Heritage and Learning Programme
With the support of the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House has been able to embark on an ambitious learning and interpretation programme to explore the theatre’s Victorian heritage.
Offering a wide variety of tours, talks, workshops, projects, open days, exhibitions, skills development, INSET training and performances, the first year of the learning programme has already seen 7257 young people, community groups and professionals engage with the theatre’s fascinating story.
A Grand Celebration!
To celebrate our 130th birthday the Grand Theatre recently hosted a week long exhibition in our newly refurbished Emerald Grand Hall, which attracted 1352 visitors. Long hidden archive material, display panels, objects and costumes took visitors on a journey through the theatre’s 130 years of rich Victorian heritage. Oral histories, previously recorded at our Heritage Open Day were also exhibited, ensuring we continue to celebrate what the theatre means for people today. If you are interested in exploring the theatre’s archives further please click here
Heritage Open Days
As part of the Heritage Open day run by English Heritage, the Grand Theatre opens its doors once a year for members of the public to explore life behind the scenes. Open Days are an exciting opportunity to find out what happens on the fly floor, have a go at lighting the stage, participate in workshops, watch rehearsals and listen to talks. This is a perfect day out for all the family. The date of this year's Heritage Open Day is Sunday 12 September.
Projects Performing Success
Following on from the successful Backstage Past Project, Backstage Past II has seen young people from Drighlington Primary School engage with the Grand Theatre’s restoration and respond creatively. Tracking the developments of the building site alongside Laing O' Rouke and delving into the theatre’s archives at the Central Library and West Yorkshire Archives, pupils were able to learn about the theatre’s Victorian heritage. Inspired by their research they responded with an innovative and very lively performance shown at the theatre during our 130th anniversary celebrations.
"A wonderful experience that my daughter will never forget"
Pupils from Ingram Road Primary School involved in the Hidden Leeds Project also took to the stage at South Leeds Stadium before Christmas showcasing their research which compared Leeds Grand Theatre with the Town Hall. Parents and carers witnessed the young people recreating opening ceremonies, royal visits, and an impression of the venues today, as characters from past and present were brought to life.
Working in partnership with Northern Ballet Theatre and ArtForms the Grand Theatre recently hosted the START Project’s launch event introducing teachers from 14 participating primary and secondary schools to the theatre. As part of the project 510 young people have taken part in workshops and attended a performance of The Nutcracker. The project continues with further workshops and theatre visits throughout February and March.
An exciting new project called Footsteps is currently being developed with the White Rose Learning Centre, the Town Hall and Leeds Grand Theatre. This is being funded by the Find Your Talent programme, a government initiative designed to engage young people with culture, for which Leeds is a national Pathfinder. The project will see young people working alongside a professional photographer, actor, marketing officers and cultural officers to create and promote innovative heritage trails around Leeds.
To find out more about the Heritage and Learning Programme please contact Rachel Moyise, Learning Manager on 0113 2456014 or email Rachel.moyise@leedsgrandtheatre.com or Alex Dalton, Assistant Learning Manager alex.dalton@leedsgrandtheatre.com