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Leeds Young Actors and Creatives

18-25 Training Programme

Overview

This practical programme is for people aged 18 to 25 who want to develop their theatre skills, build creative confidence and make work with others. Participants will learn from experienced practitioners, explore different theatre disciplines and put their learning into practice in a supportive, collaborative environment.

The programme will bring together two connected cohorts: one focused on actor training and performance skills, and the other on theatre-making. Both groups will have dedicated skills sessions before coming together to generate, develop and share new creative work.

Pathways

The cast of Find A Partner stand with one fist raised above their heads and are shouting. The cast wear green boiler suits, apart from one man who wears a pink waist coat and pink leather jacket.

Leeds Actors in Training:

Actor Training and Performance Skills

This cohort is for emerging actors who want to strengthen their performance practice. Sessions will focus on core skills including voice, movement, character development, text work, ensemble performance, improvisation and confidence in the rehearsal room.

Actors sit, huddled around, focused in a deep and concerned conversation on a dimly lit stage.

Leeds Young Creatives:

Theatre-Making Pathway

This cohort is for emerging theatre-makers who want to explore how ideas become live performance. Participants will be introduced to areas including producing, directing and facilitation, set and costume design, technical and craft skills, programming, playwriting and dramaturgy.

Programme Schedule

Spring term – Performance Project: 5 January to 17 March 2027, with additional rehearsals in April.

Summer term – Advanced Skills: 23 April to 14 July 2027.

Autumn term: Join our 1-1 optional Alumni Mentorship Scheme for further support and guidance, or apply to join the 18-25 Programme for a second year.

Both groups will meet on Wednesday evenings from 6.45pm to 9pm, with a performance opportunity at the start of April 2027 (dates to be confirmed).

Applications and Information Session 

Applications are now open, with a recruitment workshop on the evening of 25 November 2026.

Apply via online form here. Deadline for applications is 10am, Wed 18 November 2026.

We will host an online information session from 5pm to 6pm on 6 November 2026.

If you have any questions or would like to sign up for the information session, please get in touch via learning@leedsheritagetheatres.com

Fees 

The programme costs £110 per term.

Free bursary places and subsidised places are available to ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation.

Previous shows

View all 12 images
A group of actors on stage crawl in a tight huddle and stretch out their hands towards the camera.
A young man in a tunic is on his knees, screaming. A group of women in flowy dresses are lit by a red glow in the background.
On stage, a group of performers stand still, wearing matching flowy beige trousers and linen shirts, in front of hanging sheets of white fabric.
The cast of Find A Partner stand with one fist raised above their heads and are shouting. The cast wear green boiler suits, apart from one man who wears a pink waist coat and pink leather jacket.

Since launching in 2018, our young actors from LAIT have put on performances and productions across Leeds Grand Theatre Studio, City Varieties Music Hall and Seven Arts in Chapel Allerton.

Explore our gallery of photos for a taste of our past productions.

“I believe LAIT has been fundamental to me as an actor. It has allowed me to grow not only as an artist but as a person too.”

Natasha Hudson, LAIT alumnus

A headshot of Natasha Hudson

Credit: Chris Coote