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 across the Bradford district 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 & introduction
- 11.00 AM: Expert Session 1 (details TBA)
- 12.30 PM: Lunch (students may bring a packed lunch or go out, as permitted by the school)
- 1.30 PM: Expert Session 2 (details TBA)
- 3.00 PM: Artists’ Q&A
- 4.00 PM: Event ends
Meet the speakers
We’re excited to announce some inspirational speakers who are generously supporting this event, with more to be announced. 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.
Book your free places today
Our Creative Careers Day is for schools and colleges based in the Bradford district. The capacity for this event is 200, so book 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
