Academy of Live Technology (formerly Backstage Academy)

Wakefield

  • Location: Town

Student life

Life in Yorkshire 
The Academy of Live Technology sits in the heart of Yorkshire. Whether you want to explore the lively surrounding cities or enjoy the great outdoors, there’s a whole host of activities and adventures right on your doorstep. 

Wakefield is a vibrant place that’s bursting with culture, green spaces, independent shopping and delicious food and drink. You can take in the views of its surrounding picturesque landscapes or feast your eyes on the works of iconic artists at the Hepworth Wakefield and Yorkshire Sculpture Park. It’s also home to a range of festivals and events throughout the year. From its own independent music festival to something a little quirkier with its own annual Rhubarb Festival, Wakefield has something for everyone.   

And with major cities like Leeds and Sheffield only 30 minutes away, it’s easy to get out and explore further afield if you want to. 

What's it like to live in Yorkshire and The Humber?
Check out our region guide

Yorkshire and the Humber has history and innovation in abundance. Famed for beautiful countryside, the region inspired a wealth of literary heritage, with links to Tolkien, Plath, Larkin, Brontë and beyond. Major cities – including Bradford, Hull, Leeds, Sheffield and York – boast a range of cultural accolades among them, including two recent UK City of Culture nods. Great nightlife, supportive communities and excellent transport routes make it the perfect hub for studying – no matter your interests or ambitions.

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Campus and facilities

Our campus is a unique environment where some of the world’s biggest productions are put together. You’ll become part of the community of studios, technology and talent that make up Production Park.

We ensure that you to get used to the equipment and facilities you’ll find in the real world. From our pre-visualisation studio for Live Visual Design and Production students to our mid-sized rehearsal studio to practice sound engineering or host student-run events, we invest in the technology and spaces to equip you for life in the live industry. 

Our campus is also home to research and innovation centre, XPLOR, including the Centre for Virtual Production, Yorkshire's first Extended Reality facility.

You’ll also have lots of opportunities to work alongside industry professionals and gain work experience outside of your studies. Our students worked across the globe, including Gron festival in Denmark, SXSW in the US, as well as the Rugby World Cup 2022, Glastonbury and much more.  

Course locations

Academy of Live Technology

Unit 53/55 Lidgate Crescent - Langthwaite Grange Ind. Est., South Kirkby, WF9 3NR