Leeds Heritage Theatres – where every seat tells a story. Find out more about how you can name a seat at one of our venues.

A close up shot of two young people laughing.

Learning Newsletter Autumn 2022

Summer Term highlights

Leeds Conservatoire Workshops

In August we welcomed students from Leeds Conservatoire Summer School programme who were considering their options for higher education. The students, some from Leeds, others from as far afield as Washington DC and Thailand, explored Leeds Grand Theatre and the set of Jersey Boys, then took part in a Performance Skills and Creative Careers workshop.

A picture of a young person sat, laughing looking up at the camera.

Credit Kerry Maule

Young girl, centre frame, sat on the floor of the studio, smiling.

Credit Kerry Maule

“I wanted to say a huge thank you to you and the team for a fabulous inspiring morning. They couldn’t stop talking about it and it worked brilliantly for all of them.” Head of Leeds Junior Conservatoire

Upcoming sessions

Trinity Academy Leeds return

We’re delighted to be continuing our partnership with Trinity Academy Leeds. Last year, every year-7 student took part in educational activities with us, including tours of our historic venues, Creative Careers workshops, and even panto skills events.

This year we will be welcoming the new year-7 cohort to our venues. The school will be visiting us five times across the next academic year and will be learning all about what working in the creative industries is like. They will work with the Learning and Engagement team, as well as getting to speak to other staff members from around the organisation about the experience of working for our venues.

Young people sat in theatre seats on the balcony looking around the theatre.

Credit Kerry Maule

A close up of young people sat in theatre seats.

Credit: Kerry Maule

Corpus Christi After School Club

This year, we will also be working with Corpus Christi Catholic Primary School running after-school drama sessions. The school’s unique timetable means that all students engage with enrichment activities as part of their school day, and we are delighted to be able to deliver a programme of work as part of this. Students will have the opportunity to learn creative skills, including playwriting, direction, and technical. These sessions will be starting in October and running throughout the year.

A close up shot of a young person standing on stage with their hand powerfully across their front.

Credit Chris Coote Photography

A close up shot of young people performing on stage. They are looking up.

Credit Chris Coote Photography

Panto workshops

Dick Whittington Rock n Roll Panto Title Treatment

It’s that time of year again (Oh, no it isn’t! Oh, yes it is!)

To coincide with this year’s City Varieties Rock ‘n’ Roll Pantomime, Dick Whittington, the Learning and Engagement team is delighted to be able to offer Panto Skills workshops to schools in Leeds.

These workshops look at the history of pantomime, how it has developed into the traditional Christmas show, the characters that make-up the story, and will culminate in students creating their very own mini pantomimes.

Delivered at one of our venues or in school, these workshops are a great way to learn more about one of theatre’s great Christmas traditions. If you’re interested in booking a workshop, please contact us via our enquiry form.

Book now

Opportunities

Close up of a young girl on stage at City Varieties Music Hall, smiling to the right of the camera.

World of Work 

Everything in theatre doesn’t just happen on stage. Join us in June for our World of Work  workshops, designed for students who have a passion for theatre, but do not wish to pursue the life of a performer.

Make a booking enquiry

Poster for Les Miserables showing an illustration of a young Cosette wearing a black beret standing in front of a red flag.

Production Uncovered

Join us for our Production Uncovered workshops to explore this production of Les Misérables, through its journey from conception to performance. We are also offering Production Uncovered workshops for the upcoming National Theatre Live screenings of Othello and The Crucible.

Make a booking enquiry

Two boys in the stage of City Varieties Music Hall, smiling off camera.

Workshops and Tours 

At Leeds Heritage Theatres we offer a range of workshop and tour opportunities for schools and young people to get involved, from KS1 – KS4.

Find out more

The Adventurer’s Code

Catherine Hayward sat in an auditorium chair at City Varieties

Catherine Hayward at City Varieties. Credit Yorkshire Post

As the new school year rolls in, Education Manager, Catherine Hayward, reflects on what September means to her, our Learning and Engagement Programme, and the skills, creativity and optimism young people develop through theatre.

Read more

LGYT’s Imaginary

Our young cast of 50 once again took to the City Varieties stage by storm this summer with the beautiful and inspiring musical Imaginary – a tale about the wonder of childhood, the power of the imagination and what it means to grow up.

Working with a professional production team, including Artistic Director, Lizi Patch, Musical Director, Pete Rosser, Choreographer Dawn Holgate, plus our our own theatre technicians, the cast performed three shows to delighted audiences.

As a relatively new show, young people were given much more autonomy over their characters. Our Group 1 members designed their own imaginary friend characters that were realised on stage.

Young people in wild costumes dancing on stage.

Credit Chris Coote Photography

“A couple sitting next to me who were there ‘just to see a show’ were really impressed, and asked if the kids had done opera because of the quality of the ‘head voice singing’. They said they will keep an eye out for the LGYT show next year.”
LGYT parent

“It was excellent. I got quite emotional and teary-eyed at the end. A professional performance.” Audience member