LEEDS Playhouse has announced the use of free theatre space and guaranteed technical support for artists in the heart of the Leeds City Region - which includes Craven.

The Playhouse says it is offering new theatre space, the Bramall Rock Void, as exclusive use for artists and companies to help in the recovery of the cultural sector.

The take over of the studio space is being offered as part of Playhouse Connect, an ongoing response to the coronavirus pandemic aimed at aiding reconnection and recovery within the region.

Leeds Playhouse artistic director James Brining said: “The Playhouse is a community resource used by many different people throughout the year.

“We’re very conscious that throughout the pandemic, despite the brilliant work we have undertaken engaging with vulnerable and isolated people through our Playhouse Connect programme, apart from five weeks in the autumn, the building itself has been under used.

“I’m delighted that we have put the safety protocols in place to open up the Bramall Rock Void to local independent artists and companies to use to develop their work.”

He added: “ The offer includes access to the time and expertise of some of the Playhouse’s technical staff and I hope that this will provide a valuable opportunity at this most challenging time for freelance artists and companies.”

Leeds Playhouse associate director Amy Leach added: “One of the things we’ve missed most during this last year is seeing the Playhouse building being used by locally rooted artists to meet, make and create.

“We are delighted to have created this opportunity to safely welcome a diverse range of professional artists into the Playhouse building to make use of the resources and expertise that it contains. We can’t wait to connect with all the brilliant artistic work being created despite the many challenges of this time.”

For artists interested in weeks in March and April only, the deadline is Monday March 8; for those interested in weeks from April through to July, the deadline is Monday 22 March at 10am.

For more information on the current projects available and additional opportunities to come including how to book, visit the Leeds Playhouse website.