Scottish Youth Theatre unveiled their national artistic programme to an audience of invited guests and supporters yesterday. The projects focus on greater access to artistic programmes, artist development and an international platform to showcase the artistic talents of young artists across Scotland. Continue reading Scottish Youth Theatre launches its National Artistic Programme
After auditioning young hopefuls in Inverness, Dundee, Stirling, Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scottish Youth Theatre has unveiled the 20 talented young people who will form the 2019 National Ensemble – and three young theatre makers from Edinburgh have made the final line up. Continue reading Capital trio make the final line up of national theatre company
Following a critically acclaimed performance by this year’s company, Scottish Youth Theatre is now recruiting for their 2019 National Ensemble. To ensure they recruit the most promising young artists Scotland has to offer, they are auditioning across the country – and one of their destinations is Edinburgh. Continue reading Scottish Youth Theatre seeking talented young artists for 2019 National Ensemble.
VENT. is the latest production from Scottish Youth Theatre’s prestigious National Ensemble – a company of emerging theatre makers aged 16 – 25 selected from across Scotland for their exceptional theatre making ability. Continue reading Scottish Youth Theatre National Ensemble 2018’s VENT. at North Edinburgh Arts this Saturday
A short-term funding agreement has been reached to enable the Scottish Youth Theatre to remain open beyond July 2018, allowing young people across the whole of Scotland to benefit from their programmes. Continue reading Short-term deal saves Scottish Youth Theatre … for now
Fresh from a sold out performance by their first ever National Ensemble last month, Scottish Youth Theatre have opened registrations for the 2018 company.
The successful applicants will form the second ever Scottish Youth Theatre National Ensemble. 2018 is the year of young people, and the company are keen to find the best Scotland has to offer, so they will be travelling to Edinburgh to audition aspiring performers from the area.
The National Ensemble is a year’s commitment and is open to anyone aged 16 – 25 who lives, works, studies or has family in Scotland. Auditions and membership of the Ensemble is free and entry is based purely on ability.
Once recruited, Ensemble members will attend monthly development weekends led by top theatre practitioners taking place across Scotland. This will culminate in a flagship performance in August which will be devised and performed by the company.
When asked what qualities are required in potential members, SYT’s Artistic Director Mary McCluskey explained: “We are looking for creative, enthusiastic and dedicated young people. Individuals who display the potential are the ones who will most benefit from everything the Ensemble has to offer. As the Ensemble is a collaborative experience, those with an interest in theatre-making in all its forms, including writing, directing and performing are encouraged to apply.
“The Ensemble is an amazing opportunity for anyone who wants to study or pursue a career in theatre and performance. Our current Ensemble has worked with a range of practitioners including Frantic Assembly and BAFTA winner Kate Dickie. 2018 will see similar opportunities in the build up to the main production which will be a central part of SYT’s contribution to the Year of Young People”.
Ensemble 2017 member Stephen Quinn (23) from Falkirk is keen to recommend the Ensemble experience. Stephen said: “The opportunity to work with like-minded peers and with professionals is not one to be passed up. Scottish Youth Theatre cares about giving those with talent and drive the skills and knowledge they’ll need to become versatile, accomplished performers. Working with them is an opportunity you should definitely not miss out on.”
Auditions will be held on 14 & 15 October at Edinburgh Palette in The Drawing Room.
Those interested in being part of the Ensemble should register for an audition by Friday 22 September at www.scottishyouththeatre.org
After three months of call-outs and auditioning over 100 young performers nationally, Scottish Youth Theatre has finally unveiled the line-up for its first ever National Ensemble – and Edinburgh’s Amy Curran (19), Annie Bowes (16), Hana Mackenzie (22), Hannah Cumming (23) and Katee McCulloch (20) have made the final 24. Continue reading City five make final cut
TALENTED youngsters who love drama are being urged to apply for Scottish Youth Theatre’s acclaimed Summer Festival flagship theatre courses by actors from the hit comedy Still Game and the hugely successful Harry Potter films.
SYT patrons, Oscar-winning actress and screenwriter, Emma Thompson – who played eccentric professor Sybill Trelawney in the Harry Potter films – and Paul Riley, who played lovable rogue Vincent in Still Game, believe that Summer Festival courses are a great way for young people to develop the acting and theatre production skills needed to follow a career in the industry.
Summer Festival, now in its 39th year, consists of intensive courses for ages 14-25 years covering all aspects of theatre and drama including production, acting and stage management.
Places are highly sought-after, so entry to the courses, which range from three-six weeks-long in July and August 2015, is by audition only in February. Applications for Summer Festival can be made throughout February at www.scottishyouththetare.org.
There are also shorter courses available for ages 8-11 and 12-15.
Paul Riley, is just one of a long list of actors who started their career at SYT’s Summer Festival. Others include Gerard Butler (James Bond, How To Train Your Dragon, 300), Karen Gillan (Dr. Who, Guardians of the Galaxy), Colin McCredie (Shallow Grave, River City), Blythe Duff (Taggart, The James Plays) and Kirstie Steel (Waterloo Road, Glasgow Girls).
Paul said: “I remember taking my bow on the Olivier stage at the National on the south bank the same day Laurence Olivier died. I was 17 and a member of the Scottish Youth Theatre.
“I’m now proud to say I’m now one of their patrons. There is no question that attending SYT put me on the path to becoming the professional I am today. I’m one of hundreds, if not thousands, who passed through SYT and went on to have a career in the arts. Just as important are those who didn’t but still draw on the life skills and confidence that attending SYT provides.”
Long-term SYT patron, Emma Thompson, who also starred in numerous successful films including Howards End, Sense and Sensibility, and Nanny McPhee, added: “I had the privilege of visiting SYT’s Summer Festival in Glasgow in 2013, and meeting some of the talented young students along with my mother, and fellow patron, Phyllida Law.
“We were blown away by the energy, commitment and creativity of these young actors who were rehearsing two critically-acclaimed productions: Mary Queen of Scots got her Head Chopped Off, by the uniquely brilliant Liz Lochhead, and Now’s the Hour, about the independence referendum, which was a huge success at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.
“It was very clear to us that Scottish Youth Theatre is unique in its ability to create a safe, fun and stimulating environment where children and young people can express themselves, take risks and reach their creative potential.”
Mary McCluskey, Scottish Youth Theatre’s chief executive and artistic director said: “Summer Festival is SYT’s sector leading flagship course. These intensive performance courses allow young people to build on their personal, social and performance skills in a professional theatre environment.
“Our Production and Performance Learning Programme for ages 16-25 also leads to a SCQF qualification equivalent to Advanced Higher. In 2013, Summer Festival created Now’s the Hour about the independence referendum which went onto to a huge success at the 2014 Edinburgh Fringe.”
