It was in 2005 that our Managing Director, Jo Fisher founded Footlights. After a difficult childhood and coming from a deprived background, Jo left school at 14 years old with no qualifications. The one thing that saved her all those years was her love of literature and the theatre. At aged 22 she finally found her way back into education, and there was no looking back. She always had an entrepreneurial spirit, being Manchester’s first milkwoman in 1988, however once she entered education and went on to train as an actress and later a teacher, Jo combined her two greatest passions in life, business and the theatre. After a few years excelling as a director and teacher she wanted to develop a stage school that didn’t just cater for the elite.
In 2009 her first franchise was launched, quite by accident, it was opened by Lindsey Berry a previous mature student of Jo’s. In 2010 she was approached by someone else and in by 2012 Jo had 3 very successful franchisees. It was shortly after this that she decided to halt the franchise business whilst she consolidated what they already had, making the ‘manual’ water tight and expanding in other areas of the business to build the brand. This way, through recognition the brand would get known, she would have a solid business model in which people could invest.
In 2016, we made huge leaps starting up another 4 very successful franchises, it was also the year that Footlights moved into its own 4000 square foot building in the heart of Media City, where currently we are building our very own theatre. This is a fantastic hub for training and events and gives all franchisees a great base, whichever part of the country you are from.
As a company, we don’t just offer stage school training, although as a franchisee this is what you are investing in. We also produce professional play and theatre for schools. In the past three years we have visiting 100’s of primary schools up and down the country, which is great news for you, as we are building a brand in areas where we currently don’t have any stage schools. We also have our own in house casting agency which has achieved massive success in the past few months and continues to grow, your children from your stage school will also be invited to be part of this.
By 2019 we have expanded our franchise network to the Midlands from Worcester to Nottingham up to Grimsby and covering the whole of Greater Manchester. We now have 11 individual franchisees with some owning multiple territories, which will reach 20 by September 2020.
Based in Media City
Our Head Office is in Media City. We have our own studio, theatre, training room and facilities.
Award Winning
Footlights have been established for over 14 years. We have won multiple awards over the years and have 15 successful schools in one city.
First class training
Our training programme is led by our Managing Director. You will be trained not only on our proven system, but also on policies that can only enrich your business knowledge such as Safeguarding and Child Sexual Exploitation.
BE PART OF OUR GROWING SUCCESS
Don’t worry you won’t be investing and be thrown in the deep end, You will have your own mentor who will be with you every step of the way through to launch day and of course, will be available to support you along your journey until you feel ready to let go.
We have made all the business mistakes for you and learnt from them. The best part of franchising is that, if you follow the ‘system’ ‘the manual’ you will be a great success. The best bit about franchising we feel, is that you will be running your own business with a massive arm around you, whenever you need it.
We have a talented team of very successful franchisees, who are available for a discussion prior to you making any commitment to purchasing a franchise.
We will train you in every aspect of opening your own business, from marketing to accounts, dealing with staff, recruitment and pay, safeguarding – to first aid.
Be assured we are thorough in our processes and you will never be on your own until you feel absolutely ready.
FOUR STRONG REVENUE STREAMS
Footlights theatre has 4 revenue streams – Stage schools, Holiday provision, Merchandise and Birthday parties with margins of 30% – 50%.
Our network coverage spreads from Greater Manchester over to Huddersfield up to Grimsby and down to Nottingham and across to Worcester presently. We have eleven individual franchisees some with multiple territories in operation and five company owned units. We have untapped potential in many areas still available and we now have the opportunity to go National.
We use leading software to map out territories so franchisees can be confident in their new investment and get a realistic picture of how their business can be successful.
YOUR INVESTMENT
You will be investing in a franchise model to run your own stage school and performing arts courses. Initially you will start with opening one school, in your selected territory on Saturday mornings 9.45am-1pm.
Once established, you will be developing relationships with your target market, you will be forward thinking in developing your business and your aim will be to maximise on your territory. Once achieving your targets, you will look to open other classes to maximise on your territory and your income.
The ideal franchisee will have a hunger for running their own business, an avid interest in the bottom line as well as providing education. You must have a passion for children and their learning; however this is a business model so you must be interested in building a successful business with great profit margin.
How do I apply?
Please complete the online application form and Footlights will contact you. If we both feel that there is potential for a professional relationship, we will give you the option to discuss a franchise opportunity with a current franchisee, there is no obligation at this stage.
Are there any age restrictions?
Applicants must be over 18.
What support will I get?
Footlights will provide comprehensive advice and help to ensure that you have all the tools you need to run a successful franchise. We will assist you in selection of the most suitable venue; recruiting the best teachers; publicising your school and events; administration through the provision of our System Procedures; and a full A-Z Manual on running your school. We are also able to offer advice on safeguarding, creative issues, marketing and printed material, contracts etc. We support you in every aspect of running and controlling your business.
Can I open a Footlights’ franchise if I have no performing arts background?
Whilst applicants with experience within the performing arts or teaching profession are welcome, we do not see this as essential. The teaching staff are there to fulfill this role, it is more important that the Franchisee has enthusiasm, motivation and a passion for building confidence and skills in young people, as well as business sense.
I don’t have any business experience – is this a problem?
Our systems are simple and easy to manage. There is paperwork, but our System Procedures allow you to manage your business easily so that you can concentrate on the enjoyment of running your school, and the artistic and educational progress of your students.
Is there additional training if I need it?
We provide refresher training on a regular basis as well as networking sessions for Franchisees to discuss new ideas and any issues they are facing. In addition, the Footlights Head Office team is always on hand to offer support and advice.
Can I open a Footlights Theatre School in my town?
If there is an available Franchise Territory, or an existing Footlights school for sale in your town, then yes.
If there is an available Franchise Territory, or an existing Footlights school for sale in your town, then yes.
After you have enquired online, you will be sent a full information pack that includes this information.
Do you have existing schools for sale?
From time to time, existing schools become available. These will be included in the information pack if appropriate.
Why do people sell their schools?
Although there may be many different reasons for this, usually people sell their schools to retire or relocate.
Can my partner or friend help out at the school with me?
Yes, anyone can act as your helper as long as they are registered with DBS checked and over 18.
Do I have to be present for every school class?
Yes, as the Director of the school, you must make a commitment to be present for every Footlights session unless prevented by illness or unforeseen circumstances.
Can I teach at the school I franchise?
We recommend that Footlights Directors do not teach, even if a teacher is off sick. This helps them to oversee the running of the school, maintain standards and be available should any issues arise.
Do the schools run during the holidays?
All schools take place during term time, with a break for Easter, Summer and Christmas. There is usually a break during the half term holidays too. Footlights does however have a very successful Holiday School model which may be adopted by Franchisees.
Why should I franchise with Footlights?
A Footlights Theatre School franchise offers you the opportunity to run part-time performing arts schools at weekends during the academic year, training children in Drama, Dance and Singing. Most franchisees start with a single school and open further schools once the first is fully subscribed. A full school encompasses 90 pupils in one 3.5 hour session, broken down as 60 main school pupils across three classes and 30 Tiny’s across two classes. For the right person, it is a chance to combine an ambition to have a performing arts school of your own with a significant part-time income. Some franchisees make it a full-time career, extending the classes to evenings during the week. A Footlights Theatre School franchise combines job satisfaction with the capacity to invest for the future. When you franchise with Footlights you are buying into a tried and tested system. The viability of the business is evident and you gain the benefit of our experience and knowledge with none of the stress and administrative headaches associated with setting up a business from scratch. You will receive comprehensive training and ongoing support to help you overcome any problems you may encounter, and benefit from our advertising, marketing, research and development and enhanced purchasing power.
Is there any training provided?
We provide intensive ten day Franchise Training at Footlights Head Office (MediaCityUK), along with the opportunity to meet and shadow other Franchisees. You will also have a mentor who will be with you to launch your school and be a support for you on your journey..
How much does a franchise cost?
Footlights’ ethos is developing young performers so why not develop new business owners too?
We now offer a range of funding options to help you get started.
Option 1 – The Quick Start
- Franchise Fee: ZERO
- Marketing Launch & Training Fee: £3995 plus VAT
- Working Capital: £5,000 plus VAT
- Monthly Royalty Fee: 20% for 3 years, reduced to 10% after 3 years.
- Monthly Marketing Fee: ZERO for the first 6 months then 1% after the first six months.
Option 2 – The Slow Burn
- Franchise Fee: £9255,00 plus VAT
- Marketing Launch & Training Fee: £3995 plus VAT
- Working Capital: £5,000 plus VAT
- Monthly Royalty Fee: ZERO for the first six months, then 10% after the first six months.
- Monthly Marketing Fee: ZERO for the first year – then 1% after the first year.
Option 3 – Summer Camps & Birthdays Only
- Franchise Fee: £3000
- Marketing Launch & Training £3995 plus VAT
THINK YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?
TAKE THE NEXT STEP...
Complete the enquiry form and we will contact you.