have a great time. Victoria really is brilliant at getting the most out of your children. She will encourage all those new to singing to join in whilst gently challenging the new singers. Victoria is an expert singer, she sings jazz, soul, rock, pop, musical theatre, folk and classical.

Facilities
Harrop Fold boasts excellent facilites with a purpose-built, flexible theatre, several dance spaces with sprung floors and carpeted drama and performance space. The building has very strict secuirty measures in place, all external doors are electronic so you can be assured that your child is in a safe environment. We also have excellent parking facilities. We have very good facilities at Harrop Fold.

Directions

From Manchester get onto the M602 towards Salford. At junction 1, exit onto M60 toward Ring Rd (N)/M61/M66/Leeds/M62       
At junction 13, take the A575 exit to Worsley/Leigh/A572/Swinton.At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto A575/Walkden Rd heading to Worsley/Leigh/A580. Turn left at Park Rd/ Continue onto Hilton Lane the school is on the left, come into the car park and to the main entrance.

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.