Footlights has been running high-quality stage schools for over 20 years, offering acting, singing and dance training for children aged 3–18. What began as a single school has grown into a national franchise network, expanding carefully while holding onto the values and ways of working that shaped Footlights from the outset. Footlights combines a values-led ethos with a professionally run operating model, shaped by experienced educators working alongside industry professionals.
With an investment from around £7,000, you’ll gain access to a proven business model, full training and ongoing support to help you grow your own Footlights school with confidence.
With years of experience, Footlights has developed a tried-and-tested franchise model designed for success. From scheduling classes to managing finances and recruiting students, you’ll have a clear blueprint to follow, removing the guesswork and helping you focus on what matters most: inspiring young people.
Running a Footlights stage school is a hands-on ownership role. You operate your school as your own business within an agreed territory, supported by a proven framework developed through years of delivery. You set the creative direction of the school, uphold standards and support your staff, ensuring a high-quality experience that families trust and return to week after week.
Most schools operate at weekends during term time, with additional opportunities through holiday provision and after-school clubs. Delivery is typically concentrated at weekends, with administrative work planned around that rhythm. You are not required to teach classes yourself.
As a franchise owner, you have the freedom to shape your business around your life. Many of our franchisees are parents, creatives, or professionals seeking better work-life balance. With Footlights, you can build a business that works for you while doing something you truly love.
For many franchisees, the role is demanding but deeply rewarding, centered on seeing children and young people grow in confidence and skill, and building a school that becomes an established part of its local community.
A Footlights franchise is more than a business, it’s a legacy you can be proud of. If you’re passionate about making a difference and are looking for a rewarding business opportunity, franchising with Footlights could be the perfect step for you.
I founded Footlights in 2005 with a simple belief that every child, regardless of background, deserves the chance to grow through creativity and performance, in an environment that is safe, inclusive and genuinely enjoyable.
Two decades on, I remain hands-on in the day-to-day running of the business, continuing to run my own schools and working directly with franchisees across the network. Footlights has been running high-quality stage schools for over 20 years, offering acting, singing and dance tuition to children and young people aged 3 to 18. What began as a single school has grown into a national franchise network.
Our franchisees don’t need prior franchise or business ownership experience or a formal teaching qualification. Footlights franchisees come from a wide range of backgrounds. What they share is a genuine enthusiasm for the performing arts and a desire to build a high-quality business that puts children’s confidence and development at its heart.
An ideal Footlights franchisee will be ready to build and lead a school grounded in high-professional standards and be passionate about working with young people in the performing arts.
Thinking of investing? Read the British Franchise Association’s guide to investing in a franchise.
See the classes Footlights Theatre franchisees run, and find one near you.
See every Footlights Theatre class
“Opening my Footlights franchise has been nothing short of a dream come true. The personal and professional support from Jo and the Head Office team has been outstanding throughout the entire process. The training gave me the confidence and tools I needed to launch successfully, and within 12 months my
school was at full capacity.”Anna Morgan - Footlights franchisee Sale and AltrinchamSent straight to Footlights Theatre’s franchise team.
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