6 days Ago
A mum has shared how she became the owner of a performing arts school in Bolton after seeing her daughter's confidence grow. Lisa Donnelly, who was a parent of a student at Footlights in Worsley, decided to take on a Footlights franchise after seeing the positive impact it had on her daughter. She said: "Footlights is a reputable brand and I had seen it from a customer perspective and I wanted to see it from the owner perspective.
"I have always loved the performing arts and my own three children have been raised with the ‘acting, singing and dancing’ lifestyle from an early age. "It made sense to return to work with the best work-life balance which being a Footlights franchisee allows. "I absolutely love working with children and enjoy seeing their confidence and talents grow; to nurture creativity is exciting.
"I wanted to make a positive difference to children in their Footlights journey." Ms Donnelly described her typical Saturday morning at Footlights as full of "energy and creativity" from the students. She said: "Setting up our front desk, I greet our parents and children who always come with big smiles.
"I can be found engaging with parents and often lend an ear to listen to any concerns they’ve had in the week. "Children go to their classes – either acting, singing or dancing or our Tinys class – and the teachers teach their weekly skill classes, or they will be rehearsing for our upcoming shows. "I am usually popping up in each class with a camera ready to capture the laughter and frivolity.
"I am on call to assist any teacher or child who is in need. "Safeguarding is my utmost priority. "Everyone works brilliantly together to make the day enjoyable and fun.
" READ MORE: Aaron Wilbraham recalls unique Bolton audition with Phil Parkinson Who is the highest-paid actor to ever appear on Coronation Street? Major Bolton firm returns to being 'highly efficiency growth machine' Ms Donnelly says she enjoys seeing the children overcome challenges and develop their talents. She said: "That always makes me proud and motivated. "Listening to the children and how individual they all are is so interesting and to ensure their needs are met at Footlights is so important.
"Students can thrive and discover their potential and are able to express themselves at Footlights. "I love seeing the children perform and their hard work come to fruition." Her most memorable moments at Footlights are seeing children begin their journey at three years old and leave at 18 years old.
She said: "It brings so much pride and joy for our Footlights team. "We have seen some of our children start as students who are now our Footlights teachers. "It is an amazing feeling to know their passions have taken them into a performing arts career.
" Ms Donnelly encourages children to join Footlights by booking in for a free trial or registering on their website. She said: "Once registered, come along and join in the classes at no cost. "We will speak with parents and email beforehand with all the necessary information.
" She also has advice for anyone thinking of becoming a Footlights franchisee, saying: "Be passionate for the performing arts and the education of children. "Align with the Footlights mission and values to ensure you can represent the brand genuinely. "Do not hesitate to realise your own goals of owning a franchise, the support is second to none.
"Speaking with my expansive job history, this must be the most rewarding position I have ever held." Ms Donnelly's ambitions for the future involve bringing more children into the world of performing arts. She is now working to develop more industry connections with the aim of ensuring greater opportunities for her students.
To find out more, email [email protected] or call Ms Donnelly on 07773 183999.
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