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A group of actors pose for the camera during a production of Truth

Leeds Actors in Training

Leeds Actors in Training (LAIT) is a studio-based vocational programme for young people, aged 18-25 years, to challenge and develop their performance skills alongside industry-leading professionals.

Founded in 2018, LAIT was developed in response to a call from young people interested in an acting career, looking for alternative high-quality training and skills development opportunities to the traditional (and prohibitively expensive) drama school route. The year-long course, run by professional, working artists, was designed to develop participants vocally, physically, and imaginatively, encouraging an independent and in-depth approach to a career within the theatre industry.

With a focus performance skills, including improvisation, clowning, scene work and audition prep, the programme is a perfect training ground for those taking their first steps in the industry.

In previous years, LAIT has performed in the Studio at Leeds Grand Theatre and Seven Arts in Chapel Allerton.

“Not only has LAIT allowed me to grow as an actor and develop new skills, it has given me further confidence in everyday life.”

LAIT member, 2019

Hear what LAIT members have to say…

Adan

Sophie

Bradley

LAIT Intensive

LAIT Intensive a series of free online masterclasses run by professional artists and overseen by LAIT and Leeds Grand Youth Theatre Director, Lizi Patch.

This month’s course is fully booked but check back here for news on further courses.

Meet our guest artists…

Lizi Patch sat crossed legged

Lizi Patch. Lizi is Artistic Director of Leeds Grand Youth Theatre and LAIT, as well as a playwright, dramaturg and artist. Recent credits include: Brief Lives (BBC Radio 4, guest writer, produced by Gary Brown); Punching The Sky (ACE Funded, writer, performer), a collaboration with partners the Lowry, Live Theatre and Leeds Playhouse – Northern Tour ending at Soho Theatre in London as part of A Nation’s Theatre Festival; Down To Zero (ACE funded, writer) which ran for two weeks at the Alphabetti Theatre in Newcastle and won several awards, including Best North East Fringe Award and Best Actor (British Theatre Guide, Best of the North East). She is currently working as a dramaturg with Bobak Champion on his autobiographical play I’m Muslamic Don’t Panic.

Lizi also paints from her North Yorkshire home and over lockdown has started successfully selling her work.

Twitter: @lizipatch

Dawn Holgate directing members of Leeds Grand Youth Theatre

Dawn Holgate. Dawn is Course Leader for the Foundation Dance Degree at Leeds City College. She is also an avid community dance practitioner in Leeds and across the East Riding of Yorkshire, where she currently coordinates 11 youth dance groups and is the Artistic Director of the East Riding Youth Dance County Company.

Dawn is currently studying for her Master’s Degree in Choreography at Leeds Beckett University and her interests lie in themes associated with cultural and personal identity and community dance.

Twitter: @DawnDH29

Sam Kenyon. Sam’s previous projects have included writing the music for RSC’s Midsummer Night’s Dream: A Play for the Nation and his own full-length show Miss Littlewood.

Sam has over 20 years experience as a singing teacher for professional singers and actors. He’ll be sharing his top tips with our young people to keep our voices healthy and strong.

Twitter: @ogleforth

Website: samuelkenyon.co.uk

 

Man dressed as a clown

James Lewis-Knight. James is an Actor and Artistic Director of Clown Space, a theatre company with the mission to develop local artists and help them hone their skills in Clowning, Mask Work and Physical Theatre. Forming Clown Space led him to working with York St John University to develop and teach the Theatre module ‘Funny Bones’. Since then, he has collaborated with various organisations and companies such as Next Door But One, Concrete Youth and Night Light Creative Arts, delivering workshops, creating shows and developing R&Ds.

Twitter: @JLKActor

Instagram: @clownspace

Facebook: facebook.com/ClownSpace

Dermot Daly at City Varieties Music Hall

Dermot Daly. Dermot is an actor, director, dramaturge, filmmaker and lecturer. As an actor he has, and continues to work, with some amazing people and companies across media. As a director he is interested in new writing, new voices, accessibility, and making work that says something about who we are now and what we could be in the future. He is a senior lecturer at Leeds Conservatoire and faculty member of ALRA. He is co-creative lead of film company Chocolate Bear’ a creative associate of the Geraldine Connor Foundation, and associate artist of both Freedom Studios and Arts at the Arms.

Twitter: @dermot_daly

Website: dermotdaly.co.uk