How Leeds is playing its part in finding and encourage new talent for the country’s creative industries

Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House, Northern Ballet and Phoenix Dance Theatre have all backed Discover! Creative Careers Week, which runs from today (November 18) to Friday, November 22.

Through practical activities, the young people will learn about skills that are required by the sector and take part in mock interviews to help prepare them for the world of work.

Catherine Hayward, Education Manager, said: “Our Learning Programme offers students the opportunity to engage with our heritage theatres and learn more about the wide range of jobs available in the sector (not just performance).

"This event has been opened up to students in Years 7 to 9 who have shown an interest in the Arts and creative subjects, and we hope that we will encourage more students to study creative subjects into Year 10 and beyond.”

Northern Ballet and Phoenix Dance Theatre are delivering a joint day of activity on Monday, November 18 at their building in Quarry Hill.

After an introduction to the two companies and a tour of the building, students from Leeds City College and Mount St Mary’s will have the opportunity to speak to a range of staff from both companies in a speed-dating style ‘Meet the Professionals’ session.

Staff will be from across a wide range of departments, including Communications, Front of House, Technical, Education and some of Phoenix’s professional company dancers. The students will also take part in a dance workshop led by both companies.

Leanne Kirkham, director of learning at Northern Ballet said: “Discover! Creative Careers is a great way for the creative industries to use our collective power to demonstrate how many exciting and diverse careers are available in the arts and cultural sector.”

“We are passionate about creating opportunities for local young people to find out about the range of opportunities in the arts, particularly in roles they may not have considered or even know exist. Discover! Week is a great vehicle for us to shine a light on those roles.”

An estimated forty thousand young people aged 11+ are expected to make visits to creative businesses as part of Discover! Creative Careers Week. Employers opening their doors range from advertising agencies, film studios, theatres, architect practices, museums, heritage properties, libraries and design studios.