Introducing Footlights

Footlights

Download a Membership Form

Lancaster Footlights

Lancaster Footlights was founded as a thriving amateur drama group in the 1920’s and has always taken a professional approach to its work.   They purchased the theatre in 1951 from ABC Cinemas and over the years have evolved from solely an amateur theatre group to one which now hosts a wide range of both community and professional shows, still producing its own high quality theatrical  performances. The theatre is held under a trust arrangement under charity number 1198714 named “Lancaster Footlights & Grand Theatre” which is an Incorporated Charitable Organisation (CIO). We currently employ an Operations Support Team  of three paid staff who manage the programme and market all the community and professional acts, many of which involve nationally known names.

Acting and back stage support

Footlights currently produces four plays each year in the Grand Theatre including a traditional Christmas pantomime and a “family production” in the June, both specifically aimed at family enjoyment.

In addition to performances in the Grand Theatre, “Studio Footlights” also stages productions from time to time at local smaller venues so the range of productions is very wide with the aim of staging something to appeal to every taste.  Auditions for our performances are advertised on this web site, in our monthly newsletter and on Facebook.  We are always looking for new faces and fresh ideas and talents.

Front of House Support

For those who do not want to act or do back stage work, there are numerous Footlights members and other volunteers who enjoy volunteering as Front of House (FoH) Staff assisting the public at performances or serving refreshments in our two coffee bars

Just joining Footlights to support the theatre

Some people join Footlights but do not actually take part in the above support activities.  Their support is welcome and they are able to keep up to date with what is going on at the theatre.

What does membership provide?

All members receive a monthly newsletter which keeps them informed of impending productions, auditions, and activities as well as more general news.  Full membership costs just £15 per year for adults and £10 for juniors and students.  We have a large membership who get involved with running the theatre, acting, building sets , backstage assistance and front-of-house cover.  Why not come and join us?   You’d be very welcome.  The benefits of joining Footlights include:

  • Receipt of personal copy of the newsletter – Footnote by email (or a paper copy at £6 per annum to cover costs)
  • Opportunities to act in performances
  • Opportunities to be part of the front of house team
  • Voting status at the AGM
  • A great place to make new friends at this thriving theatre.

Membership form

Please print out a membership form from this website (see button above) or contact the box office for a membership application form.

New and existing members can contact our Membership Secretary via email: members@lancastergrand.co.uk

Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/lancasterfootlights or on twitter: @lancfootlights

Saturday morning Coffee Bar in the Foyer

You can drop in between 10.30 and 12.00 noon to meet existing  members and drink Atkinson’s acclaimed coffee, tea or hot chocolate on the same dates as the monthly theatre tours shown under the “Theatre Tours” tab at the foot of this page.   Non members are welcome.  Please make yourself known as a prospective new member.  You will be very welcome.

Contact us

New and existing members can contact our Membership Secretary via email on: members@lancastergrand.co.uk

Footlights events / shows

Auditions for “Ladies’ Day”!

Are you interested in auditioning for the Lancaster Footlights’ production of “Ladies’ Day” by Amanda Whittington?

Auditions will be held at 7.30 pm on

Tuesday January 2nd and Wednesday January 3rd at the Grand Theatre in Lancaster.

The production will take place at The Grand Theatre from Tuesday 19th March to Saturday 22nd March 2024.

Details on the auditions page