Young aspiring performers in Stacksteads have been given an exciting opportunity to explore their talents through a brand new stage school initiative. The recent launch event at Footlights Rossendale's latest base allowed children to participate in singing, dancing, and acting workshops, culminating in an impressive mini-concert after just a few hours of rehearsal.
Building a Performing Arts Legacy
Footlights Rossendale, which operates alongside franchises in Rochdale and Pendle, is co-owned by brothers Aaron and Jack Doherty-Tubb. The educational enterprise began its journey in April 2018 with a single location at Haslingden Sixth Form. Demonstrating remarkable resilience during the challenging pandemic period, the company made the strategic decision to acquire a dedicated unit at Toll Bar in Stacksteads. This expansion allowed them to develop custom classroom spaces while maintaining their established presence in Haslingden.
Overcoming Health Challenges
The expansion journey faced significant personal obstacles when co-founder Aaron Doherty-Tubb experienced severe health complications in 2023. Hospitalised from July through December, his condition began with tonsillitis that developed into abscesses, requiring tube feeding for 130 days. Aaron underwent a major lung operation and faced an extensive recovery period that tested both his physical and mental resilience.
"I had to have a major lung operation and faced massive recuperation," Aaron recalled. "At one point, I did think I would never get back to full health and it impacted my mental health significantly. I was even holding Zoom meetings while in the intensive care unit – the nurses did tell me off for that."
His recovery progressed gradually, with Aaron only returning to full-time, face-to-face work in April 2025. The successful launch of the new Stacksteads stage school represents a particularly meaningful milestone in his journey back to health and professional engagement.
Expanding Educational Opportunities
The Stacksteads initiative emerged from careful observation of community needs. "In Rossendale we were running a stage school on Saturdays and Mondays and had competition teams meeting on Thursdays," Aaron explained. "Our Haslingden stage school receives excellent support, but we recognised that many families wouldn't travel between locations. However, we identified clear demand for additional sessions, which led us to organise a free open day that has now evolved into a regular Saturday programme."
The new Saturday sessions at the Stacksteads base commence at 9:30am each week. This expansion has contributed to substantial growth across all three franchises, with student numbers increasing from just 48 during the post-pandemic period to an impressive 270 participants currently. The company now employs 32 staff members across their Rossendale, Rochdale, and Pendle locations.
From Student to Staff Member
Among the dedicated team members is Jayden Mills-Nightingale from Rawtenstall, whose journey with Footlights demonstrates the organisation's lasting impact. Beginning as a ten-year-old student, Jayden progressed through the ranks, assisting as a student teacher from ages fourteen to sixteen before briefly pursuing other educational opportunities.
"I left to focus on my studies, initially at Burnley College – but it wasn't the right fit for me," Jayden explained. "I returned to Footlights, secured employment with them, and now I'm thoroughly enjoying my studies at Blackburn College while looking forward to university. What I love about the Footlights environment is that there's always something engaging to do and new challenges to embrace."
Now eighteen years old and working as an administrative and marketing assistant, Jayden plans to continue his role remotely while pursuing university studies, illustrating the flexible employment opportunities Footlights provides.
Future Development and Community Engagement
Footlights Rossendale operates from Unit P at Toll Bar, with entrance access from Newchurch Road in Stacksteads. The organisation continues to seek new ways to engage with the community and expand performing arts education throughout the region.
Further opportunities for prospective students will be available at an upcoming open day hosted by Pendle Footlights on Saturday, January 31st. This event will take place at 9:30am at Pendle Vale College on Oxford Road in Nelson, providing another accessible point of entry for young people interested in performing arts education.
