Leeds Heritage Theatres Hosts Halloween Workshops for Young People

Creative activities planned throughout October at Leeds Grand Theatre and Hyde Park Picture House

Leeds Heritage Theatres is offering a series of workshops and activities this October aimed at children and young people, centred around Halloween themes. The events are part of the organisation’s ongoing Learning and Engagement programme, designed to encourage creativity and participation in the arts across the city.

Workshop details and age groups

The activities will take place at Leeds Grand Theatre and Hyde Park Picture House, featuring a range of drama and special effects workshops suitable for different age groups. The events include:

• Halloween SFX Workshop (ages 8–11) – Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 October 2025
  Led by Sylvia, Young Audiences Officer at Hyde Park Picture House, this workshop explores the special effects used in films, offering hands-on experience with creating spooky effects. The session is intended for participants who are comfortable with gruesome themes.
• Potion Party (ages 6–8) – Wednesday 29 October 2025
  This workshop transforms the studio into a witch’s lair where children can engage in imaginative play, exploring the effects of potions and creating their own magical concoctions. The session combines craft-making with drama activities.
• Build a Beastie (ages 9–11) – Thursday 30 October 2025
  Inspired by the story of Frankenstein, participants will design and create their own monsters using props and costumes. The creations will be used in drama games led by the Learning and Engagement team.
• Something Spooky… (ages 12–14) – Friday 31 October 2025
  On Halloween day, this workshop focuses on Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, often referred to as ‘The Scottish Play’. Through drama games and group exercises, participants will explore the story and its spooky elements with guidance from Andrew, a specialist in Shakespeare.

Learning and Engagement programme

Leeds Heritage Theatres runs an Engagement Fund that supports creative learning opportunities for young people across Leeds, working with schools, youth groups, and other organisations. The fund helps to build skills, confidence, and pride through participation in theatre and arts activities.

For more information about the workshops and the Engagement Fund, visit the Leeds Heritage Theatres website.