'These theatres belong to them': Leeds Heritage Theatres appoints new Youth Theatre Director

Leeds Heritage Theatres has appointed local director and facilitator Sophie-Jade Howell (SJ) as its new Youth Theatre Programme Director.

SJ, who grew up in Leeds, joins the team from York Theatre Royal, bringing extensive experience working with young people across youth theatres, schools, community projects, and professional settings.

Her career includes previous roles at Leeds Playhouse, the Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Youth Theatre Arts Scotland, and Bradford Literature Festival, alongside directing credits spanning Shakespeare, new writing, devised theatre, and musicals.

She also worked with Armley-based Interplay Theatre, supporting a sensory youth theatre programme for young people with SEND and profound and multiple learning disabilities.

In her new role, SJ will lead and champion established initiatives including Leeds Grand Youth Theatre and Leeds Actors in Training, while helping to expand outreach activity across the city.

Working closely with the Learning & Engagement team, she will oversee creative opportunities across all three of the organization's historic venues: Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall, and Hyde Park Picture House.

Speaking about her appointment, SJ said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining Leeds Heritage Theatres. As someone who grew up in Leeds, this role feels particularly special.

"There is already such a brilliant youth theatre programme to build on, and I'm excited to work with young people, artists, and colleagues to create ambitious, joyful theatre together.

"Most importantly, I want our Youth Theatre to be a place where young people can be themselves, take creative risks, make new friends, and feel that these theatres belong to them too."

Rachel Lythe, Head of Learning & Engagement at Leeds Heritage Theatres, welcomed the appointment: "SJ's passion for creative learning, young people, and high-quality theatre makes them a fantastic addition to the team.

"As we continue to grow our creative training, outreach, and performance opportunities, we're excited to see how SJ builds on the success of our existing programmes and helps even more young people thrive through theatre."

Leeds Heritage Theatres engages with more than 18,000 children and young people each year through its learning and engagement programmes, providing vital support and training for the city's future creative talent.