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.
Overview
LAIT is a year-long training course with sessions taking place once a week on a Wednesday evening. Founded in 2018, LAIT was developed in response to a call from young people interested in an acting career who were looking for high-quality skills development opportunities and an alternative to the traditional (and prohibitively expensive) drama school route.
The 2026/27 course will be run by our Youth Theatre Programme Director with a range of visiting artists supporting the training throughout the year, helping to prepare participants to take their first steps into the industry.
“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
Credit: Chris Coote
Interested?
Audition workshops and applications for our next LAIT course will go live in October with training beginning in November.
If you have questions, please get in touch.
The cast of The Maladies. Credit: Ant Robling
Previous shows
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.
Leeds Heritage Theatres Learning and 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.