
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.
With a focus on developing a range of performance skills including improvisation, clowning, scene work, physicality 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
Meet LAIT Intensive’s guest artists.

Dawn Holgate 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 20yrs 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.
Website: Samkenyon.co.uk
Twitter: @ogleforth

James Knight is an actor and the artistic director of Clownspace, a Clown Community invested in failure of the highest quality.
Twitter: @JLKActor
Instagram: @clownspace
Facebook: facebook.com/ClownSpace

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 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’.
Website: dermotdaly.co.uk
Twitter: @dermot_daly
Watch the videos to hear past members of LAIT describe their experience.
“It has been a really enjoyable experience. Everyone has been very supportive of one another, creating an open and safe space. We are constantly learning from one another.”
LAIT member, 2019
Interested? Check back later in the year for more details of how you can get involved.