Delve into the colourful past, and hear about the dazzling present and exciting future of Northern Ireland's oldest Theatre

Led by one of our knowledgeable Customer Experience Assistants, a Theatre tour gives you the chance to see the incredible results of the restoration of this iconic building, and explore the fascinating story of the Grand Opera House’s rich and colourful history.

Follow in the footsteps of Charlie Chaplin, Luciano Pavarotti and Darcey Bussell by walking out onto the iconic stage; see what happens behind the scenes during a show, and explore the symbolism and meaning of the gods, elephants, stars and other stunning architectural features inside Frank Matcham's auditorium.

Theatre Tours last between 45 minutes and an hour, and tour participants also have exclusive access to the Heritage Exhibition for 30 minutes before their tour start time.

Next available date: 28 June 2025

Study Production Arts (Technical Theatre & Stage Management) at University Centre Leeds

Launch your backstage career with our Production Arts Foundation Degree specialising in Technical Theatre and Stage Management. This course will train you in all aspects of lighting, sound, video, and stage management.

Our amazing facilities are sponsored by AC Entertainment Technologies ensuring you will be trained on the latest equipment with brands such as ETC, Allen & Heath, Chroma-Q, and Martin Audio installed in our 200 capacity venue.

An exciting partnership with Leeds Heritage Theatres means you will be trained by industry professionals during lessons in venues such as City Varieties Music Hall and Leeds Grand Theatre getting hands on with lighting, sound and flying systems.

Ignite your creativity with Ideas Lab, a vibrant space for early-career artists and musicians to connect, skill-share, collaborate, and create

Ideas Lab invites you to share your creative ideas and exchange your creative skills in a supportive environment. Whether you're looking to refine your craft, dream up your next big project, or find fresh inspiration, Ideas Lab is the place to make it happen. Come as you are, bring your ideas, and leave with new skills, resources, and connections to fuel your artistic journey.

Facilitated by Creative Futures producer and performance artist, Eli Lewis.

Tuesday 27 May, 6pm - 8pm
The Courts, Bridewell St, Bristol BS1 2QD
Ticket: FREE!

Join live artist and producer Kit Hall for this free workshop exploring how rest, care and community can support you when times get tough as a creative freelancer

This workshop invites you to think about what you need as an artist to do your best work, and shares how you can reshape your communication, collaboration and work so you can hold yourself and others with more care within your practice.

Soft Slow Power will explore:

Tuesday 20 May, 6pm - 7:30pm

The Courts, Bridewell St, Bristol BS1 2QD

Ticket: FREE! 

Find networking a bit fake and awkward? Want to connect with arts organisations, but not sure how? Join award-winning performance artist and producer Eli Lewis for Making Connections.

This workshop offers early-career artists and musicians new ways of connecting with arts organisations that feel less forced and more human. Making Connections offers a guide to developing your own way to confidently rep yourself and your work, as well as tips on how to grow partnerships with arts organisations and collaborators.

Plus, it’s all in a relaxed, supportive environment where you can come together with other artists to share ideas.

Tuesday 13 May, 6pm - 8pm
The Courts, Bridewell St, Bristol BS1 2QD
Ticket: FREE!

ABTT's Apprenticeship Network is free to join!

The purpose of this group is to:

This group in open to current, future and past Apprentices.

Have you watched Glastonbury on TV or been to a live festival? Or how about a venue to watch a band or some theatre? Have you been to a fancy hotel for a wedding or function? All of these events, plus many more, are planned, set up, and run by professionals working in a wide range of jobs.

MUTI provides accessible pathways into dynamic careers in Events and Live Arts through paid apprenticeships training with top-end employers in the South West region.

Two types of apprenticeships are currently available:

If you would like to know more about MUTI's training and apprenticeships please contact them through the webpage linked below.

These pathways are tailored for emerging Directors, Choreographers, Musical Directors, Designers, Lighting Designers, Stage Managers, Wardrobe Assistants and Technicians aged 16 to 23 who are in training or recently graduated from Higher Education.

Applications are open for 2025. There is £25 application fee which gives access to preparatory online sessions, offering skill building and group mentorship. Following these sessions you will have the opportunity to apply for a specific role on a production.

The Production Services Association (PSA) is thrilled to announce an exciting new initiative launching in January 2025: the PSA Training Bursary Scheme, developed in collaboration with Precision Broking Ltd and AXA Insurance.

The training bursary scheme comes in part as a response to some of the ongoing challenges the live industry faces, which were highlighted in a member survey earlier this year. Skills shortage is currently a key issue for the industry, and the top request from members was to be able to access more training opportunities.

This scheme aims to support PSA members by covering some of the costs associated with essential training programmes tailored to the production and live events industry. A total of £25,000 has been allocated to the fund for 2025, and applicants can request funding for up to 25% of the course cost, with a maximum claim amounting to £250.

"The PSA acknowledge the importance of professional development and encourages applications for courses that complement the roles and competencies of our members." Liz Madden, PSA Co-chair said: “This could include comprehensive training in key technical areas like lighting, sound, rigging, AV, special effects, stage automation, and other vital systems that support the smooth operation of live events and the production services sector. It could also include nationally recognised training for improving physical or mental health in the UK, supporting your overall well-being in a high-stress industry, or accredited safety training offered by reputable industry bodies to ensure you are fully equipped with the newest safety protocols and practices."

Tom Rees, Co-chair, added; “This scheme would not be possible without the generosity of our donors. Our goal is to help our members enhance their skills, broaden their professional network, and uplift the overall standards within our industry. This is a fantastic opportunity for members to invest in their future, cultivate their expertise, and elevate their careers in the dynamic world of production and live events!”

Applications open on 6 January 2025 through a straightforward application form on PSA's website, making it easy to access and take advantage of these training opportunities.

Successful completion of this course not only prepares you for employment within the music industry but also provides an excellent grounding to go on to a more advanced course such as our Level 3 in Music Performance or Music Technology.

If music performance, or music sequencing and production, DJing, or sound production and recording are your thing, then look no further! This course will develop your music technology and or performance skills in order to follow a route that could lead to a career in the music industry or study at a higher level. If you’re willing to work hard and strive to succeed, then this course will give you the valuable skills needed to do just that within the music industry.

Music Technology: During this extended certificate course you will cover music sequencing and production, DJ skills, sound production and recording, music production and remixing techniques, and learn about working in the music industry. Music Performance: Throughout this one year extended certificate course you will study a variety of music performance skills as well as an introduction to music technology units. These include working in the music industry, music for performance, music ensemble skills, music sequencing and production, song writing skills and rehearsal skills

Fees: £2,583.00

Full-time courses are fully funded for 16 to 18-year-olds. For age 19+, various funding options are available.

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