Secondary

Theatre-based workshops for older students

Leeds Playhouse has a history of working with secondary schools and colleges, building long-term partnerships to ensure that drama continues to have a solid place within and across the curriculum.

For the ease of teachers, we try to indicate where our workshops fit within the particular scheme of work or exam requirements. Find out more about our workshops for KS3, KS4 and KS5 below.

Workshops

STEM
This cross-curricular day allows students to see for themselves how different departments collaborate to build a production from conception to on-stage reality. Incorporating maths, physics, design technology, art, literature, performing arts, and drama and theatre studies, this day will help them to see the real life application of curriculum subjects.
- KS3, KS4 and KS5
- At the Playhouse only
Backstage Tours
Led by our Creative Engagement Team, tours can be tailored for groups of all ages. We will take you behind the scenes of the Playhouse to learn more about working in a theatre and share the secrets of how productions make it from page to stage.
- KS3, KS4 and KS5
- At the Playhouse only
Exploring Costume
Discover more about Leeds Playhouse’s wealth of costumes by visiting our extensive collection and learning how fashions and costumes have changed over time.
- KS3, KS4 and KS5
- At the Playhouse only
Set Design
Delivered by a professional designer, these workshops offer an exclusive insight into this creative process. Adaptable from basic introduction to deeper and more detailed understanding.
- KS3, KS4 and KS5
- At the Playhouse only
Industry Days
Students will gain a unique insight into the day-to-day workings of Leeds Playhouse. A backstage tour will be followed by a ‘speed dating’ session with select members of Playhouse staff from a variety of departments.
- KS3, KS4 and KS5
- At the Playhouse only
Creative Literacy Workshop
Bring a text to life with a range of techniques to support literacy, analytical and theatrical skills. Based on your classroom text, this workshop is tailored to the specific Key Stage and curriculum or exam requirements, and can produce a variety of outcomes.
- KS3 and KS4
- At the Playhouse or at school
Drama and Theatre Studies Skills Workshop
Devising
Aid your GCSE and A-level students with the challenging task of creating their own performances. They will learn to find and use different types of stimuli in the world around them, and to work collaboratively as a team.

Physical Theatre
As an introduction to the genre, this workshop will explore the possibility of students using their bodies, rather than dialogue. A popular style with exam classes, many students cherish the opportunity to practise different techniques they have seen on stage.

Masks/Puppets
A growing style of theatre, rising in popularity, this full day workshop allows students the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the basic techniques required to make and use their own masks and puppets.

Live Theatre Production
To aid you students in their preparation for the Live Theatre Production part of their exams, we offer short pre-show workshops that allow students to understand the aims of one of our productions. We will look at a range of aspects from designers and directors communicating with the audience, to the effectiveness of individual performances.
- KS4 and KS5
- At the Playhouse or at school (except for Live Theatre Production, which is only at the Playhouse)

How to Book Workshops

To book or enquire about our creative education workshops, please contact Creative Engagement via email at creativeeducation@leedsplayhouse.org.uk, or by phone on 0113 213 7204.

The below prices are for one class, of a size of approx. 30 students.

1 hour	£100 (+ VAT)
Half day (2 hours)	£180 (+ VAT)
Full day (4 hours)	£340 (+ VAT)
Behind the Scenes	£150 (+ VAT)
Bespoke projects	Priced per project

How to Book Show Tickets

If you would like to make a school booking for a show in one of our theatres, please call 0113 213 7700 or email groups@leedsplayhouse.org.uk to make a booking.

Discounts

School prices vary according to each production, and the range is listed on each web page. To help you manage your visit we offer one FREE staff seat for every nine students booked. Schools tickets are only available in limited numbers and for Monday to Friday. You are still welcome to book once this limit is reached, but the standard discount rates will apply.

Age Recommendation

Age Recommendation is assessed according to the complexity and sensitivity of issues, images, sexual references and strength of language used in both West Yorkshire Playhouse Productions and Touring Productions. Any sensitive content is highlighted in our main brochure, but we do encourage schools to call our box office with any specific concerns or questions regarding sensitive material in the productions.

Take note…

We strongly discourage students from taking notes during performances at West Yorkshire Playhouse. Please encourage your students to fully enjoy their theatre experience by focusing completely on the action on stage. They can then jot down any notes immediately after the performance.