Now this is an opportunity unlike anything else you'll find in the North.
The Academy of Live Technology is paving the way for a whole new generation of live entertainment and production specialists.
No matter what point you're at in your career, heading down to the Academy at Production Park is an opportunity to learn more about live experiences: there's top-up and short courses for those want to find out more about the industry, degree and master-level courses for those wanting to get the practical experience whilst studying towards a professional qualification and even bespoke training programmes available upon request.
Students are all encouraged to make as many industry connections through work placements throughout their courses, and we're told that there's ample opportunity to jet-set around the globe to work on festivals and arena tours in the UK, Europe and America.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This said, students are often rubbing shoulders, or at least on the same site as internationally-acclaimed names: Production Park is home to two full-size arena spaces that's hired out by artists before they head on tour.
It's all a little hush, hush on the full list of names that hire out the space for a host of privacy reasons, but the public name of artists that have spent time over at Production Park is incredible.
We're talking: One Direction, Beyonce, Jay Z, Kanye West, The Rolling Stones, Little Mix, Arctic Monkeys, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Def Leppard, Elton John, McFly, Meat Loaf, The 1975 - the list is simply endless.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Now you're not going to find this kind of professional-studying environment anywhere else are you?
Based over in South Kirkby, the campus is set on what seems like an unassuming industrial park at first, but walking through the door you'll find a colourful Academy that houses three teaching studio spaces, prev-vis and computer suites, lecture rooms and student breakout spaces as well as a myriad of office, performance and prep spaces shared between students and by artists rehearsing for upcoming events.
There's history in the walls, and just about everywhere you look. The site is decorated with set memorabilia: walls are covered in truck tickets, the breakout spaces feature guitar cases from The Who and a tour print, plus the giant black heart from that BRIT performance from Dave, which sits as a sculpture near the canteen - casually.
This really is the place where people from all ages, walks of life and points of their career can come together to learn more about the creative industries: those already in the know of the stars and new students alike.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Courses
There's four undergraduate courses and six postgraduate courses in total, each specialising in different areas of live entertainment design and production.
Undergraduate level
The degree-level courses are naturally centred around live events, with the option to specialise in either Live Events Production, which features four specialist opportunities to study lighting design and technology, live sound, live visuals and event business, either as a full three-year traditional degree course, two-year FDA course or a one-year top up.
Live Visual Design and Production is all about creating those visual experiences for audiences on a global scale: utilising a combination of gaming platforms, immersive technology like VR and motion tracking and projection over a three-year course to
Stage and Production Management is a degree-level course that covers a wider area of theatre, live music, concerts, touring, sports, corporate events and more.
Postgraduate level
Master of Science qualifications cover either Creative Technologies for Live Events or Virtual Production, each of which has the latest cutting-edge technology available for students to develop event-tech for artists and design-led applications with their own research projects.
Meanwhile, the Master of Art qualifications cover Immersive and Interactive Media Design; Live Event Design and Visual Effects for Live Events, led by industry professionals that help students to find their niche across different sectors of technology, management, design and production.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Short Courses
For those wanting to dip their toes into the world of live events and production, the Academy of Live Technology also runs a range of shorter courses and boot camps across the year.
Running across ten sessions, usually twice a week for five weeks, the Skills Bootcamps courses cover topics like Event Management, Event Production, Stage and Screen Rigging, Virtual Production and Unreal Engine. The Skills Bootcamps are fully funded courses for adults aged 19 and over based in either West Yorkshire or the Hertfordshire region.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
How to apply to the Academy of Live Technology
All courses can be accessed on the Academy of Live Technology website here.
For degree courses, entry requirements vary depending on the course, but sit around 64-104 UCAS points. This said, the Academy of Live Technology stresses that it's not about your grades, but the 'type of person you are' and if you show a willingness and genuine interest in the live experience industry, you'll fit right in.
The UCAS deadline for those looking to enrol in September 2024, the current application is 31 January 2024 at 6pm GMT.
Feature Image - The Hoot Leeds
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Audio North’s Artist of the Month – Kenzo Jae | September 2026
Kenzo Jae is a creative who wants to put Bradford on the music map through his alternative-rap tracksand now he's Audio North's Artist of the Month.
This multi-tasking mastermind doesn't only record his own music, he's also a digital illustrator and graphic designer - Oh, and he even directs his own music videos (Leave some talent for the rest of us - We're begging).
Embarking on The Sloth Tour with three UK based dates in Manchester, Leeds and London throughout October, where Kenzo Jae will be playing out hits like 'Softly', 'Chicken Bagel', 'End of the World' and more.
This storytelling songwriter now sits down with Audio North to chat all things Artist of the Month and share a little more insight into his music career so far.
Audio North's Artist of the Month - Kenzo Jae | Interview
How much does being from Bradford influence the music you release?
All aspects of my personality have been influenced by Bradford, and I’m never more myself than when I’m writing. So lyrically Bradford has had a big impact.
What’s it like being an artist from Bradford?
At first it felt like something I had to hide. Now it’s something I wear as a badge. There’s not many of us in the grand scheme of things. It’s a niche club and I love that. The underdogs.
What northern artists are you loving at the minute?
If you could describe your artistry in three words what would they be and why?
Honest - I try not to hide behind anything in my music even when it’s critical of myself. If something has happened to me or I’m feeling something, I’d rather put it into a song exactly as it is. Might take me a few years but once it’s in the song I can get over it
Colourful - The vision of the world of my music to me feels saturated and bright. the occasional darkness but for the most part.
Arrogant - I think it takes a level of arrogant to do and say certain things in my music. Even to do the visual aspects too painting myself pink, wearing a sloth hat etc Takes an arrogance to think yeah I can put myself in such a weird position and believe it’s going to work
You’ve already amassed over 100k streams on SLOTH - How are you feeling about its reception so far?
It’s been great to see that people have really resonated with the story and the arc I have been on. I want to push it further and hope it reaches everyone that needs it
How fulfilling is it for you to release the SLOTH mixtape, a title you’ve held onto since you were 16?
The most cathartic feeling. Especially when it’s you know you’ve made it exactly the way I intended. It’s also a learning curve for things I will do differently for the next one.
You posted a reel describing how you spent two weeks animating a music video for yourself- How important is being hands-on in all aspects of your music career?
I’m a control freak. And if something is in my head, it’s a lot easier to do it myself. Don’t get me wrong , I work with a lot of hard working talented people that I can now trust and delegate work to. But on this instant, I love animation and I find the most enjoyment in editing visuals
Since you have a track titled ‘Chicken Bagel’, where are some of your favourite brunch or general food spots in West Yorkshire?
I grew up on chicken shops and Salah's is the goat. In terms of restaurants, Classic Persian is the best for me.
You’re not afraid of risk-taking and standing out, even going as far as painting yourself pink for one of your visuals - what advice would you give to any emerging artists who want to be as confident as you?
You have to be willing to embarrass yourself. The stuff that feels slightly uncomfortable, is usually the stuff that people remember.
And confidence doesn’t necessarily mean thinking you’re amazing. Sometimes it’s just being willing to say, “I don’t care if this is weird, I like it.”
It’s also it’s just more fun to feel like your outside of the box
Innovative Leeds music venue TESTBED announces launch party lineup
Thomas Melia
Ever-evolving Leeds music hotspot TESTBED is making its grand return to Leeds city centre with an impressive launch party lineup.
Recognised as a cultural venue for bringing people together via music, TESTBED has hosted a variety of club nights in its warehouse location since 2024.
Back in April, it was announced that the team behind this rave-centric club were transforming this space from it's 'Phase 1.3' to 'Phase 2.0'.
Now, TESTBED has released the full lineup for its upcoming launch party which will show off some of the venue's latest features like its 360-degree DJ booth, improved acoustics and 5,000 sq ft mezzanine and balcony area.
Annie Mac is headlining the TESTBED Leeds launch party joined by Horse Meat Disco / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Previous performers include Liverpool dance music duo Camelphat, house music DJ Alisha, Netherlands-own Chris Stussy and more, so it will come as no surprise that this relaunch features an equally-stellar lineup.
Fronting the bill for the TESTBED Launch Party is none other than EDM connoisseur and influential figure Annie Mac, who's hosted a variety of radio shows across the BBC as well as curating a set or two herself.
Also in attendance is Horse Meat Disco, a group who put disco and queer culture at the forefront of each and every high-energy set.
Irish selector Shee is also showing off his music expertise and already having collaborations with the likes of A-trak and Karma Kid, expect to hear some tunes.
Shee and Junior Simba will be taking to the decks to wow the crowds over at TESTBED Leeds / Credit: Press Shots (via supplied)
Seasoned club DJ and presenter Marcia Carr, known for playing live sets with vinyl records, will also be soundtracking the night too, playing out everything from Afrohouse to dubstep.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Leeds-based party without some local talent courtesy of Junior Simba who's quickly become a key player in the house music scene.
And if that wasn't enough raving for you, TESTBED has already announced even more insane nights of music madness featuring ROSSI., Interplanetary Criminal and Obskür.
TESTBED's opening party is taking place on Saturday 3 October from 2pm til 12am and you can grab tickets from as little as £20 HERE.
Sophie Smith -
24th January 2024 
