The face behind the franchise: Tony from Footlights Tameside
The Footlights Theatre Group is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this month. Tony George has run the Footlights Performing Arts School at Tameside since July 2023, but has been part of the Footlights family for over six years, working as the Tinys' Teacher at Footlights Rossendale beforehand.
Graduating from UCLan with a degree in Music Theatre, Tony has performed in many musicals and has a PGCE in primary education and has brought 10 years of mainstream teaching experience to Footlights Tameside. Meet the "Face Behind the Franchise".
What led you to taking on a Footlights franchise?
Since working with the Footlights brand as a teacher for Rossendale, I have loved every moment. My passion for the arts and working with children made Footlights the perfect escape for me to throw myself into work I really enjoyed. The thought of being able to make this a full-time career, running my own school and nurturing the talent of the young people in my local area for years to come was an opportunity too good to turn down.
What does your typical Footlights Saturday morning look like?
Wake up, check any last-minute emails/texts or notices for Saturday School. Have breakfast, pack the car and get myself and daughter ready. We get to the school around 8:30am and begin setting up front of house. I welcome staff and brief them on any new notices/check in with them. Then it’s time to welcome Tinys Red. ADHOC with parents. Repeat for Main School.
I hang around for any latecomers, then go around the classes, checking in the students and take pictures. Back at my desk, I do socials, respond to emails and call any non-attendees. I oversee tuck for Tinys Red before going back to front of house to greet Tinys parents. After seeing Tinys Red out, I get some more pictures of main school before greeting Tinys Blue and doing ADHOC with parents.
It’s back to my desk to do socials, respond to emails and call any non-attendees in Tinys. I oversee tuck for main school and get more photos for socials after final class swap. Then it’s tuck for Tinys Blue. Finally, I prepare for home time by packing down what can be put away and finish last bits of admin. As children leave I chat with any free trialists and sort any issues with parents. Then we debrief as a team and pack away.
What do you enjoy most about running a Footlights franchise?
It’s watching the students make progress and grow in confidence. Seeing their faces when they perform onstage knowing their start point is what makes all the hard work worthwhile. Being one of those children myself and now being able to give children an outlet to express themselves, make friends and feel like they belong to something special is all the motivation I need to succeed. The financial success is always second to this and I feel so long as it stays that way the business will always do well. In our family, our clients know we’re not just after their money, we’re doing what we do because we care about child development and the arts.
What is your funniest/most memorable moment at Footlights?
My most memorable was watching students perform Matilda at Footlights Tameside for our first ever show. That was a proud moment. Other notable memories include all the holiday schools – we have such laugh doing them and numerous trips to Palace Theatre, all the staff parties and weddings. Although the latter are not part of classes, they are part of my Footlights journey as the relationships I have built with other Footlights team members contribute to make it special and also the family vibe! Oh, and my last day at Footlights Rossendale before taking over at Tameside. I cried like a baby saying goodbye to everyone!
If you could only choose one, would it be acting, dancing or singing?
Acting. I can sing well and dance ok (with a lot of practice), but I’ve always been more of a performer turning my hand to drama and comedy. And whilst I’d say I’m decent at both, there’s no question that comedy is my forte.
What are your personal performance highlights?
There are so many to choose from. In my younger years it was playing the King Mouse at the Newcastle Playhouse in Rodentica and then when I was a little older, the Dentist in LSOH at Durham Gala. I was awarded a first at university for my portrayal of Mickey in Blood Brothers and in later years have been a regular cast member playing the Dame at Hyde Festival Theatre’s annual panto. The latter of which I have been nominated for multiple awards over the years (not won yet, maybe this year is the year!) The most noteworthy to date, for which I am most recognised, was presenting music videos for KidMusicShop on YouTube. These still get millions of viewings worldwide to this day.
Person you would most like to meet (dead or alive) and why?
This is so tough. The obvious would be to say those that I’ve loved that have passed away like my Grandad or Stepdad. To spend another day with either of them in their prime would mean more than meeting some celebrity stranger no matter how awesome they were. However, heartstrings aside, I’d go for someone like Robin Williams or Phil Collins who are both idols to me in their respective fields as actor/comedian and musician. Christopher Reeve too because I love Superman. Also, I wouldn’t say no to spending the day with Jennifer Lawrence! Haha!
What are your favourite things to do when you are not running Footlights?
I love to watch theatre, especially musicals whenever I can. If I have time to be involved on or offstage too, I will. Aside from that it’s the boring stuff like spending quality time with family, going for country walks or to the beach when back in Newcastle. I love my football too and watching Superhero movies (I’m a big nerd)
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of becoming a Footlights franchisee?
Make sure that you are prepared to graft. Have a vision and remain consistent with your approach putting your name out there using every medium you can. Remember you are the face of your school. If you nurture a positive welcoming environment that has family at the heart of what you do, parents will invest in you, and children will want to stay. Having the right staff is also key. Ensure they share your vision and enthusiasm. If they don’t, find someone that does. Having staff that know what they’re doing and know how to teach/forge those relationships are the cornerstones of your business.
What are your ambitions for the future?
To build a thriving school full of students on Saturdays and during the week that enjoy what they do but also demonstrate real skill that they have developed with us. I want parents to marvel at what we produce and for that reputation to be known across Tameside. To make this a full-time job that will sustain me and my family without the need for other work would be amazing but that will only come if we can generate the former.
I want to develop further links within the community and in local schools, being involved with projects and events.
How can children join your Footlights family?
Parents of children can get in touch via email at [email protected] to request information about the school and to book a free trial. We will send everyone a welcome pack with all our key information. Alternatively reach out to us via our socials on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok under Footlights Tameside. Parents can find information and request details through our website www.footlightstheatre.co.uk or contact me direct on business number 07441 396 628.