Alexandra Goodden and Serena Jethwa are the co-owners of Footlights Bracknell. The latest stage
school to hit the streets of Berkshire opened on 21st September 2024 at Brakenhale School. The
performing arts school, founded on the principles of creativity, confidence-building, and inclusivity,
aims to provide a nurturing and empowering space for youngs to explore their talents in acting,
singing, and dance.
Alex and Serena are members of Edge Productions Amateur Drama Group and met whilst
performing in a Pantomime in 2021. Alex was looking for a stage school franchise that was personal
and inclusive and discovered Footlights. Serena took the opportunity to partner with Alex to open
the school in Bracknell. They collaborated with Jo Fisher, Founder of Footlights Theatre, to ensure
that Footlights Bracknell emulates the inclusivity, creativity and empowerment synonymous with the
brand. Jo founded Footlights Theatre in 2005 and now has over twenty franchises across the UK and
The Footlights Theatre Group has received multiple awards for excellence in performing arts
education.
Alex has always been involved in performing arts, performing in school plays and attending after
school drama clubs before taking LAMDA exams and a degree in Theatre and Performance studies.
During her four years at Guildford School of Acting, Alex took a children’s theatre show to the
Edinburgh Fringe festival and performed in many musicals. She has worked at different stage
schools, teaching all three disciplines as well as assisting with costume, lighting, sound and stage
make up.
Alex said: “I have been ‘Elsa’ at more birthday parties than I care to mention! While I love
performing, my passion has always been in teaching and theatre in education. The best part is
watching children come out of their shell and shine on stage, something I hope my own daughter
will do when she is old enough to join Footlights!”
The ethos of Footlights Bracknell is inclusivity and accessibility. Alex and Serena want to ensure all
children can join regardless of their background or experience. They offer affordable school fees and
flexible payment plans as well as the option to enrol at any time during the school year.
Serena said: “I was quiet and shy during my school years and only discovered the outlet of theatre in
my early twenties. I believe I’d have come ‘out of my shell’ much sooner if I’d been brave enough to
get involved in drama studies at a younger age. This has made me passionate about ensuring drama
is more accessible to all local children.”
The grand opening of Footlights Bracknell took place on Saturday 21 September 2024, at Brakenhale
School. Councillor Janet Cochrane, Deputy Mayor of Bracknell Forest attended the launch. She said:
“I attended the launch of the Footlights Theatre Group in Bracknell and enjoyed the performances
from children of various ages. I was amazed at the confidence of children from different age groups,
acting in front of an audience with only a few hours of rehearsal. I managed to speak to several of them and they were looking forward to future sessions. To become members of this theatre group will give children of all ages opportunities to express themselves, help build their confidence and make new friends.”
Individuals aged three to 18 years old are invited to join regardless of background or experience. Classes
run from 9:30am to 1pm and children are split into three age groups, with all groups taking part in
singing, dancing and acting sessions. To learn more about the school or to sign up, contact Alexandra
and Serena at Bracknell@footlightstheatre.co.uk
