Learning and Engagement Newsletter Spring 2026
Autumn highlights
This autumn, we welcomed schools through our partnerships.
Upper Batley High brought Year 7 and 8 students for a Grand Theatre tour and a World of Work workshop exploring theatre careers. Year 4 pupils from St. Oswald’s learned about spotlights and sound effects, following last year’s school visit. Trinity Academy Leeds continued its long-standing partnership, with Year 7 students taking part in workshops and creating marketing plans for shows.
Oulton Academy visit. Credit Ant Robling
Careers in the creative industry panel
Grand Futures
In November, the Grand Futures network hosted creative careers panels at Leeds Art Gallery, including one with Playhouse Young Company, giving pupils the chance to speak with industry experts. They also joined workshops on drama techniques for interviews and applying to drama schools, led by Imogen (Learning & Engagement Officer) and Aaron from Leeds Conservatoire.
Grand Futures, chaired by Leeds Heritage Theatres, connects arts, heritage, and education organisations to raise awareness of creative careers, expand training opportunities, and create flexible approaches to work experience and volunteering.
Nightingale Primary School
Last term we worked closely with a group of Year 4 and 5s at Nightingale Primary School in an after school drama club. The group enjoyed learning fundamental drama skills and a tour of The Grand, plus a trip to the pantomime at The Varieties.
We are excited to continue theatre club with Nightingale Primary School; this term, the pupils are learning leadership skills through drama. The term will conclude with a sharing to parents/guardians where they demonstrate their learning.
Nightingale's trip to The Grand. Credit Ben Fletcher
Students from Temple Moor High School 'team picture' during Dear England workshops. Credit Aaron Cawood
Dear England
Subsidised tickets meant that 900 students saw the production of Dear England at The Grand – for many, this was their first visit to a theatre. The following week, a facilitator from both Leeds Heritage Theatres and the National Theatre visited seven schools across Leeds to deliver eight workshops, engaging with 240 students who had previously watched the production.
In the workshop, the students were encouraged to think about their future, drawing on the themes of Dear England and Gareth Southgate’s leadership.
Workshops
Check out these exciting workshops, with clear national curriculum links these workshops will aid classroom learning and wow your pupils. Our workshops can be delivered at the theatre or in school. Workshops delivered at the theatre include a tour of the venues.
Panto Playbook
Tickets are already on-sale for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto (2026-27), so why not get ahead for next year and book a Panto Playbook workshop to enhance your pupil’s experience? Get in touch for more information.
World of Work – primary edition
Learn all about working for a theatre and how our venues operate as a modern business. Your pupils will undertake job specific tasks, including programming, marketing and even designing a show!
Book now
Ancient Greeks vs Victorians
Explore the similarities and differences between the two eras from the history national curriculum. Pupils will learn Ancient Greek performance techniques and develop an understanding of the Ancient Greek influence on our Victorian venues through our tours.
Book now
Careers in the Creative Industry Network
Projection room tour. Credit Daniel Johnson
Meet us at Leeds Grand Theatre on Wed 21 January from 3.30pm – 5pm for the Careers in the Creative Industries Network.
Bringing together creative professionals and career leaders in educational settings.
To reserve your place, click on the link below.
After school drama clubs
Our drama clubs use fun, performance-based games and exercises – led by industry professionals – to help young people build confidence, express themselves, and celebrate individuality.
The weekly, hour-long sessions (for up to 15 children) are designed to support a young person’s development in the areas of wellbeing, communication and teamwork. Sessions cost £120*.
Running for either a half or full term, the drama clubs will culminate in a sharing for parents to attend and see first-hand the development of their child’s drama skills.
*We can offer a free taster session and a 50% discount to schools in our target wards (£60 per session).
Children in uniform hold a tableau position with their arms in the air.
A group of primary schoolchildren work together for a tableau exercise.
Leeds Heritage Theatres’ Youth Forum
This is a youth-led forum (aged 12-17) empowering young people to explore theatre, influence decision-making, and help shape the future of the theatre.
Meeting twice a month on Tuesday evenings, 5pm – 6.30pm, participants have the opportunity to go behind the scenes, meet the people who make theatre happen, watch shows at our venues and influence decision-making at Leeds Heritage Theatres.
We are currently recruiting for new members to join our existing cohort; if any of our pupils would be interested in getting involved please ask them to complete this application pack with their parent/guardian.
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.
