Exciting news! This year, Footlights Theatre celebrates its 20th birthday! Founded in 2005 by Jo Fisher, multi-award winning Footlights has gone from strength-to-strength with over 25 schools and has performed to tens of thousands over the last five years.
o, who has a BA (Hons) and PGCE, worked for over eight years as both an actor and teacher before launching Footlights with just £300 on a credit card. Her drive and passion to ensure performing arts remains accessible and affordable for all children is central to the success of Footlights.
Footlight’s Head Office is situated on Kansas Avenue, near Media City. Director of Footlights Jo Fisher and her business partner, Sue Hibbert creatively transformed a 1980s building set back on the industrial estate to create The Empty Space – a self-funded, self-built intimate grassroots arts venue where people can present a diverse range of creative work. The Empty Space now encompasses a 155-seat theatre that hosts plays, comedy, musicals, performance poetry, recitals and showcases and can also be booked as an event space. Since its inception in 2016, the space has been developed to include a gorgeous Cafe Bar, Eats which has an outdoor terrace.
Footlights’ Mission is to educate, entertain and communicate using performing arts and drama as a tool. With our stage school franchise expanding, more and more children are growing in confidence as they are encouraged to shine, making new friendships along the way.
Twenty years is definitely worth celebrating. To find out more – whether that be by signing up for a Footlights franchise or regstering a child to dance, act and sing with Footlights, email enquiries@footlightstheatre.co.uk
