An inspirational day of talks, workshops and Q&As for Year 12 students interested in pursuing a career in performing arts
Date
Thursday 10 July 2025
Time
10 AM - 4 PM
Location
The Studio at the Alhambra Theatre, Morley Street, Bradford BD7 1AJ
Cost
FREE
Join us for Creative Futures – a performing arts careers day at the iconic Alhambra Theatre designed to inspire, inform, and connect your students with real-world professionals working in performance, writing, acting and production.
This free event is tailored to year 12 students who are studying a subject related to performing arts, or are interested in gaining insights into the range of careers within the Performing Arts industry.
What to Expect:
- Inspiring talks from successful creative professionals who are based in or from the Bradford district
- Interactive workshops that explore the craft of performance and production
- Q&A sessions with actors and writers who’ll share their journeys and advice
- Signposting to local opportunities and resources to help your students take their next steps
- A chance to spend the day in one of Bradford’s most iconic performance venues
Event Schedule:
- 9.30 AM: Arrival and registration
- 10.00 AM: Welcome and introductions
- 11.00 AM: Workshops
- 12.30 PM: Lunch (students may bring a packed lunch or go out, as permitted by the school)
- 1.30 PM: Workshops
- 3.00 PM: Artists’ Q&A
- 4.00 PM: Event ends
Meet the speakers
We’re excited to announce some inspirational speakers generously supporting this event. These speakers are from Bradford and have a range of established careers within the performing arts industry.
Jessica Knappett
Jessica Knappett is an actor, writer, and comedian from Bingley, Bradford. She starred in and created the hit E4 sitcom Drifters, drawing on her own early-career experiences. She also appeared in The Inbetweeners Movie, which led to her developing Drifters, running for four series. Jessica co-founded the sketch group Lady Garden and has performed at the Edinburgh and Brighton Fringe. Her recent work includes writing and starring in BBC1’s Avoidance.
Amit Dhand
Amit Dhand was raised in Bradford and spent his youth observing the city from behind the counter of a small convenience store. After qualifying as a pharmacist, he worked in London and travelled extensively before returning to Bradford to start his own business and begin writing. The history, diversity and darkness of the city inspired his Harry Virdee novels, which have been recently adapted for the BBC’s recent series, Virdee. His new novel, The Chemist, is set for release in May 2025, and he is currently working with two major broadcasters on high-end drama projects.
Shaun Thomas
Bradford-born Shaun Thomas made his professional debut as ‘Swifty’ in Clio Barnard’s The Selfish Giant, earning the Best British Newcomer Award at the London Film Festival and nominations from BIFA and the London Critics Circle. He recently won Best Supporting Actor (BIFA) for his role in How to Have Sex and appeared in Ali & Ava, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, and Grimsby. On TV, he’s starred in The Long Shadow (ITV), Ladhood (BBC), Four Lives, and Emmerdale.
Workshops
In addition to the artist talks, we have a range of hands-on workshops for your students to get involved in. Students can select 2 of the following workshops:
Workshop 1: Auditioning!
Step into the spotlight with this high-energy, practical acting workshop focused on audition skills. Led by professional actor Kaya Moore, this 90-minute session will guide students through the essentials of a great audition – from warming up and making bold choices to taking direction and staying grounded under pressure. Students will work on a short monologue provided during the session, emphasising voice, physicality, and character development. The workshop is designed to be hands-on, confidence-boosting, and fun, offering plenty of opportunities for students to perform, experiment, and support one another.
Alongside practical exercises, Kaya will share real-world advice about his own journey into the industry – the highs, the hurdles, and how he carved his path as a creative professional. Whether students are considering drama school, looking to build stage presence, or just want to gain confidence expressing themselves, this workshop offers valuable insights into what it takes to shine.
No previous acting experience necessary – just bring energy and curiosity!
About the host, Kaya Moore
Kaya Moore is a professional actor from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, with a career spanning television and theatre. He is best known for his role as Phoenix Taylor in the BBC series Waterloo Road (2011–2013). Kaya’s other notable credits include Love, Lies and Records (2017), Vera (2011), and Better (2023). He also stars as Terry in the Netflix drama Adolescence (2025), a hard-hitting series exploring youth and knife crime in the UK. Kaya is passionate about empowering young people through creativity and performance, leading workshops across the UK to help students develop confidence, imagination, and real-world skills through acting.
Workshop 2: Your first ten pages
Want to write a script but not sure where to start? This workshop will explore what you need to write the all-important first few pages of a script for TV, radio or theatre. We’ll explore character creation – what they want, how they’re going to get it, and what’s stopping them!
Learn how, with just ten pages of script, you could unlock a whole world of potential: enter writing competitions, make a short film, or see your work performed on stage as part of a theatre scratch night.
About the host, Kirsty Smith
BAFTA Rocliffe TV Drama winner Kirsty Smith is a Playwright and Screenwriter from Keighley, West Yorkshire. Her play THIS GIRL DID is about working-class girls from Bradford playing cricket in the 1930s , and her comedy script HILDEGARD OF BINGLEY was performed at the Leicester Square Theatre as part of a BBC Comedy initiative. Kirsty has been part of BBC Drama Writersroom 2021, WFTV Mentoring Scheme North 2024, The Dancing Ledge Screenwriting Mentor Scheme and The Royal Court and Leeds Playhouse Playwriting Schemes. Kirsty also writes Podcasts for Wondery, and her radio play, BBC Radio 4 play SIDELINED, was a pick of the week on Radio 4, The Radio Times and Yorkshire Post.
Workshop 3: Costume, set and prop design
Join designer Naomi for an engaging workshop that delves into the world of costume and set design across various performance genres, including professional theatre, outdoor arts, walkabout, community theatre, dance, and carnival. Naomi will share insights from her career, showcase examples of her work, and offer valuable advice on developing design skills and building a career in the industry. Students will also have the opportunity to take part in a hands-on design task, making this session perfect for those interested in exploring the creative process behind design, no prior experience required!
About the host, Naomi Parker
Naomi Parker is a designer and maker based in Bingley, West Yorkshire. After graduating from Bradford College of Art, she embarked on a varied 35-year career in performance design and construction, which includes costume, set, props, masks, puppets, carnival imagery and textile art.
Workshop 4: Breakdance
Lloyd will be delivering a fun and interactive breakin (breakdance) workshop. Students will learn and develop their dance knowledge throughout the session, being able to physically learn the incredible art form of breakin. They will then add their own choreography to perform as an audition piece.
About the host, Lloyd Thompson
Lloyd ‘Tranquil’ Thompson is an internationally renowned dancer from Bradford with 25 years of experience in the arts and culture sector. He founded Tranquil Productions in 2005 and over the past decade has grown to become one of the leading specialists for breakin (breakdance) workshops and performances in the UK. He is also the CEO of Tech Styles Dance Ltd, which aims to change people’s lives through Hip Hop, not just for individuals, but for the local community of Bradford. Tech Styles works to help individuals, families and local communities, as well as benefiting the national and international breakin/hip hop scene from around the world.
Workshop 5: Directing for the stage
This workshop will explore ensemble work and working with text, particularly focused on the prologue from Romeo and Juliet, followed by a discussion on career pathways.
About the host, Sameena Hussain
Sameena is a freelance theatre director, dramaturg and facilitator based in West Yorkshire. She has worked with Bradford 2025, Leeds Playhouse, Tara Theatre, Hull Truck Theatre, Opera North, the RSC and more.
Rooted in community and connection, Sameena’s work aims to break down barriers to theatre. Her projects span heritage work, intergenerational performances, artist development programmes and anti-racism initiatives. She is passionate about making theatre a safe, brave space for dialogue and connection.
Directing credits include: RISE (Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture opening ceremony), Peanut Butter and Blueberries (Kiln), Romeo & Juliet (Leeds Conservatoire), A Christmas Carol (Hull Truck Theatre), I Wanna Be Yours (Leeds Playhouse), Our White Skoda Octavia (Eastern Angles), La Voix Humaine (Opera North), and more.
Workshop 6: Producing - making it all happen!
If you’re passionate about theatre but don’t want to be in the spotlight, this workshop is for you! Meet Bradford-based producers and discover the behind-the-scenes world of production. Learn about the various roles involved in bringing a show to life, what a producer actually does, and the diverse skills needed to succeed in the industry. With practical advice and personal insights from local professionals, this session will give you a deeper understanding of the production process and the many creative opportunities beyond the stage.
Book your free places today
The capacity for this event is 200, so book your places early to avoid disappointment. Each school or college may bring up to 20 students.
If you’re interested in booking your school or college to attend Creative Futures, please email beccy@bdproducinghub.co.uk
If you’re a parent of a student studying a performing arts-related subject and interested in this event, please get in touch with your school/college directly to let them know about this event.
About Bradford Producing Hub
Founded in 2019, Bradford Producing Hub (BPH) tests radical new approaches to producing work, supporting talent, and developing a thriving local arts workforce.
BPH supports creatives and arts organisations through funding, mentoring, training, development, and networking opportunities to platform Bradford as a district that nurtures and celebrates homegrown talent.
In 2023, Bradford Producing Hub was appointed as the Cultural Capacity Partner of Bradford 2025, UK City of Culture.
BPH provides workshops and assemblies in schools and colleges for years 9-12 to inspire young people to consider a career in the creative industries. If you would like BPH to visit your school or college, please email beccy@bdproducinghub.co.uk
