Skill Up in Theatre and Performance

2022 participants taking part in a digital technologies workshop

‘Skill Up in Theatre and Performance’ is our programme for Year 12 students interested in finding out more about life as a Theatre and Performance undergraduate as well as the career opportunities that our course can offer.

Our Theatre and Performance course is a dynamic combination of practical and theoretical study, and through our two-day campus experience on 4^th and 5^th April, participants will experience academic sessions including lectures and workshops reflective of this diverse curriculum. Sessions are developed and delivered by academics from the School of Performance and Cultural Industries and are all hosted in the University’s contemporary performance space, stage@leeds.

The programme is designed to support participants in developing the vital theatre and performance skills, critical thinking and analytical skills that will support their transition to university. They will be joined and supported by our welcoming Student Ambassadors, who will answer questions all about university life and studying in Leeds, and gain a comprehensive understanding of what life is really like for a theatre and performance student.

They will also have the chance to get to know each other during our social activity at Leeds Playhouse, the largest producing theatre in the north and may get the opportunity to book discounted tickets to see Lord of the Flies on the evening of the 4^th April.

Last year we had the best time with the students on Skill Up – it was such a enlightening experience for them to work directly with lecturers, specialists and industry professionals. I wish I’d had this opportunity when I was going to University, as I wouldn’t have spent years trying to figure out what I wanted to do for my career!

– Amy Lancelot, Leeds Playhouse

Skill Up in Theatre and Performance programme and dates for your calendar

On-campus Taster Day – 4th April, 09:15-15:30 (optional social activity at Leeds Playhouse 15:30-18:30)
On-campus Taster Day – 5th April, 09:30-15:45
Online session (Alumni panel) – 18th April, 16:30-17:30
Online session (Personal statement workshop) – 25th April 16:30-17:30

Last year's programme

Here's a taster of some of the sessions and activities that were delivered at the our campus event last year.

Writing for Theatre session

What does it mean to write for theatre today and how do you create great characters? Enjoy a series of creative exercises that will get you going, whether you are interested in devised theatre or more traditional plays. Explore writing with Dr Adam Strickson, our Senior Teaching Fellow in Theatre and Writing, who has written many fascinating scripts, ranging from plays for intimate studio theatre performance to outdoor spectacles for thousands of people.

Directing and Devising - One Day, Maybe...

What will you discover through studying theatre and performance at University? What might a typical day involve - which practitioners will inspire you, what will you do, read and discuss? Led by Alison Andrews, Teaching Fellow in Contemporary Performance Practices, this will be a practical workshop, introducing some directions your studies in Theatre and Performance might take and exploring the skills you will need to develop as both a director and a performer for the devising process.

Studying Theatre and Performance at the University of Leeds

Find out all about studying our courses, the different modules you choose, entry requirements and our contextual admissions scheme Access to Leeds.

Ambassador Q&A

Our Ambassador Q&A will give you an insight into life as a undergraduate student. How did they choose their course? Where did they live in their first year? Do they have part-time jobs? Find out everything you need to know!

As Head of School of Performance and Cultural Industries, I’m delighted to see our Skill Up in Theatre and Performance programme come together for 2023. There is no shortage of exciting things on offer, and the collaboration with Leeds Playhouse, a long-standing friend and partner of the school, just adds to that sense of excitement. We have been offering a version of this programme for a number of years now, and the participants are always so positive about the experiences they have had. It is also a great opportunity for our colleagues in the School to share their expertise and skills, with the next generation of theatre and performance artists and professionals.

– Professor Jonathan Pitches, Head of School of Performance and Cultural Industries