“A group of young people standing on a theatre stage during a rehearsal or workshop, viewed from the auditorium with rows of empty seats in the foreground.”

Tours and talks at Lawrence Batley Theatre - Opportunities to inspire the next generation of artists, audiences and creatives.

2026 January 23

Did you know we offer tours and workshops for primary and secondary schools?

Tours and talks

At Lawrence Batley Theatre, we are enthusiastic about inspiring young lives. School visits are a fantastic way to inspire creativity, increase aspiration and provide a fun and educational day away from school!

We offer the opportunity to step inside a working theatre, housed inside a beautiful building with heaps of history. Pupils are invited to meet professionals and learn about their career journeys, demystify creative careers and show there are real opportunities in the arts.

Students seated in a theatre auditorium listening to staff standing at the front of the stage during a school visit or workshop.

Many young people are unaware of the variety of jobs within the creative industries. A theatre is a workplace for multiple skillsets from performing to planning. A backstage visit highlights the huge range of roles involved in theatre, many of which pupils may never have considered before. Pupils discover that creative careers extend far beyond performing.

Meeting theatre staff and learning about their roles helps pupils connect their own interests and skills to real-world jobs. It shows them that creativity, teamwork, and technical skills can lead to meaningful and sustainable careers.

“The tour was brilliant. The children loved it and back at school they showed that they learnt lots by writing a summary of what they now know about the heritage of the building and theatre. We really appreciate the effort of your team and how you made us all feel so welcome.” Year 5 Teacher

Workshops

Workshops are designed to promote teamwork, build transferrable skills, and introduce young people to a theatre workshop in a professional setting. Through practical activities such as movement, storytelling, improvisation, and creative problem-solving, pupils learn by actively taking part. The activities encourage pupils to explore different perspectives, develop self-belief, and feel a sense of achievement all within an inclusive and supportive setting. Pupils may discover a learning environment that is suited to their style of learning. Workshops can link directly to curriculum topics while also nurturing imagination and independent thinking.

We are proud to be a welcoming, inclusive space where young people can learn the value of creativity and feel inspired. By inviting schools into the theatre, we aim to nurture the next generation of artists, audiences, and creative thinkers. A visit to the theatre is more than just a day out of the classroom, it’s an opportunity to spark imagination, build confidence, and open doors to future possibilities.