Learning and Engagement Newsletter Autumn 2026
Summer productions
This summer Leeds Grand Youth Theatre (LGYT) and Leeds Actors In Training (LAIT) took to the stage with their annual productions, supported by The Keith Howard Foundation.
LGYT performed Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. We couldn’t be prouder of the cast of over 50, all aged between 8-18. The five show run was a huge success, including a captioned performance to make the production more accessible to our audiences.
Ballroom dancing in Beauty and the Beast. Credit Chris Coote
Wolf chase in Beauty and the Beast. Credit Chris Coote
Our company of 18-25-year-olds, LAIT, performed Medea, adapted and directed by Lizi Patch, at City Varieties Music Hall for two performances.
Alongside the performance, we hosted Medea workshops for Mount St Mary’s – the first school to book a performance. The workshops were led by Assistant Director Ashley Pekri. Students explored the text, recreated physical theatre techniques they had seen on stage, and worked with set pieces from the production to support their learning and understanding of the piece.
For young people interested in pursuing a career in performance, or want to give it a go, LAIT is a great opportunity to develop their skills, confidence and creative practice alongside industry professionals. The programme runs once a week during term-time in our studio and is designed to challenge and support young creatives in their development. LAIT can be attended alongside studying or working, making it a flexible option for young people looking to gain practical experience alongside their existing commitments.
We will be recruiting for the new term of LAIT soon.
The cast of LAIT Medea. Credit Chris Coote.
Careers spotlight
Are you looking for a practical way to support careers education in your school? Our range of careers workshops gives pupils the opportunity to discover the wide variety of careers involved in bringing a production to the stage. Workshops are available for different age groups and can be delivered either in school or at the theatre.
Where possible, workshops delivered at the theatre also include a complimentary backstage tour, which offers pupils the chance to see behind the scenes, discovering the people and processes that make a working theatre happen.
Primary World of Work
Years 4-6
Introduce your pupils to the world of work in theatre through a range of practical activities. Pupils will explore different theatre careers and take part in tasks inspired by the work that people in those roles might undertake on a day-to-day basis.
Find out more
Secondary World of Work
Years 7-9
Your pupils will discover the wide range of careers that make a theatre work, from programming to technical roles. Choose between a desk-based workshop or a practical session incorporating drama techniques, giving pupils the chance to explore the world of work in a way that suits them.
Find out more
Think Like a Producer
Years 10-13
What does it take to get a show from an idea to the stage? Working in teams, pupils will mock-produce a show of their choice, making creative decisions while balancing the financial choices. They’ll discover just how much work happens behind the scenes – before the audience even take their seats!
Find out more
After school drama clubs
Our after school drama clubs bring our experienced drama facilitators into your school for a weekly one-hour session across a half term.
Pupils will explore a range of drama techniques, developing their creativity, confidence and communication skills while discovering how drama can support them in their everyday school life.
Each half-term concludes with a sharing for parents and school staff, giving you the opportunity to see first-hand what pupils have been learning and creating.
Get in touch with the team at learning@leedsheritagetheatres.com to discover how an after school drama club can support your pupils’ creativity, confidence, and learning.
Children in uniform hold a tableau position with their arms in the air.
A group of primary schoolchildren work together for a tableau exercise.
Youth Forum
Do you have pupils aged 12–17 who are passionate about theatre?
Leeds Heritage Theatres’ Youth Forum is a group for young people with an interest in theatre. Members get the opportunity to go behind the scenes and learn how a working theatre is run, meet the people who make theatre happen, and watch shows at our venues. Youth Forum members also have the chance to influence decision-making at Leeds Heritage Theatres.
We’re currently recruiting new members. The group meets twice a month on a Tuesday evening, 5pm–6.30pm, at our venues.
Youth Forum in discussion. Credit Ben Fletcher
Leeds Heritage Theatres' Youth Forum. Credit Ben Fletcher
Unwrapped activities
Supported by The Keith Howard Foundation
LHT Unwrapped: Witches, Wizards and Theatre
Wed 28 October
Take part in spookified drama games, get creative with creepy crafts, and dive into our cursed costume collection. Designed for 6-8-year-olds, this fang-tastic activity day is a great boredom-buster for the school holidays.
Book now
LHT Unwrapped: Stage Fright (Play in a Day)
Thu 29 – Fri 30 October
Do you love telling ghost stories? Are you a fan of all things spooky? Then join us for a day of spooky short stories, which you will bring to life through drama and storytelling.
Book now
Leeds Heritage Theatres Engagement Fund
Every year, we work with over 10,000 young people across the city, in schools, youth groups and other sessions to help them build skills, confidence and pride through our creative learning and engagement programme. All donations to this fund will help us to continue our work and reach more people across the Leeds City Region.
