The Leeds Artist Collective (LAC) is a musical theatre training program for students ages 11 to 18, rooted in collaboration, artistry, and personal exploration. LAC offers a creative home where young performers are nurtured, allowing them to grow in confidence, safely explore their artistry, and connect with others who share a passion for storytelling. 

We are excited to unveil a new structure to this year’s program! 

Fall Classes will include: 

  • Two classes per month devoted to Scene Study and Acting Workshop

  • Two classes per month devoted to a Vocal Masterclass with individualized attention and solo work

  • Alternating classes with Dance Class and Group Performance Prep, two to three classes per month 

  • Guest teaching artists leading masterclasses such as Yoga, Mindfulness, Improv, and more. 

  • Fall Showcase fundraiser on December 18, 2026. 

Spring Classes will include: 

  • Continuation of Acting and Vocal Workshops, with focus on preparation for NYC Performance 

  • Small Group music and acting rehearsals for NYC performance. 

  • An unforgettable trip to New York City, where students will dive into the world of Broadway through workshops, shows, and classes, as well as their very own performance in the city!

  • A Spring Showcase on April 30, 2027.

We do ask all students to sign up for an additional dance class of their choice. Scholarships will be available for these classes as well. More information on dance classes will be available soon.

Leeds Artist Collective

Start Spreading the News.

WHEN: Sunday evenings from 5:00 - 8:00 PM beginning August 9th.


NYC trip is scheduled for March 31-April 4, 2027. Fall Cabaret is December 18, 2026. Spring Showcase is April 30, 2027. Additional evening tech rehearsals may be added leading up to the cabarets and trip.

WHO: Middle and High School students ages 11-18 who audition and are accepted.

TUITION:

$165 per month, paid for the months of Aug. - Apr. (9 months)

This includes three hours weekly training, guest teachers, performance fees, and discounts on other SPARK classes, including Tap, Musical Theatre Dance, and Acting.

Be a part of it!

Audition

Sign up HERE

Audition Dates:

-July 20th or 22nd at 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Leeds Center for the Arts

You MUST register via the link.

If you are unavailable to make either of these dates, please email us at contact@leedscenter.org to set up a virtual audition.

Audition Prep: 

-32ish bar cut (or) about a minute/minute and a half of a song you like to sing or song from the musical theatre rep. An accompanist will be provided.

-30 to 60ish second monologue, poem, or blurb from a movie/TV show you relate to. 

LAC TAKES NYC

NEW YORK CITY TRIP:

NYC trip will require a $150 deposit upon signup. Members are not required to attend NYC trip.

Total NYC Trip cost will be around $400. This does not include travel or lodging. There will be an option to split the ($400- $150 deposit = ) $250 remaining balance across seven monthly payments. Cost is subject to change based on fundraising efforts to offset the cost.

WHAT DOES THE TRIP COST INCLUDE?

  • Tickets to two Broadway shows ( The Lost Boys and Paddington, subject to availability)

  • Three to four classes with Broadway professionals.

  • Performance at 54 Below.

  • Opportunity to explore New York.

OUR TEAM

Ellie Miller serves as the Director of Marketing and Outreach here at Leeds, as well as often directs or choreographs many of the musicals. She loves working with children, and is the primary dance teaching artist for Leeds’ arts education program, Leeds Artist Collective. Her choreography for the 2023 Ale-8 Musical commercial won an Emmy Award for Best Commercial. She holds a BS in Bioengineering from the University of Kentucky, but her true passion is with the arts.

Ellie Miller - Dance Teaching Artist

Nick Vannoy - Acting Teaching Artist

Nick Vannoy is thrilled to be a part of LAC! Most recently, he was seen as Shrek in Leeds Center for the Arts’ Shrek the Musical, and directed The Three Musketeers here in 2024. Local credits include The Lion in Winter with On the Verge, Head Over Heels with Voices Amplified, and Peter and the Starcatcher at Woodford Theatre. Regional credits include Murder on the Orient Express, Shakespeare in Love, The Three Musketeers, and Peter and the Starcatcher at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. He also performed in Peter and the Starcatcher at Milwaukee Repertory Theater and The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Other credits include Marie Antoinette with Project SEE, and Dracula, A Christmas Carol, and The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity at Actors Theatre of Louisville. He performed in the world premiere of Oh Gastronomy in the Humana Festival of new plays when he was an Acting Apprentice at Actors Theatre in 2012. Nick attended Northern Kentucky University.

Caleb Ritchie - Music Teaching Artist

Caleb Ritchie is a composer, music director, and pianist based in Lexington, KY, best known for his sound design and scoring for the podcast "Thirteen." He has worked with Distilled Theatre, Woodford Theatre, UK, EKU, KY Governor's School for the Arts, Transylvania University, and Studio Players among others, and is thrilled to be returning to work with Leeds!

Rebecca Keith - Vocal Teaching Artist

Rebecca Keith, soprano, is ecstatic to be joining the team at Leeds! She is currently a second-year student at Shenandoah University, pursuing her Master of Music (MM) in Voice Pedagogy with an emphasis on Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM). She also attended the Contemporary Commercial Music Vocal Pedagogy Institute at Shenandoah Conservatory this summer, completing all three sessions. A Georgetown, KY native, she has been performing in the central Kentucky area for nearly 20 years. Previous performance credits at Leeds include Fiona (Shrek) , Meg March (Little Women), Alice Beineke (The Addams Family), and Rapunzel (Into the Woods). Other area credits include Pamela (Head Over Heels- Activate Theatre Company), Rita, Judy u/s (White Christmas- Woodford Theatre), and Little Red Riding Hood (Into the Woods- Distilled Theatre Company). As a teacher, Rebecca aims to help students gain confidence, develop emotional expression, learn about vocal health, and cultivate their unique voices!

Steve Crosby - Music Teaching Artist

Steve is a Winchester native who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a Master’s degree in Education from Georgetown College. He has been part of the musical theatre scene in Clark County for 40 years, having directed 20+ musicals and shows. He currently runs the Rock University program at Leeds as well. Steve is currently the Family Pastor at Calvary Christian Church. He and his wife Shanda have three children, Caleb, Keegan and Kaeton.

Lexi Harris - Company Manager

Lexi Harris will begin serving as the Director of Education at Leeds this year, and will be the company manager for LAC! She has a degree in Middle Grade Education from Eastern Kentucky University and taught 7th grade Science at Robert D. Campbell Junior High School for 10 years. Her passion is working with students and helping in her community. She loves creating art in all manners, reading, and has a dog (Benji), a cat (Roger), a turtle (James Pond), and a multitude of fish.