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Scotland’s National Theatre ‘For & By’ Young People

Scottish Youth Theatre –giving young people inScotland the opportunityto explore and to reachtheir creative potentialthrough a quality theatrearts experience.

Scottish Youth Theatre, The Old Sheriff Court,

105 Brunswick Street, Glasgow G1 1TF

TEL: 0141 552 3988 FAX: 0141 552 7615

EMAIL: info@scottishyouththeatre.org

WEBSITE: www.scottishyouththeatre.org

SCOTTISH YOUTH THEATRE IS A MEMBER OF THE SCOTTISH THEATRE COMMUNITYSCOTTISH YOUTH THEATRE SUPPORTS THE WORK OF YOUTH THEATRE ARTS SCOTLAND

Design and production:w

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Now’s The Hour, Summer Festival 2013 (Photo by Douglas Robertson)

Weekly Classes, Glasgow SEN Roadshow 2014, Saltersgate School, Dalkeith Front cover image: Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off, Summer Festival 2013 (Photo by Douglas Robertson)Back cover image: Now’s The Hour, Summer Festival 2013 (Photo by Douglas Robertson)

“Deciding to audition for Summer Festival 2011was one of the best decisions I ever made – notjust because of the cracking summer I had andthe cool and exciting people I got to meet, butthereafter they kept me in work during my gapyear, offered me great work experience andadvice, and their connections with the professionalworld helped me start a career for myself. I owethem everything.”

MARTIN QUINN, 19, PAISLEY (NOW PLAYING OSKAR IN LET THE RIGHT ONE IN, APOLLO THEATRE, WEST END, LONDON.)

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Scotland’s National Theatre ‘For & By’ Young People

Mary McCluskey Artistic Director (Chief Executive)

National Theatre of Scotland. The twocompanies are working towards the creationof The Tin Forest, as part of the culturalprogramme for Glasgow 2014Commonwealth Games.

SYT Productions continued to grow asScottish Youth Theatre’s theatre company forexceptionally talented young people. In2013/14, this company of skilled youngpeople represented the youth theatre withtours of The Weegie Board and Killing MeSoftly/Instant. Members continued to be themainstay of our work for early yearsaudiences with Family Storytime and theinteractive Festive and Easter productions.Now’s The Hour, our Summer Festivalproduction featuring the hopes and fears ofyoung people relating to the forthcomingIndependence Referendum, has caught theimagination of young people, their families,the public, the press and politicians.

It was also a significant year for the Board ofDirectors with the Vice-Chair, Carole Mackie,and the Chair, Bobby Hain, stepping down.Scottish Youth Theatre appreciates thecontribution that Carole and Bobby havemade to the sustainability of the youth theatreand the Old Sheriff Court in their time withthe company. Over the past ten years bothhave given freely of their time, businessacumen and support for the staff. ScottishYouth Theatre is grateful for their dedicationand commitment to the aims and objectives ofthe company. The Board elected Jane Wilsonas Vice Chair and John Scott Moncrieff asChair. The Board and Core Staff look forwardto working with John and Jane on sustainingScottish Youth Theatre for years to come.

013/14 has been a significantyear in Scottish Youth Theatre’s37 year long history. Thecompany welcomes thepublishing of the ScottishGovernment’s national youth

arts strategy, Time to Shine. Scottish YouthTheatre also recognises and welcomes thefact that we share many of the document’saims and objectives. Having beeninstrumental in kick starting the process todevelop Time To Shine, Scottish YouthTheatre looks forward to working withCreative Scotland in the delivery of theaspirations of the strategy.

In association with the Robertson Trust andthe Gordon Fraser Trust, the company wasdelighted to bring back the NationalRoadshow. This allowed us to offer, onceagain, in the Autumn, a menu of freeworkshops to geographically targetedschools and youth groups. During phase twoin March 2014, free workshops were offeredto groups with extra support needs. Throughthe Roadshow, Scottish Youth Theatredelivers free workshops on a national basis.

Throughout 2013/14, the company’srelationship with Network Rail grew andbecame more consolidated. The partnershiphas blossomed with the two organisationsworking together to deliver the Rail Respectmessage to children and young people acrossthe Central Belt and the Borders. ScottishYouth Theatre looks forward to futurecollaborations.

Another partnership was further developedthroughout the year, our association with the

John Scott Moncrieff Chairman of Scottish Youth Theatre’s Board of Directors

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the publishing of the ScottishGovernment’s National Youth ArtsStrategy, significantly-entitled Time toShine. If much contained in thedocument looks familiar, it is simplybecause so many of those aims andobjectives have been at the core ofour operation since “day one”!

As always, shared values lead topositive results and we look forward to working with Creative Scotland inplaying an integral part in the deliveryof the strategy’s aspirations.

The return of the Company’s NationalRoadshow last autumn was a particularcause for celebration. It has beenmade possible thanks to the generoussupport from The Robertson Trust andThe Gordon Fraser Charitable Trust.The very idea of SYT banging thedrum for live theatre in every corner ofour peculiarly-shaped country warmsthe heart.

This summer, at the core of theEdinburgh Fringe, SYT will againunderscore its relevance and dynamismwith a high-profile revival of Now’sThe Hour! It is “devised theatre” ofthe highest order.

While, at the end of the day,comparatively few of our formerparticipants will enter the theatricalprofession permanently, it was agreat testament to the Company’swork to be able to congratulate nofewer than three of our alumni ontheir recent Olivier Awards inLondon’s West End – for as wide arange as “Best Performance in aSupporting Role in a Musical”, “BestSupporting Actor” and “Best LightingDesign”. Diversity of talents in adiversity of fields…

Finally, not only has Bobby Hainstood down, but also Carole Mackie,whose vigilance as Chair of theFinance Committee was particularlyappreciated. She has beensucceeded as Vice Chair by JaneWilson, a regular traveller up fromLondon to join her colleagues inGlasgow. Scottie Anderson is alsostanding down now, us knowing, aswith Bobby and Carole, that his energyand enthusiasm can always be calledupon to assist us in our mission tosee Scottish Youth Theatre ever-stronger and the indomitable MaryMcCluskey and Caroline Cosgrove,along with their Core Team,supported every inch along the way…

“I have learned so much about acting from beingpart of SYT and also about myself. SYT has givenme the confidence I didn’t have initially to makenew friends, be the best actor I can be and mostimportantly to believe in myself.”

KATEE, 18, MIDLOTHIAN

“…Scottish Youth Theatre has the continuedability to not only challenge us as youth theatreshould, but also to prod our thoughts wheneverthey think we need prompting.”

FRINGE REVIEW, AUGUST 2013

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BOARD OF DIRECTORSJohn Scott Moncrieff CHAIR, Jane Wilson VICE CHAIR

Scott Anderson, Anne-Marie Austin, Sarah Deas, Janette Harkess, Margaret Hearne,Ralph Leishman, Frank McAveety, Mary McCluskey, Thomas Murdock, Harry Warnock,Bobby Hain, Carole Mackie (stepped down during the year)

HILE I appearto have servedon a fair numberof Boards forPerforming ArtsCompanies over the

years, it was a particular thrill to beasked to succeed the inimitable andconstantly positive Bobby Hain asChair of Scottish Youth Theatre. Toplay even a small part in helping toharness enthusiasm and talent inScotland’s creative young peoplegives me the greatest of pleasure, asit does to share the responsibility withBoard Members who show fantasticlevels of commitment in the time thatthey give to “the cause”.

For “cause” it is. With some BoardMembers having to travel greatdistances for meetings, the regularity oftheir attendance at them and, indeed,performances is testament to theirdesire to fulfil our multifarious aimsand also, of course, to exceed them!If ever we should flag, the sparkle andthe smiles from SYT’s participants, atevery level, soon sort us out!

2013/14 has been a significant yearin Scottish Youth Theatre’s history.The company particularly welcomes

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“The experience I’ve gained from SYT during my gap year has been invaluable and thanks to SYT I now have amuch clearer idea about which direction I want my future to head in.”

IMOGEN, 19, NEWPORT, FIFE

annual

26,828

PARTICIPANTDAYS

11,442AUDIENCESREACHED

67

EVENTS &COURSES

DELIVERED

280PERFORMANCES

118

VENUES USED

50,111

OLD SHERIFFCOURT

VISITORS

STATISTICS

297

FREELANCECONTRACTS

(representing113

individuals)

43

CASUALCONTRACTS

(issued to26

individuals)

❚ Operates a diverse national programme ofcourses (residential and non-residential); classes,projects and productions.❚ Delivers that quality experience all aroundScotland all year round.❚ Provides an inspirational focus for young peopleinterested in theatre and drama in Scotland.❚ Acts as a conduit into further education and thecreative industries.❚ Offers a programme of tailor-made specialprojects to schools, youth theatres and youthgroups all around Scotland.❚ Provides quality training opportunities forworkshop tutors and apprentices.❚ Represents the best of youth theatre in Scotlandon a national and international stage.❚ Promotes Scotland’s cultural heritage at anational and international level.❚ Contracts and employs a large number offreelance theatre practitioners in Scotland.❚ Operates as a national resource, the Old SheriffCourt, Scotland’s first ever specially designedcentre for the development of creativity andimagination in children and young people.❚ Commissions, designs and develops new workwritten specifically for performance by children andyoung people.❚ Acts as a lobbying voice for youth theatre withgovernment at a Local, a Scottish and a UK level.❚ Encourages and develops audiences of the future.❚ Employs the youth theatre process to developconfident and culturally aware citizens for Scotland– those with an interest and a pride in the country’srich cultural heritage.

COMPANY OBJECTIVES❚ to enable, stimulate and directly provide a qualitytheatre arts experience for the young people inScotland through the provision of a programme ofaccessible activities.❚ to aim for the personal and social developmentof all individual participants, with special emphasison transferable skills.❚ to give access at all levels of the youth theatre’swork (fun, serious and career) to all interestedyoung people in Scotland, regardless of physical,social, educational, cultural or geographicaldisadvantage.❚ to pursue excellence in youth theatre artsprovision in Scotland.❚ to develop the Old Sheriff Court as aninternational centre for the development ofcreativity and the imagination in children andyoung people.❚ to seek to actively programme the Brian CoxStudio as a dedicated venue for performances,projects and events dedicated to children andyoung people.❚ as a national performing arts company, torepresent the best of youth theatre in Scotland ona national and international stage.

WHAT WE DOScottish Youth Theatre is a national youthperforming arts company. It is Scotland’s nationaltheatre ‘for & by’ young people. As a nationalcompany, Scottish Youth Theatre aspires to be aleader in best practice in youth theatre arts. Assuch, it fulfils the following roles:

❚ Provides a quality youth theatre arts experienceto children, young people and their leaders.❚ Enables children and young people and theirleaders to explore and reach their creativepotential through the youth theatre process.

MISSION Scottish Youth Theatre – givingyoung people in Scotland theopportunity to explore and toreach their creative potentialthrough a quality theatre artsexperience.

ABERDEEN

Graz, Klagenfurt, AustriaPrishtina, Kosovo

GLASGOW

WHERE WE’VEBEEN IN 2013/14

Aith, Brae, Mid Yell,Sandwick Shetland

Deerness, Kirkwal,Stromness, Westray

Orkney

❚ Aberdeen❚ Aboyne❚ Aith, Shetland❚ Alloa❚ Arbroath❚ Ardnamuchan❚ Arrochar❚ Auchterarder❚ Ayr❚ Balfron❚ Bannockburn❚ Barra❚ Bellshill❚ Benbecula❚ Blairgowrie❚ Brae❚ Buckie❚ Clydebank❚ Cloverford❚ Coatbridge ❚ Crieff❚ Culloden❚ Cumbernauld❚ Dalkeith❚ Deerness❚ Dundee❚ Dunoon❚ East Kilbride❚ Eastwood❚ Edinburgh❚ Elgin❚ Ellon❚ Falkirk❚ Fortrose❚ Fort William❚ Fraserburgh❚ Galashiels❚ Glasgow❚ Graz, Austria ❚ Greenock

❚ Harris & Lewis❚ Heriot❚ Helensburgh❚ Invergordon ❚ Inverness❚ Islay❚ Kirkhill❚ Kirkwal❚ Kiltarlity❚ Kirriemuir❚ Klagenfurt,Austria ❚ Larbert❚ Linlithgow❚ Lochaber❚ Lochgilphead❚ Maybole❚ Mid Yell❚ Monifieth❚ Montrose❚ Motherwell❚ Newtongrange, Midlothian

❚ Paisley❚ Perth❚ Portree❚ Prishtina, Kosovo

❚ Portlethan❚ Redbridge, London

❚ Saltcoats❚ Sandwick❚ Stromness❚ Tarbert❚ Thurso❚ Tobermory❚ Tweedbank❚ Ullapool❚ Westray

DUNDEE

EDINBURGH

Redbridge,London

INVERNESS

VISIONAs a National Company, ScottishYouth Theatre will lead the sectorin unlocking the creative potential,confidence and self-developmentof children and young people inScotland through performanceand the theatre process.

NDEPENDENCE?” was selectedas the theme for Summer Festival2013 by the Artistic Team and theArtistic Committee, as a means ofengaging participants in the debatearound the Referendum scheduled

for September 2014. The team felt thatyoung people should be asking questions,seeking knowledge and opinions relatingto the future of Scotland.

SF13 was made even more specialbecause of visits from important patrons,friends and supporters. They were asfollows:❚ Patrons Emma Thompson and PhyllidaLaw visited in early July, when after atour of the building, they lead a Q&Awith participants.❚ Participants welcomed new patron, LizLochhead, our Scots Makar. Liz visited arehearsal and performances of her playMary Queen of Scots Got Her HeadChopped Off. The cast enjoyed Liz’stips and readings from the play. ❚ Elaine C Smith, patron, attendedperformances of Now’s The Hour andMary Queen of Scots Got Her HeadChopped Off. Both casts and creativeteams appreciated her support.❚ Fiona Hyslop MSP and CabinetSecretary for Culture and ExternalAffairs, and Clare Adamson MSPattended performances of Mary Queenof Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off.The cast and creative team appreciatedan after show chat with Ms. Hyslop.❚ MSPs Clare Adamson, Linda Fabianiand Joan McAlpine attendedperformances of Now’s The Hour.

PERFORMANCE &PRODUCTIONLEARNINGPROGRAMME“I’m amazed at how much I’ve learnt,how much I’ve achieved, and howmuch I’ve been shaped and developedas a person and as a performer.”PARTICIPANT, SUMMER FESTIVAL 2013

Now in its third year, the LearningProgramme recruited a cohort of 11participants from around Scotland. Thecourse is made up of 4 units: Rehearsaland Production Processes; Voice inRehearsal and Performance; Movement inRehearsal and Performance; and Characterin Rehearsal and Performance. The cohortwas split between the two main houseshows. The Learning Programme isproving popular with young people fromschools that have no or very little dramaprovision. Karen McGrady-Parker,Associate Director – Early Years, wasonce again Internal Assessor, with KieranMcLaughlin from Carnegie College asExternal Assessor. All participantssuccessfully passed the Programme witha SQCF Level 7 qualification.

PERFORMANCE &PRODUCTION COURSE“I enjoyed creating and performing agreat show to such a professionalstandard and working with enthusiasticcast members.”PARTICIPANT, SUMMER FESTIVAL 2013

This 5 week-long intensive theatre arts

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Mary Queen of Scots Got HerHead Chopped Off rehearsals,Summer Festival 2013

Now’s The Hour

Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off, Summer Festival 2013 (Photo by Douglas Robertson)

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“It gives you a chance toexperience life as a professionalperformer. It pushes you to be thebest you can be and when yousee your work come alive onstage, it’s the best feeling!”PARTICIPANT, SUMMER FESTIVAL 2013

SUMMER FESTIVAL 2013 – INDEPENDENCE?

“

training course for predominately 16-25year olds leads to main houseproductions. The course involves youngpeople from all around Scotland, andbeyond, attending five weeks ofworkshops, classes, rehearsals, theatrevisits and talks from guest speakers,culminating in performances in the finalweek. It is Scottish Youth Theatre’s aimto give participants a realistic experienceof the rehearsal and productionprocesses.

During week one, all participants spend atleast one session a day in skills buildingworkshops including: voice production,music, dance, stage fighting, videoproduction and improvisation. Directorscast productions in the first week.Rehearsals then operate three sessionsa day, six days a week, until productionsopen.

Technical Theatre Course participantsare given the opportunity to attendsessions in stage lighting, stage design,creating a “prompt book”, prop makingand sourcing, costume design and sounddesign. They then work assisting theprofessional staff in preparing thetechnical and design elements of themain house productions. Technicalparticipants operate lights, sound and“run the show” from the prompt cornerthroughout production week.Participants are given extra opportunitiesto further develop their skills by providingtechnical and stage management backup for extra-curricular events and for theGlasgow Foundation Courses.

“Interesting, thought provoking, welldirected and produced... A lot of goodtalented youngsters in there and acredit to SYT and Scotland.”ELAINE C SMITH, PATRON, SUMMER FESTIVAL 2013

MAIN HOUSEPRODUCTIONS:“I loved the performances because ofthe vibrancy, the understanding, thedirection taking in the abilities thatthe cast had in utilising them to suchgreat effect.”FRINGE REVIEW, AUGUST 2013

MARY QUEEN OFSCOTS GOT HER HEADCHOPPED OFF by Liz Lochhead, directed by MaryMcCluskey, with design by Kenny Millerand music by Ross Brown. Mark Cameronchoreographed the piece. Scott Miller wasassistant director. The play was performedat the Tron Theatre, 6-10 August.

NOW’S THE HOUR Devised with the Company and directedby Fraser MacLeod with David Cosgroveas dramaturg. Assistant Director (Music)was Anna Schneider and AssistantDirector (Movement) was Jayne Austin.Finlay McLay acted as design consultant.The promenade production was performedin the Old Sheriff Court, 6-10 August.This production saw the core cast of 10participants from the Performance andProduction Learning Programme andCourse work with the creative team toexplore their hopes, fears and ambitionsfor themselves and their country. Fromhere a structure was created exploringthe main questions posed by the youngpeople in the lead up to the ScottishIndependence Referendum in 2014.Joined by 22 further young people fromthe Intermediate Course, the cast createda show full of characters, songs, sketchesand heartfelt letters to their future selves.

“I don’t have the words to say howbrilliant Scottish Youth Theatre’sperformance of Now’s the Hourwas tonight.”NOW’S THE HOUR, LINDA FABIANI MSP, AUGUST 2013

“This was simply an excellent exampleof why youth theatre in Scotlandshould have increased investment.”NOW’S THE HOUR, FRINGE REVIEW, AUGUST 2013

FESTIVAL OF POLITICSFollowing the Summer Festival performanceof Now’s the Hour, a redeveloped versionof the show performed at the ScottishParliament as part of the Festival ofPolitics 2013.

“Writing a letter to their future selvesproved the most poignant moment, as

the die was cast and the ballot boxglowed with heightened anticipation.”NOW’S THE HOUR, THE HERALD, AUGUST 2013

INTERMEDIATECOURSEThis three-week course continues to actas a bridge between the Foundation andthe Performance and Production Courses.It has been developed to provideparticipants with a more intense andfocussed experience in approaching playproduction and performance. This coursestarts at the beginning of week 3 of thePerformance and Production Course.There are now two options as follows:

Ensemble – This course allowsparticipants to experience running to fullproduction without the stresses and timecommitments required of the maincharacters. The group joined the cast ofMary Queen of Scots Got Her HeadChopped Off playing minor charactersand the chorus in the production.

Devising – This company of youngpeople joined the cast of Now’s TheHour, researching and devising newmaterial and characters that added to therich tapestry of the production. Not onlydid this group act as an ensemble to themain characters but they created shortsongs and sketches to be performed inthe foyer and corridor as the audiencemade their way to the auditorium.

“The skills that I am leaving thecourse with are priceless.”PARTICIPANT, SUMMER FESTIVAL 2013

FOUNDATION COURSE“It has given me so much confidencein myself socially and as a performerand I enjoyed every minute of it.”PARTICIPANT, SUMMER FESTIVAL 2013

This popular basic skills course for 12-15year-olds develops theatre techniques/skills in week one and works towards anew devised piece of theatre in weektwo. A performance was devised on thetheme of Independence?.

Participants worked with theatre directorsand specialist artists. In 2013, thesespecialists were choreographers andmusical directors. Kat Wilson was theAssociate Artist, overseeing allFoundation Courses.

Performances took place on a main stagein the following theatres at the end ofweek two:

Aberdeen FC – this group performed inthe Education Suite at His Majesty’sTheatre, with Michelle Bruce as dramadirector, Kirsty Pennycook as traineedirector and Fiona Burness as technicalstage manager.

Glasgow FC – the two groups performedin the Brian Cox Studio. The staff was asfollows: Gemma Petrie, Nathan Byrneand Tom Hobbins as drama directors,Eilidh McRae and Jayne Austin asmovement directors. James Beck astrainee director. Stephanie Hunter, EilidhZerebiec and Corrie McKendrick as

“Given a tough six-week assignment into thehistory of the nation, these talented youngsterspassed with flying colours.”

MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS GOT HER HEAD CHOPPED OFF, ★★★★ THE HERALD, AUGUST 2013

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workshop assistants. Clare McNeill astechnical stage manager.

JUNIOR COURSEThis performance skills course wasspecially developed for young peopleaged 8-11, in Glasgow as part of SummerFestival 2006. Such was the success ofthe inaugural course that a parallel coursewas initiated in Edinburgh in 2007. In2009 the course was introduced inAberdeen. Participants are led, in a weekof skills classes, devising sessions andrehearsals, by a theatre director and amusical director. The theme for thecourses in 2013 was Independence?.

“We were amazed and delighted bywhat could be achieved in only oneweek of work. Very well done tostudents and staff. BRAVO!”PARENT, JUNIOR COURSE, SUMMER FESTIVAL 2013

Performances took place in the following theatres:

Aberdeen JC – this group performed inthe Education Suite at His Majesty’sTheatre, with Barry Donaldson as dramadirector, Christie Mitchell as traineedirector and Fiona Burness as technicalstage manager.

Edinburgh JC – this group performed inthe Empire Rooms at Festival TheatreEdinburgh with Kat Wilson as dramadirector, James Beck as trainee directorand Ryan Griffin as technical stagemanager.

Glasgow JC – participants were splitinto two groups with both performing inthe Edwin Morgan Studio. Kat Wilsonand Rhowenna McGregor were dramadirectors, supported by Claire Docherty asmusic specialist and Stephen McAveetyand Jenni Wright as trainee directors.Darryl Dale and Sean O’Brien wereworkshop assistants. Ryan Griffin wastechnical stage manager.

Total SF13 Audience Numbers 1,850

Glasgow Foundation Course, Summer Festival 2013

Glasgow Foundation Course, Summer Festival 2013 Edinburgh Junior Course, Summer Festival 2013

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HESE weekly process basedsessions for 2½ -25 yearolds involve up to 400 youngpeople a term in Glasgow atthe Old Sheriff Court and inEdinburgh at the Festival

Theatre. The main aim of the classes isto provide an inclusive fun leisure timeactivity where the participants developtheir creativity, personal and social skillsthrough the youth theatre process.Classes run at each of the following ageranges: 3-4 year olds; 5-7 year olds; 8-10 year olds; 11-14 year olds; and 15-25 year olds.

For many young people the weeklyclasses are their first point of associationwith Scottish Youth Theatre. Fromattendance at classes a young person cango on to become involved with holiday

courses and special projects, SummerFestival courses, SYT Productions andeventually may end up working for thecompany as a trainee tutor.

“Every class is like going on anadventure.”PARTICIPANT, EDINBURGH WEEKLY CLASSES

SUMMER TERM –Theme: Independence?Classes explored this theme over the tenweek term and shared their work withparents and guardians in end of termsharings.

WINTERPERFORMANCE TERM Theme: “Sometimes no present isbetter than the wrong present”

Each class used this theme to developperformance pieces for presentation atthe Winter Festival.

WINTER FESTIVAL Using the quote “Sometimes no presentis better than the wrong present”, each 15-25 class in Glasgow devised asuperstructure for their day of performances.

Led by tutors Kat Wilson and RhowennaMcGregor, the groups created a skeletonof a story where the younger age groupscould slot in with their own pieces devisedin class. The end performances tookplace in the Edwin Morgan Studio.

“My daughter comes to SYT becauseshe gets taught by professionals in afun and exciting way.”PARENT, WEEKLY CLASSES GLASGOW

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Weekly classes, Edinburgh

“SYT classes and courses are always fun –whatever you run I will attend!”

PARTICIPANT, WEEKLY CLASSES GLASGOW

Weekly classes, Edinburgh and Glasgow

These weekly ‘process’ based sessionsfor 3-25 year olds involve over500 young people a term inGlasgow at the Old Sheriff Court,in Edinburgh at the Festival Theatreand at His Majesty’s Theatre inAberdeen. The main aim of theclasses is to provide an inclusivefun leisure time activity where theparticipants develop theircreativity, personal and socialskills through the youth theatreprocess. Classes run at each ofthe following age ranges: 3-5 yearolds; 6-7 year olds; 8-10 year olds;11-12 year olds; 13-14 year olds;15-17 year olds and 18-25 yearolds. “SYT creates an excellentatmosphere and environment forparticipants to have fun, develop newskills and make friends.”PARTICIPANT, (16)

For many young people the weeklyclasses are their first point of anassociation with Scottish YouthTheatre. From attendance at classesa young person can go on tobecome involved with schoolholiday courses & special projects,summer festival courses, SYTProductions and, eventually, mayend up working for the companyas a trainee tutor.“The ‘Skint Knees’ class hasboosted my son’s confidence and ishaving a positive effect on otherareas of his life.”PARENT OF CLASS PARTICIPANT

“The energy, expertise andenthusiasm of SYT’s staff ensuresmy son has fun while learning dramaskills.”PARENT OF CLASS PARTICIPANT

In 2008/09, weekly classesoperated as follows:

Summer Term (April-June)Theme – ‘Heroes’Specialist Skills – AdvancedActingSpecialist Skills – Acting forCamera

Winter Term (Sept-Nov.)Theme – ‘Don’t be scared, just beprepared, scary can be exciting’Introduction of Dance Classes.Winter Festival

Spring Term (Jan-March)Skills TermDance ClassesIntroduction of Singing ClassesSpecialist Class – Audition Prep

WINTER FESTIVAL

Once again, Winter Festival, was acelebration of the creativity thatthrives in weekly classes inGlasgow throughout the year. Theclasses and their tutors workedtogether to devise a new piece oftheatre based on the theme ‘Don’tbe scared, just be prepared, scarycan be exciting’. KennyMcGlashan, associate director,worked with a group of SYTProductions’ members to devise asuper-structure or story that couldaccommodate each class’s pieceslotting into the main story. Thismethod has worked well over theyears with this year as noexception. Families and friendsenjoyed 6 very differentperformances over two days in theBrian Cox Studio.SPECIALIST CLASSES

ACTING FOR CAMERA

“I made a lot of new friends & learnedhow to stand in front of a camera andhow it all works plus some goodacting games which I really enjoyed.

They made the acting classes fun andinteresting and I was dying to getthere each day.” SOFIA (13),

Glasgow

Running alongside the Summerterm of classes these weeklysessions saw a group of buddingyoung actors working together togain skills relating to working infront of a camera. FilmmakersIrene Harris and Jon Thomsonexplored the skills, knowledge andideas that participants would needto develop to be on-screen actors.Participants also gained knowledgeof technical terms andmethodologies used in filming fortelevision and film. Each week thegroup focussed on a differentelement or technique of acting forcamera. At the end of the termeveryone left with a DVD of the workthey had made.

ADVANCED ACTING

During the Summer TermAssociate Director KennyMcGlashan ran weekly AdvancedActing classes for senior membersof the youth theatre. The sessionswere open to experiencedparticipants that were interested indeveloping their acting skills in amore focussed environment.Participants were challenged intheir improvisation, textualanalysis and presentation skills.

“…a richly textured workshop thatgained from the individuals differencesand made the workshop somethingvery special indeed.” SAC EVALUATION

DANCE CLASSES

“Rebecca loves the dance classes…she now wants to be a ballerina! Sheloved learning new skills and

In Edinburgh, supported by ClassAssociate Jayne Austin, end of termsharings took place at the ScottishStorytelling Centre, and classes weregiven the opportunity to perform in atechnically supported sharing.

SPRING SKILLSDEVELOPMENT TERMSpring Term 2014 saw individual tutorsselect a specific theatre skill to focus onwith their class. Skills explored includedstorytelling, working with props, physicaltheatre, solo performance, puppetry,characterization and writing scripts.Participants shared what they hadlearned over the 10 weeks with parentsand guardians in their final sharing.

“Everyone is so friendly and veryconsiderate of everybody’s strengthsand weaknesses.” PARTICIPANT, WEEKLY CLASSES GLASGOW

DANCE CLASSES “The tutor was very warm andwelcoming and did a fabulous job atteaching so much in a short time.”PARENT, WEEKLY CLASSES EDINBURGH

Dance classes are developed by DanceAssociate Eilidh McRae, and delivered bya team of professional dance tutors.

Dance classes have grown in popularityand for Winter 2013 term the TinyTwisters and Junior Jumpers Techniqueand Creative Movement classes werecombined, and rebranded as Skint KneesDance. Additional tutors were brought onboard to allow more young people to takepart in dance classes.

EASTER MUSICALTHEATRE COURSE In April 2013, 18 young people, aged 8-16, devised a new musical using songsfrom Scottish Artists. Eh A Hink You’llFind It’s Me Yer Efter was directed andchoreographed by Darren Brownlie, withRoss Brown as MD and Kirsty Pennycookas trainee director. The performance tookplace before an audience of 50 familyand friends in the Brian Cox Studio.

OCTOBER WEEK“THEATRE TOOLBOX” School holiday activity week offeringdifferent skills each day. Two age groups:8-11 year olds and 12-16 year olds. Skills on offer were:Monday 8-11 Circus Skillsand 12-16 Acting For CameraTuesday Stage Make Up and Special EffectsWednesday Stories from the WardrobeThursday Musical Theatre

Friday 8-11 Play in a Day and 12-16 Tech it Out

Number of Participants: 8-11 year olds – 16 participants12-16 year olds – 32 participants

“I love SYT, I’ll stick around formany years to come.”PARTICIPANT, 2013/2014

ENSEMBLEPERFORMANCECOURSEFreckleface Strawberry The MusicalThis course was developed as a meansof allowing 11-14 year olds to developmusical theatre skills through acting asthe ensemble in the SYT Productionsled family musical FrecklefaceStrawberry The Musical.

Supported by a core cast of seniormembers of the youth theatre, theyoung people rehearsed every weekendfrom January through March. A weekof intensive rehearsals was followed byten days of performances in April. Thecreative team for the project was MaryMcCluskey, director, with Ross Brownas MD and Carla Duggan aschoreographer. The production wasdesigned by Finlay McLay.

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HE provision of qualitytraining is at the heart ofScottish Youth Theatre’sprogramme of activities.Young people, Core Staff and

Tutors all deserve training of anexcellent standard. Scottish YouthTheatre will continue to strive to keeptraining standards high. The in-housetutor training scheme and tutormentoring scheme, delivered by theAssociates, Assistant Directors andAssociate Artists, continues to offerexcellent advice and training. Theseschemes provide quality assurance andensure that workshop tutors employedby the youth theatre are of anacceptable standard.

IN-HOUSE TUTORTRAINING – this method of training tutors allowsthe “house-style” in workshop deliveryto be assured in new tutors. Seniormembers of the youth theatre whohave been involved for at least oneyear as a workshop assistant areidentified by the artistic team and aregiven the opportunity to train as aScottish Youth Theatre classes tutor.Each apprentice works at the rate ofpersonal development best suited totheir individual needs. Associatedirectors, Karen McGrady-Parker andKat Wilson, have worked with thetrainee tutors throughout the year. TheClasses’ Associates provide frontlinequality assurance.

In 13/14, Scott Miller and CorrieMcKendrick joined the scheme. Thefocus in this year has been on the

progression of candidates onto moreresponsible creative positions on SYTclasses, courses and projects.

TRAINEE STAFF❚ Jayne AustinAssistant Director (Movement) –Now’s The HourClasses Associate – Edinburgh

❚ Nathan Byrne Director – Glasgow Foundation CourseClasses Tutor – Edinburgh and Glasgow Workshop Tutor –Rail Respect Roadshow and Gie’s PeaceAssistant Director and Performer –Frida and Frosty

❚ Scott Miller Assistant Director –Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off

❚ Andrew Jeffrey Classes Tutor – Edinburgh

❚ James BeckTrainee Director – Glasgow Foundation and Edinburgh Junior Courses

❚ Kirsty PennycookTrainee Director –Aberdeen Foundation Course

❚ Christie MitchellTrainee Director –Aberdeen Junior Course

❚ Stephen McAveetyTrainee Director –Glasgow Junior Course

❚ Jenni WrightTrainee Director –Glasgow Junior Course

❚ Anna SchneiderAssistant Director Music, Now’s The Hour

WORK EXPERIENCETRAINING❚ Douglas ChalmersLycee Jeanne d’Arc, France, June

❚ Alyx McLachlanRosshall Academy, Glasgow, August

❚ David HealySt Thomas Aquinas, Glasgow, September

❚ Melanie McQuaterMearns Castle High, Glasgow, October

❚ Matthew BoyleSt Ninian’s High School, Glasgow, November

❚ Rosa EdwardsRothesay Academy, Argyll & Bute, November

❚ Jonathan DorrisStrathaven School, South Lanarkshire, December

❚ Jayson NelsonJordanhill School, Glasgow, January

❚ Amy AlexanderCraigmount High School, Edinburgh, February

STAFF TRAINING❚ National Roadshow Tutor Training Phases 1 and 2

❚ Rail Respect Tutor Training ❚ Child Protection – General and Internet/Social Media

❚ First Aid❚ Fire Warden❚ Duty Manager (in house)

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TRAINING“Every minute was the best time of my life.”

PARTICIPANT, MUSICAL THEATRE COURSE 2013

Weekly Classes, Glasgow

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“SYT productions gave me the time and space to evolve and improve my performance skills.But more importantly it allowed me to growas a person.”

SCOTT MILLER, 20, CUMBERNAULD

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ROADSHOW 2013

COTTISH Youth Theatre isdelighted to have receivedfunding from The RobertsonTrust and The Gordon FraserCharitable Trust enablingrecommencement of the

popular touring workshop programme,Roadshow. Throughout September,October and November 2013 Scottish YouthTheatre travelled to schools, communitygroups and youth theatres across northernand central Scotland offering free dramaworkshops. The workshop programmewas delivered by Joanne Marr, the company’sOutreach and Access Officer, plus a teamof theatre arts professionals withexperience of working with young peopleof all ages. The team included: KirstyMalone, Morna McGeogh, Tom Hobbins,Sharon Miller, Nathan Byrne, StewartMcLaren, Jennifer Hodson and AnnaSchneider. Stephanie Falls also receivedRoadshow training as back up tutor.

“Amazing! Felt so professional and got so much ideas from it! Pleasecome back!”PUPIL, FRASERBURGH ACADEMY

WORKSHOP MENUThe Power of the Ensemble(2hr) S1+Exploring and developing skills andtechniques for ensemble performance, theyoung people will develop and presenttheir own piece of theatre using speciallycommissioned texts from Scottish YouthTheatre and incorporating movement andvoice. This is a chance to experience theexciting potential for performing as anensemble.

Independence? (2hr) S1+Engage in the debate of Scottishindependence and explore the question,“what does Scotland mean to you?”.The vote may not be until next year butnow is the hour – to seek, to ask, to find.Participants will identify their aspirations,fears, questions and views on a vote that

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“Very enjoyable! Pupils loved the experience, Ihave been receiving positive feedback ever since.We would love to have SYT back! SYT staff werefriendly and very enthusiastic.”

LISA, TEACHER, ABOYNE ACADEMY

will create this country’s future providingopportunities for deepeningunderstanding of culture in Scotland andwhat the independence referendummeans for young people today.

Page to Stage (2hr) S1+Creatively explore staging,characterisation and direction using triedand tested theatre techniques to gain afuller understanding of a text and itsrelevance to young people today. Text to choose from:❚ Shakespeare (Macbeth or A Midsummer Night’s Dream)❚ Scottish Contemporary (Mary Queen of Scots Got Her HeadChopped Off or Edwin Morgan poetry)

Intro to Devising Theatre (2hr) S1+Games, exercises, improvisation anddevising; participants can learn andexperience drama skills within a fun,relaxed and creative environment. Focusis on building group work skills anddeveloping confidence while enhancinglearning. Using fast paced theatricalexercises participants will develop ideasfrom a range of stimuli including props,images, and music to create their ownunique pieces of theatre.

“Thank you for bringing aprofessionally delivered workshop,though I have come to expect nothingless from SYT!”GRAHAM, TEACHER, CRIEFF HIGH SCHOOL

ROADSHOW AUTUMN 2013 –AREAS COVERED:❚ Ross and Cromarty – FortroseAcademy, Invergordon Academy❚ Shetland – Aith Junior HS, BraeJunior HS, Baltasound Junior HS, MidYell, Junior HS, Shetland Islands Council,Sandwick Junior HS❚ Orkney – Stromness Academy, KirkwallGrammar, Westray Junior HS, DeernessYouth Club, West End Theatre Group❚ Caithness and Sutherland – Thurso

High School❚ Inverness – Kiltarlity Youth Club,Culloden Academy, Kirkhill Youth Club❚ Stirling – Stirling High School, BalfronHigh School, Wallace High School,Bannockburn High School❚ Dundee – St Paul’s Academy, GroveAcademy, Harris Academy, St John’s RCHigh School❚ Islay – Islay High School❚ Ardnamurchan – Ardnamurchan High School❚ Perth and Kinross – Perth HighSchool, Perth Grammar, Perth Academy,Crieff High School, Blairgowrie HighSchool, Auchterarder Community School,St John’s RC Academy❚ Skye – Portree High SchoolPlockton – Plockton High SchoolBenbecula/South Uist – Sgoil Lionacleit❚ Barra – Castlebay Community School❚ Harris and Lewis – Nicolson Institute,An Lanntair Youth Theatre❚ Ullapool and Gairloch – Ullapool High School❚ Moray – Elgin Academy, Elgin HighSchool, Buckie High School, SpeysideHigh School❚ Fort William – Lochaber High SchoolArgyll and Bute – Tobermory High School,Tarbert Academy, Dunoon Grammar,Lomond School❚ Aberdeen City – Aberdeen Grammar,Hazelhead Academy❚ Angus – Arbroath Academy, MontroseAcademy, Monifieth High School,Webster’s High School❚ Aberdeenshire – Aboyne Academy,Portlethen Academy, Mackie Academy,Ellon Academy, Fraserburgh Academy

“Was having a bad day but this mademe feel better!”PUPIL, ST JOHN’S RC HIGH SCHOOL, DUNDEE

SEN ROADSHOW –MARCH 2014“The facilitators had a very positiveattitude to the children and were veryencouraging. I found the whole exerciseto be inspiring and life enhancing.”JOHN, TEACHER, ASHCRAIG SCHOOL, GLASGOW

Roadshow 2013, Blairgowrie High School, Perthshire

SEN Roadshow 2014, Saltersgate School, Dalkeith Roadshow 2013, Montrose Academy, Angus

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Throughout March 2014 Scottish YouthTheatre travelled to SEN schools, ASNunits and accessible community groupsacross Scotland offering free specialistled drama workshops.

The workshop programme was deliveredby an inclusive team of theatre artsprofessionals, including Joanne Marr,Outreach and Access Officer fromScottish Youth Theatre and HannahTerrell, a movement specialist fromIndepen-dance, with experience ofworking with young people of all agesand abilities. Scottish Youth Theatre wasalso delighted to have Neil Price andAdam Sloan, two young disabled artistsjoin the team. Each workshop wastailored for the specific needs of thegroup and maximum numbers for eachworkshop were 10.

“The content was perfectly suited tothe wide range of needs, abilities andages of the pupils. All the pupils whotook part said they had great fun andwould like to do it again.”LYNDA, TEACHER, LOCHGILPHEAD JOINT CAMPUS.

WORKSHOP MENUIntro to Devising Theatre (1-1.5hs) S1+Games, exercises, improvisation anddevising; participants can learn andexperience drama skills within a fun,relaxed and creative environment. Focusis on building group work skills anddeveloping confidence while enhancinglearning. Using specifically tailoredtheatrical exercises participants willdevelop ideas using a range of stimuliincluding: props, images, and music.

Independence? (1-1.5hs) S1+Engage in the debate of Scottishindependence and explore the question,‘what does Scotland mean to you?’The vote may not be until September butnow is the hour – to seek, to ask, to find.Participants will identify their aspirations,fears, questions and views on a vote thatwill create this country’s future providingopportunities for deepening understandingof culture in Scotland and what theindependence referendum means foryoung people today.

Shaken Up Shakespeare (1-1.5hs) S1+Using movement and music to bringShakespeare to life. Explore themes,

imagery and characters created by theBard in a creative, accessible, fun andinteresting way. Participants will look atthemes from a selection of Shakespeare’sbest known plays including: The Tempest,Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’sDream and Macbeth.

The focus of the workshop will bepractical rather than text based.

Tin Forest (1-1.5hs) S1+“There was once a wide windswept place,near nowhere and close to forgotten...”Explore through drama, movement andmusic the world of the Tin Forest, abook by Helen Ward and WayneAnderson. A place where dreams comealive, ideas grow and once forgotten orunwanted objects become things ofbeauty. Participants will use variousperformance techniques such as stillimage, soundscaping and mime todiscover and respond to the story andthemes of the Tin Forest. Usingeveryday objects in an imaginative waythe young people will create and delveinto its magical world.

“We worked using our imaginationand also using props in differentways. We had to use our teambuilding skills to put a play together.Good fun and informative.”PUPIL, FIRPARK SCHOOL, MOTHERWELL

SEN Roadshow 2014 – Areas Covered:❚ Lochgilphead High School –

Lochgilphead❚ Kersland School – Paisley❚ Mary Russell School – Paisley❚ Kilpatrick School – Clydebank❚ Central Advocacy Partners – Alloa❚ Carrongrange School – Falkirk❚ Woodlands School – Edinburgh❚ The Yard – Edinburgh❚ Saltersgate School – Dalkeith❚ Firpark Special School – Motherwell❚ Parkhill Secondary School –

Cumbernauld❚ Abercorn Secondary – Glasgow❚ St Oswald’s ASN Secondary –

Glasgow❚ Hillpark Secondary Autism Unit –

Glasgow❚ Govan High Autism Unit – Glasgow❚ Cartvale – Glasgow❚ East Park School – Glasgow❚ Ashcraig School – Glasgow❚ Sanderson High School – East Kilbride❚ James Reid School – Saltcoats

❚ Downs Syndrome Scotland – National❚ Indepen-dance – National

“This was an excellent opportunity tohelp our pupils develop using theirimagination to create stories. Theworkshop leaders were excellent and knew how to pitch the workshopto the children attending to matchtheir needs.”STEWART, TEACHER, ABERCORN SECONDARY,

GLASGOW

“The content of the workshopopened up and had a great flexibilitywhich allowed the young people tointerpret it and express themselvesin their own unique way. The groupall thoroughly enjoyed it and weretalking about it at the following club.Interestingly, the group’s behaviourafter the workshop was really good.In their play they were interactingand engaging with one another in anextremely animated and positivemanner. Though I can not be sure, Iwould attribute this to the theatregroup. It also reached members ofthe group who are usually on thefringes of the play.”HAILEY, PLAYWORKER, THE YARD ADVENTURE

CENTRE, EDINBURGH

ROADSHOW AND SEN ROADSHOWTRAININGGeographical Roadshow 2013 involved7 new workshops written by ScottishYouth Theatre’s Access and OutreachOfficer. These were: Independence?,Power of the Ensemble, Intro toDevising Theatre and Page to Stage –Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream,Edwin Morgan Poetry and Mary Queenof Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off.Ten Scottish Youth Theatre freelancestaff attended a training day on Monday9 September 2013, led by the Accessand Outreach Officer. The day was amixture of practically going throughsome of the exercises from each of theworkshops as well as going througheach workshop and explaining aims,objectives and desired outcomes.Each freelancer was given a copy of theworkshop plans as well as anybackground information which wasuseful in order to deliver the workshop.The Independence? and Page toStage: Mary Queen of Scotsworkshops particularly required tutors todo some research of their own before

delivering the workshop. Information,links and publications were all providedto the tutors as part of the training day.

SEN Roadshow 2014 involved fourworkshops specifically designed foryoung people with additional supportneeds. These were: Intro to DevisingTheatre, Independence?, Tin Forest andShaken Up Shakespeare. The workshopswere written initially by Scottish YouthTheatre’s Access and Outreach Officerand later input from Indepen-Dance’sNational Dance Development Workerwas also incorporated.

Planning meetings happened regularly inthe run up to the tour and a practicaltraining evening took place on Wednesday

26 February with a group of youngpeople with additional support needs.

“You were nice people and I wouldlike to see you again.”PUPIL, JAMES REID SCHOOL, SALTCOATS

In addition to the Access and OutreachOfficer and the National DanceDevelopment Worker, two disabledartists also joined the SEN Roadshowteam. Training for these two artistshappened on a practical and ongoingbasis throughout the tour.

As part of the partnership workingbetween Scottish Youth Theatre andIndepen-Dance training opportunities forany interested SYT staff (freelance and

core) will be available in 2014 forAutism Awareness Training.

ROADSHOWA total of 2,518 young people in 62Schools, Youth Clubs and YouthTheatres took part in 104 workshopsover the course of 6 weeks.

“T’was most excellent!”PUPIL, PERTH ACADEMY

SEN ROADSHOWOver the 3 weeks a total of 332 youngpeople with additional support needstook part in 35 workshops in 22schools and groups.

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“Whether I’m working withShakespeare or leading thosesame drama classes that Iremember so fondly – I’ve alwaysfelt incredibly grateful and lucky tobe provided with such memorableopportunities and adventures.”

NATHAN, 22, GLASGOW

YT Productions is the youththeatre’s high profile, highquality performance group.The company continues toidentify talented young actors,directors and technicians

and to give them the opportunity tofurther develop their skills throughchallenging performance and workshopprojects. It is made up of senior membersof Scottish Youth Theatre who have shownparticular skills and talent for performance,production and delivering projects. Morerecently, the company has held openauditions for specific projects makingSYT Productions accessible to othertalented young people. The group hasdevised, developed and performed atmany prestigious national and international.SYT Productions has also successfullytoured nationally & internationally with avariety of productions.

SYT Productions allows Scottish YouthTheatre to deliver its identified aims:❚ Identifying suitable participants.❚ Providing participants with theopportunity to develop and challengetheir skills/talents. ❚ Training participants through theperformance process.❚ Giving participants the opportunity toshowcase their skills on variousprofessional stages throughout Scotland. ❚ Affording participants the opportunityof working with leading theatreprofessionals.❚ Allowing participants to learn,experiment and sometimes fail in a safeworking environment. ❚ The company acts as a conduit intoprofessional training and the profession.❚ Allows the participants to have fun asthey are developing vocational skills.

The personal and professional

development of these participants isimportant to the future of the creativeindustries in Scotland. Scottish YouthTheatre is best placed to allow theirtalents to grow in a safe and professionalenvironment. Such is the demand for thiscompany’s work that its programme ofactivities has expanded to necessitate theformation of an almost full time residentcompany.

FAMILY STORYTIME“Very interactive – really enjoyedseeing children engaging more on thisvisit. Great confidence builder!”PARENT, FAMILY STORYTIME

SYT Productions continues to be at thecore of these successful, interactivestorytelling sessions for 3-7 year olds andtheir families. Karen McGrady-Parkeroversees all Family Storytime activities.Family Storytime became a registeredtrademark in 13/14.

Summer Season 2013 - Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories

How The Camel Got His Hump 4 & 5 May (Edwin Morgan Studio)5 May – Family Storytime party11 May (Festival Theatre Edinburgh)

How The Alphabet Was Made 18 & 19 May (Edwin Morgan Studio)25 May (Festival Theatre Edinburgh)

The Crab That Played With The Sea 1 & 2 June (Edwin Morgan Studio)8 June (Festival Theatre Edinburgh)

The Elephant’s Child 15 & 16 June (Edwin Morgan Studio)22 June (Festival Theatre Edinburgh)19 July (Aboyne Festival)

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Frida and Frosty, Festive Show 2013 (Photo by John Johnston)

Family Storytime, How The Camel Got His Hump (Photo by Chris Young)

The Weegie Board (Photo by Chris Young)

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How The Whale Got His Throat 29 & 30 June (Edwin Morgan Studio)3 July (Eastwood Theatre)4 July (Barrhead Community Centre)19 July (Aboyne Festival)20 & 21 July (Merchant City Festival)Total audience 508

“It was great how the story wasbrought to life and kept even theyoungest children engaged.”PARENT, FAMILY STORYTIME

Winter Season 2013 – Classic Tales

The Enormous Turnip 4 & 15 September (Edwin Morgan Studio)21 September ( Midfest, Midlothian)29 September (Eastwood Theatre)The Elves and The Shoemaker28 & 29 September (Edwin Morgan Studio)29 September – Family Storytime partyHow Jumbo Went To The Moon12 & 13 October (Edwin Morgan Studio)20 October (Scottish InternationalStorytelling Festival)The Magic Porridge Pot26 & 27 October (Edwin Morgan Studio)Three Billy Goats Gruff9 & 10 November (Edwin Morgan Studio)Total audience 542

“Great performance. What a fabulousway to spend the day!”PARENT, FAMILY STORYTIME

Scottish Book Trust Tour We received £600 grant to tour ThreeBilly Goats Gruff to East End venues –Garthamlock Family Centre and CranhillFamily Centre.

Spring Season 2014 – Aesop’s FablesThe Boy Who Cried Wolf25 & 26 JanuaryThe Town Mouse and the CountryMouse 8 & 9 FebruaryThe Bundle of Sticks22 & 23 FebruaryThe Lion and the Mouse8 & 9 MarchThe Hare and the Tortoise22 & 23 MarchTotal audience 678

“Enthusiastic, well paced, encouragingparticipation, fun!”PARENT, FAMILY STORYTIME

Extra Performances in East Renfrewshire February – Eastwood Theatre: 2 performances of The Town Mouseand the Country Mouse.

March – Eastwood Theatre: 2 performances of The Boy WhoCried Wolf.March – Giffnock Library: 2 performances of The Hare and theTortoise.Total audience 110

EASTER 2013INTERACTIVEPRODUCTIONTHE SKY IS FALLING“We had to book more tickets as soon as we left!”PARENT, THE SKY IS FALLING, APRIL 2013

“My favourite was Chicken Likenbecause she did a good dance!”CHILD, THE SKY IS FALLING, APRIL 2013

“The effort and imagination that goes into these SYT productions isexemplary, as is the ready way inwhich the cast engage with theiraudience.”THE SKY IS FALLING, THE HERALD, APRIL 2013

Directed by Fraser MacLeod withprofessional performer Anna Schneiderand SYT Productions participantsChristie Mitchell and Martin Quinndevised a new promenade, interactiveand musical production inspired by thestory of Henny Penny/Chicken Licken.Finlay McLay returned to design abeautiful farmyard set complete withchicken coup, duck pond, Rooster’s haybales and fox hole. The production wassupported technically by Ritchie Young,who provided projections and LauraWalshe as Stage Manager.Total audience 1,309

“It really was a privilege to attendsuch an entertaining production andsee such acting talent from the young performers.”ANNABEL M GOLDIE MSP, THE WEEGIE BOARD

THE WEEGIE BOARDTOUR – AUTUMN 2013A short tour of the production inSeptember 2013. Venues visited:Eastwood Theatre 6 September 1 performanceBeacon Arts Centre, Greenock7 September 1 performancePaisley Arts Centre*11 September 1 performanceBrian Cox Studio*13 & 14September 2 performances

Redbridge Drama Centre, London* 18 & 19 September 4 performancesScottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh21 September 1 performance*These performances were followed by aQ & A with the audience.Total Audience 518

“Engagingly told and well acted... An hour of good, spooky fun.”THE WEEGIE BOARD, ALL EDINBURGH THEATRE, SEPTEMBER 2013

PORRIDGE IN THEMORNING Working with director John Binnie andwriter Aladair Fraser, four members ofSYT Productions rehearsed andperformed this production in June 2013.Performances took place in thePanopticon Music Hall in Glasgow.

NOW’S THE HOUR –BBC KNOWLEDGE AND LEARNING“Fabulous performance of Now’s theHour... Not a dry eye in the house!”CLARE ADAMSON MSP

From the previous two productions ofNow’s the Hour Scottish Youth Theatreentered discussions with BBC Knowledgeand Learning about creating a newversion of the show to be made into adocumentary. The original creative teamreturned to work with a cast made up ofprevious cast members, successfulauditionees and a selection from BBC’sGeneration 2014 project. This new castredeveloped the entire script of theproduction to include new characters,sketches and discussion points. Therehearsal period and performance wasdocumented by a crew and made into adocumentary that aired on BBC 2Scotland in April 2014.Total audience of the performance 117

“A fresh, youthful look at Scottishidentity and the big question.” JOAN MCALPINE MSP

KILLING ME SOFTLY & INSTANTAs part of Glasgay Festival 2013, SYTProductions collaborated withwriter/director John Binnie to create adouble bill of theatre pieces that playedin the Brian Cox Studio and toured tolocal communities. Participants LeahByrne, Brandon Logan and Jonathon

Combe were all selected to form thecast of Killing Me Softly by John Binnie.To contrast and compliment the piece,written and set in the 1980s, AssociateArtistic Director Fraser MacLeod workedwith 10 other SYT Productionsparticipants, over the October schoolholiday, to devise a new piece of theatreexploring young people’s attitudestowards sex, relationships and secretstoday in Instant. Performances tookplace in the Brian Cox Studio, LodgingHouse Mission, Glasgow CaledoniaUniversity, Govan High School, Platform,Easterhouse and Castlemilk Centre.The was a special performance withIgnite Theatre in Knightswood whichsaw the youth theatre perform their owndevised piece with the SYT Productionsperformances. Directors John Binnieand Fraser MacLeod deliveredaccompanying workshops to:❚ Lourdes Secondary School❚ Govan High School❚ Darnley Youth Club❚ Castlemilk Maureen Cope Centre❚ Castlemilk Community Centre❚ Jenniburn Community CentreTotal Audience 483

“Congratulations to all involved inKilling Me Softly and Instant. I washugely impressed by thecommitment and ability of the cast.Great work – a real credit to the SYT.”COUNCILLOR MARTIN RHODES, GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL

THE TRENCH A collaboration with NYOS, NYCOS and YDance – a productionto mark the centenary of WWI.Representatives from each of the

companies met on 17 and 18 of Augustto “play”, share ideas and practice. Thecreative team for the weekend wasDirector Mary McCluskey (SYT),Choreographer Anna Kendrick(YDance), Playwright Bryan Beattie, Composer/MD Stephen Deezley andComposer/MD Oliver Searle.

FESTIVE INTERACTIVEPRODUCTION 2013FRIDA AND FROSTY“A visually magical space... Ideal forrunning, jumping, rolling and make-believe games that are a key part ofthis Scottish Youth Theatre show forvery young children.”FRIDA AND FROSTY, THE HERALD , DECEMBER 2013

Continuing in the company’s tradition ofproviding interactive family entertainment,the company led by Mary McCluskey,Director, and Finlay McLay, Designer,Nathan Byrne as professional performerand assistant director with traineeactors, Katee McCulloch and EilidhZerebiec, devised a play following theadventures of Frosty the Snowman andhis new friend, Frida. The productionplayed in the Brian Cox Studio from 28November to 30 December. An excerptfrom the show was be performed at“Glasgow Loves Christmas” in GeorgeSquare in December. Total Audience 2,545

“Completely blown away with theperformances and the production.”PARENT, FRIDA AND FROSTY

“It exactly matched our children’sneeds. We have been before and will come back again.”PARENT, FRIDA AND FROSTY

FRECKLEFACESTRAWBERRYTHE MUSICAL A family musical theatre production basedon the children’s books by Julianne Moore.SYT Productions played the main castsupported by a newly introduced YouthTheatre Ensemble Performance Coursefor 11-14 year olds. The production wasdirected by Mary McCluskey with RossBrown as MD, Carla Duggan aschoreographer and Finlay McLay asDesigner.

Ensemble Auditions 7 & 8 DecemberRehearsals 25 & 26 January (and every weekend until 31 March)1-10 April – Intensive rehearsalsPerformances 11-21 April (Brian Cox Studio)

PERSIMMON HOMESSYT Productions was invited to performat the Persimmon Home annual charityfundraiser event at the Central HotelGlasgow. Working with Associate ArtisticDirector Fraser MacLeod and MusicalDirector Gary Cameron the group of 9performed a medley of songs includingDiamonds by Rihanna, Counting Stars byOne Republic and other popular hits.The company was grateful for a generousdonation from Persimmon Homes.

“Being a member of SYT Productionsplayed a big part in my decision toturn a hobby into a career. Theprofessional work ethic, practices andopportunities they offer are sobeneficial to any young personwanting to pursue a career in thisindustry.”VICKI MARELLA LEECH, 20, GLASGOW

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Instant (Photo by Robin Mitchell) Killing Me Softly (Photo by Robin Mitchell)

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COTTISH Youth Theatrecontinues to use its SpecialProjects to deliver itsoutreach and social inclusionactivities. The nature of the

programme is continuallychanging to meet the needs of the youththeatre’s client groups. Throughout theyear, Scottish Youth Theatre involveditself in special projects either initiated bythe youth theatre in partnership withother organisations or in response torequests from outside bodies. 2013/14saw a variety of projects being delivered,including the following:

RENFREWSHIREYOUNG DADSWith extended funding from the BigLottery, this project ran throughout thesummer at The Wynd in Paisley. AFamily Open Day at the Lagoon Centre,Paisley was held to encouragerecruitment with 14 families attending.The project culminated in a series ofactivities to celebrate the commitment tothe project by young dad, Lee. This

included; producing a printed copy of hisstorybook, working with a professionalvisual artist, radio recording of his storyperformed by SYT Productions and airedon Pulse FM. This project was deliveredby Steven Leach and Mark Traynor asproject directors with Stephen McAveetyas project assistant.

“Pupils were asked very clearly to putthemselves in the place of others andthink about the decisions eachcharacter made.”TEACHER, CARRONGRANGE SCHOOL, FALKIRK, RAIL RESPECT

RAIL RESPECTScottish Youth Theatre’s partnership projectwith Network Rail continued throughout2013-14, with 90 rail safety dramaworkshops delivered to nurseries, primaryschools, secondary schools and youthgroups throughout Scotland. Usingsongs, games, improvisation and real lifestories, participants gain a betterunderstanding of rail safety and their partin being a responsible citizen. Workshops

❚ Anderston Primary School, Glasgow❚ Royston Primary School, Glasgow❚ Barmulloch Primary School, Glasgow❚ Bonnytoun Nursery, Linlithgow❚ Springfield Primary School, Linlithgow❚ Low Port Primary School, Linlithgow❚ Linlithgow Primary School❚ St Joseph’s RC Primary School, Falkirk❚ Hallglen Primary School, Falkirk❚ Antonine Primary School, Falkirk❚ Allan’s Primary School, Stirling❚ Wallace High School, Stirling❚ Coatbridge High School

Borders and Midlothian Pilot Schools:❚ Newtongrange Primary School, Midlothian❚ St Andrew’s Primary School, Midlothian❚ Heriot Primary School, Midlothian❚ Burgh Primary School, Galashiels❚ St Margaret’s Primary School, Galashiels❚ Glendinning Terrace Primary School,

Galashiels❚ Balmoral Primary School, Galashiels❚ Langlee Primary School, Galashiels❚ St Peter’s Primary School, Galashiels

Galashiels Academy❚ Stow Primary School, Scottish Borders❚ Tweedbank Primary School,

Scottish Borders❚ Clovenfords Primary School,

Scottish Borders

“A useful tool to allow pupils to exploresituations in a safe environment.”TEACHER, FORRESTER HIGH SCHOOL, EDINBURGH, RAIL RESPECT

Phase 2 of the project focused onsecondary schools, and workshops tookplace in the following schools:❚ Forrester High School, Edinburgh❚ Graeme High School, Falkirk❚ Larbert High School❚ Linlithgow Academy❚ North Lanarkshire Council community

engagement event (Bellshill)❚ St Augustines High School, Edinburgh❚ St Rochs High School, Glasgow❚ Stirling High School

“The hot seating, role play andimprovisations were totally suited tothe delivery of the important message.Drama is a fabulous vehicle topromote and deliver rail safety.”TEACHER, LARBERT HIGH SCHOOL, FALKIRK, RAIL RESPECT

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Great…Happy…Rebelistic…Swag…Beast…Brill…” PUPILS, ST. TIMOTHY’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

The partnership with Network Rail willcontinue throughout 2014 with thefollowing activity being planned: ❚ A second phase of workshops in Midlothianand the Borders, offering workshops toevery school on the Borders Railway route.❚ A new phase of workshops for primaryschools along the Glasgow-Whifflet train line.❚ A new strand of workshops, focusing onlevel crossing safety.

ARROCHAR PRIMARY –HIDDEN HERITAGE OFA LANDSCAPEA living history performance projectconnecting children with local history. InMay 2013, Scottish Youth Theatre workedwith the Hidden Heritage Project andArrochar Primary School, using drama toexplore the community’s Viking history.Drama director Rhowenna McGregor,Creative Specialist Emma Bowen andtrainee director Jennifer Hodson workedwith P1-3 and P4-7 pupils to createdrama scenes, movement sequences,props and film showing Arrochar’s Vikinghistory. The final piece was performed atan informal sharing in the school.

“You have done exactly what we hopedfor this part of the project – taughtthem a bit about their history in a funand memorable way.”SUE FURNESS, ARROCHAR PRIMARY, HIDDEN HERITAGE OF A LANDSCAPE

MAYBOLE YOUNGARTS FESTIVALDebbie Montgomery led a specialist stagemake up workshop as part of a youth artsfestival in Maybole, South Ayrshire. Theworkshop was with young people aged 9 to12 year old and focused on how to creategory ghosts and scary scars.

UNIVERSITY OFWESTERN SCOTLANDCPDIn October 2013, Karen McGrady-Parkerled two CPD sessions with 70 PGCEstudents at University of West of Scotland.The practical sessions looked at ‘Usingdrama across the Curriculum’ andconsidered how any subject can bereinforced through the use of drama.Each session included a short presentation

on previous projects delivered and achance to ask questions at the end.

PROMOTE YTSYMPOSIUMThe Old Sheriff Court acted as host venuefor this national symposium of youth theatre.Scottish Youth Theatre co-led the youthelement of symposium in November 2013.

ST TIMOTHY’SPRIMARY SCHOOLIn January 2014, Joanne Marr, Accessand Outreach Officer and Imogen Craven,drama workshop assistant, visited StTimothy’s Primary School in Coatbridgeto deliver two workshops over two weeksto P7 pupils on the theme of friendshipand responsible citizenship. Theseworkshops explored respecting otherpeople’s ideas and accepting eachother’s differences. Participants enjoyedcreating their own scenes and sharingthem with each other.

“Thank you everyone from ScottishYouth Theatre loved it today. Thumbs up!”PUPIL, ST. TIMOTHY’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

GIE’S PEACE ANTI-SECTARIANISMPROJECTIn October 2013, Scottish Youth Theatrebegan working in Inverclyde with theGie’s Peace Anti-Sectarianism Project.Working with an intergenerational groupof participants, drama director RhowennaMacgregor used musical theatre script (commissioned by Scottish Youth Theatrein 2007) as stimulus for discussion anddevising, and presented an informalsharing at the Beacon Arts Centre inDecember 2013.

Phase 2 of the project commenced inFebruary 2014 and was delivered byAssociate Director-Projects, Kat Wilson,and trainee director Nathan Byrne. Thisphase focused on participants’ personalexperiences of sectarianism and usedlive performance, media and film tocreate a sharing performance to beperformed at the Beacon Arts Centrestudio in May 2014.

Gie’s Peace Anti-sectarianism Project, Greenock

were written by Associate Director-Projects, Kat Wilson, in consultation withthe British Transport Police. SYT alsoworked closely with fellow projectpartners Young Scot and Active SchoolsNorth Lanarkshire to identify suitableschools and communities, who wouldmost benefit from Rail Respect activity.

Kat Wilson delivered the workshops inschools, alongside drama tutors NathanByrne, Mary Gapinski, Steven Leach,Debbie Montgomery and Anita Rea.Phase 1 of the project was deliveredfrom March 2013 to March 2014. Whilemost of the workshops took place inCentral Scotland, a small pilot programmewas delivered in Midlothian and theScottish Borders. Initial workshops tookplace in Cumbernauld in March 2013.

The following schools received RailRespect workshops from May 2013 toMarch 2014:❚ Gylemuir Primary School, Edinburgh❚ Dalry Primary School, Edinburgh❚ St Joseph’s Primary School, Edinburgh❚ St Stephen’s RC Primary School, Glasgow

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COTTISH Youth Theatrebelieves that the research anddevelopment of new activitiesand new partnerships is vital to

the sustainability of thecompany in the current financial climate.In 2013/14 the company worked hard todesign and develop new activities. It alsoendeavoured to seek out like mindedorganisations for future collaborations.

NATIONAL YOUTHPERFORMING ARTSCOMPANIES Scottish Youth Theatre continues to meetregularly with NYCOS, NYOS and YDanceto share ideas and methods of best practice.The group also lobbies the ScottishGovernment as a unit. Plans were initiatedin 12/13 for a proposed collaborativeperformance piece involving all fourcompanies. The group has been workingtogether towards the implementation ofScottish Government’s Time To Shine.

BRIAN COX STUDIO & EDWIN MORGANSTUDIOIn 2013/14, the youth theatre continuedto move towards the establishment ofthese two spaces as child, young personand family city centre venues. Theprogramme for this year included:

SCOTTISH YOUTH THEATREPERFORMANCES AND PROJECTSBrian Cox Studio:❚ The Sky Is Falling❚ Glasgow Foundation Course –

performances❚ Now’s The Hour❚ The Trench – collaboration with

YDance/NYOS/NYCOS❚ The Weegie Board – rehearsals and

performances❚ Theatre Toolbox – October week

holiday course

❚ Killing Me Softly – rehearsals and performances

❚ Instant – rehearsals and performances❚ Frida & Frosty – rehearsals and

performances❚ Now’s The Hour – BBC Knowledge

and Learning – rehearsals, performances and filming

❚ Freckleface Strawberry The Musical –rehearsals

Edwin Morgan Studio:❚ Family Storytime Summer Season 2013

– rehearsals and performances❚ Glasgow Junior Course – rehearsals

and performances❚ Family Storytime Winter Season 2013

– rehearsals and performances❚ Theatre Toolbox – October week

holiday course❚ Winter Festival 2013 – performances❚ Easter Musical Theatre Course 2014

– rehearsals and performances❚ Family Storytime Spring Season 2014

– rehearsals and performances

Other Performances and Projects:

Brian Cox Studio:❚ Birds of Paradise Theatre Company❚ Youth Music Theatre UK❚ Glasgay Festival❚ The Mungo Boys❚ University of West of Scotland❚ Scotstoun Dance and Drama Academy❚ See More Theatre Productions❚ Knightswood Secondary School/Dance❚ School of Scotland❚ University of Strathclyde ❚ Scottish International Storytelling Festival❚ Who cares? Scotland❚ Delirium Productions Glasgow❚ Glasgow Music Festival

Edwin Morgan Studio:❚ King’s Theatre/Dirty Dancing

Press Release❚ Who cares? Scotland ❚ Scottish International Storytelling Festival

WORK FOR 7 YEAROLDS AND UNDERScottish Youth Theatre has secured itsplace as provider of quality creativeworkshops and performances for this agegroup. Karen McGrady-Parker is AssociateDirector-Early Years. Members of SYTProductions create and perform theseage specific productions. FamilyStorytime is popular with both children,parents, teachers and carers. Theinteractive productions are quicklybecoming family favourites with audiencenumbers reaching over 2,500 atChristmas 2013. New developments arebeing explored with touring and work for0-2yrs on the agenda for expansion.

FUTURECOLLABORATIONSValued partnerships are at the core ofScottish Youth Theatre’s annualprogramme of activities. Between April2013 and March 2014, the youth theatrecontinued to strengthen its partnershipswith old friends. The company alsoinitiated and responded to new contactsat a Scottish level, a UK level and on aninternational level. Scottish YouthTheatre’s programme of activities wouldnot be as successful without thepartnerships formed with other artsorganisations and venues. Scottish YouthTheatre enjoyed working in collaborationwith the following:❚ Festival City Theatres Trust❚ Aberdeen Performing Arts❚ Youth Theatre Arts Scotland❚ Network Rail❚ Electric Theatre Workshop, Dumfries❚ Federation of Scottish Theatre❚ Glasgow Life❚ Scottish Storytelling Centre❚ East Renfrewshire Arts Team❚ NYCOS❚ NYOS❚ YDance❚ National Theatre of Scotland

“Before I came to SYT I was a shy and timidteenager who could barely stand in front of hisclass in school, never mind a paying audience.SYT continues to allow me to work on interestingprojects tackling important issues, I can’t think ofa better way to spend my time.”

DARRYL, 19, BEARSDEN

Family Storytime, The Magic Porridge Pot

Frida and Frosty, Festive Show 2013 (Photo by John Johnston)

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HE venue is now an establishedcity venue for conferences,meetings, rehearsal space andperformances. Scottish YouthTheatre uses the buildingfacilities more and more for our

own programme of workshops, classes,projects and performances.

VENUE USERS 13/14: ❚ 1 in 100*❚ Aberdeen International Youth Festival❚ Aconite Productions❚ Adam Smith College***❚ Adoption UK❚ Alcohol, Drugs Communities❚ Animate Consulting❚ Ankur Productions❚ Bard in the Botanics❚ Barrowland Ballet**❚ Birds of Paradise***❚ British Sign Language Broadcasting Trust❚ Capability Scotland❚ Carers Net❚ Carer's Trust*❚ Carers Trust Scotland*❚ Child Poverty Action Group❚ Children In Scotland❚ Coalition for Racial Equality & Rights❚ Common Purpose❚ Council for Voluntary Service Inverclyde❚ Craft Scotland❚ Cultural Enterprise Office*❚ Culture Republic❚ Dance House***❚ Dance House – Creative Labs**❚ Dani Rae – Some Other Mothers❚ Delirium Productions❚ Desitin❚ FST Birthday Party❚ Dirty Dancing❚ Down’s Syndrome Scotland❚ Education Services❚ Edurne Mateos❚ Party – Festive Show❚ Engage Scotland ❚ Equity❚ Ethnic Minorities Law Centre*❚ Families Need Fathers❚ Federation of Scottish Theatre❚ Fire Exit**❚ Firstport*❚ Fraser Consulting❚ Frozen Charlotte Productions❚ FST Birthday Party**❚ Gaelic College of Skye❚ GCC Social Work Services❚ Generations Working Together*

“I just wanted to thank you for all the support yougave me this week. You have wonderful staff anda great space.”

THANIA ACARON, DANCE AND MOVEMENT PSYCHOTHERAPIST

❚ Glasgow 2014ltd Commonwealth❚ Glasgow Airport❚ Glasgow City Council**❚ Glasgow City Council Education Services❚ Glasgow Film Theatre❚ Glasgow Life**❚ Glasgow Life – Gaelic Arts❚ Glasgow School of Art*❚ Glasgow Womens Aid*❚ Grid Iron Theatre Company*❚ Guilford School of Acting❚ Haemophilia Scotland❚ Heather Gill – Festive Show Party❚ Hepatitis Scotland❚ Home Group❚ Housing Options Scotland❚ Ian Reid Design – NHS & GlasgowSchool of Art❚ Impact Arts❚ Improvement Service❚ Inspiring Scotland*❚ Interact Roleplay❚ Iriss❚ IRRV Scotland & Nothern Ireland❚ ITV❚ Jane Brodie School of Dance❚ Joy Works❚ Keeping Scotland Beautiful❚ Knightswood Dance School❚ Lesley Beastall Casting*❚ LGBT Youth Scotland*❚ Lloyds TSB ❚ London Youth Theatre ❚ Mull Theatre❚ Mungo Boys❚ National Autistic Society Training❚ National Theatre of Scotland**❚ NHS❚ NHS Film Screening❚ NHS Health Scotland**❚ NHS Leverndale Hospital❚ Nile Experience & Design❚ Nina Gold Casting❚ NSPCC❚ NYCOS❚ Old Sheriff Court residents❚ Orla O'Connor Casting*❚ Persimmons Homes/ SYT❚ Planning Aid for Scotland❚ Play Scotland❚ Plunkett Foundation*❚ Project Scotland*❚ Youth Theatre Arts Scotland/Promote YT❚ Porridge in the Morning/John Binnie❚ Random Accomplice❚ Royal Conservatoire of Scotland*❚ RUNREV Ltd❚ SACRO*❚ Scotland's Commissioner for Children

and Young People❚ Scotstoun Dance and Drama Academy❚ Scottish Book Trust**❚ Scottish Care❚ Scottish Community Development Centre❚ Scottish Consortium for LearningDisability**❚ Scottish Council for VoluntaryOrganisations❚ Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance*❚ Scottish Mentoring Network❚ Scottish National Heritage❚ Scottish Police Authority❚ Scottish Recovery Network **❚ Scottish Refugee Council❚ Scottish Resource Centre for Woman*❚ Scottish Social Services Council❚ Scottish Storytelling Centre❚ Scottish Women's Aid**❚ See More Theatre *❚ Shakespeare Schools Festival❚ Shakespeare Youth Festival❚ Social Care Ideas Factory*❚ Strathclyde Theatre Studies**❚ SURF❚ Tall Poppy Consultancy❚ Tharpaland Kadampa Meditation Centre*❚ Tin Forest❚ Trainer in Presentation Skills**❚ Tron Theatre❚ Tron Theatre/Stellar Quines❚ Turning Point Scotland *❚ Unity Enterprise❚ University of Strathclyde***❚ University of West of Scotland*❚ Violence Against Women❚ Visible Fictions❚ Voluntary Action Fund*❚ Who Cares Scotland❚ YDance❚ YMCA George Williams College❚ Young Scot*❚ Youth Companies❚ Youth Music Theatre UK

“Thanks again for making our event so successful, you guys are superprofessional and helpful.” SASHA MCDOUGALL, SCOTTISH WOMEN’S AID

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Conference at the Old Sheirff Court

(A) = Auditions(C) = Conference(F) = Filming(M) = Meeting(O) = Other

(P) = Performance(R) = Rehearsal(T) = Training(W) = Workshops

or Classes

* More than 1 booking Less 5

** Between 5 & 10 bookings

*** More than 10 bookings

(AGM) = Annual General Meeting

KEY DENOTES:

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Glasgow Youth Film Festival event at the Old Sheriff Court

COTTISH Youth Theatrevalues each of thepartnerships it developsand very muchappreciates the financial

support it has received in 2013/14.The support of our partners, bothold and new, has enabled thecompany to continue growing,innovating and providing qualitytheatre activities for children andyoung people across Scotland.

In particular the company wishesto thank the following:

Creative Scotland – for itscontinuing support of ScottishYouth Theatre as a FoundationFunded organisation. Thecompany appreciates thisrecognition of the youth theatre’sprogramme of activities for youngpeople across Scotland.

Glasgow City Council – for theircommitment to continued revenuesupport of Scottish Youth Theatre.The company remains an integralpart of the cultural life of Glasgow,operating within the city centre inaddition to bringing thousands ofchildren, young people and theirfamilies to Glasgow every year.

The Robertson Trust and The Gordon Fraser CharitableTrust – both of whom aresupporting the return of ourNational Roadshow programmeover the next three years.

Awards For All Scotland – forproviding the funding necessary to pilot an innovative project foryoung fathers in Renfrewshire.

AmbITion Scotland(Make:IT:Happen grant fororganisational development) – who have helped the companyto purchase the necessaryequipment to develop its digitalpresence by creating interesting,relevant and engaging onlinecontent, with a focus on video.Since April 2013, the Marketingteam and the Artistic team haveused the equipment to enrich anumber of campaigns, day-to-daysocial media content, as well as todocument projects and generallydevelop the company’s digitalcapacity

The Bank of ScotlandFoundation – whose supportmade possible a new Access andOutreach position within thecompany in 2013/14.

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“...What a really really great job Scottish YouthTheatre did of Mary Queen of Scots last year... LikeI told you at the time, it was a thrill for me. Theywere so direct and true, that SYT gang of yours...”

LIZ LOCHHEAD, PATRON, 2013

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Other GrantsGlasgow’s CommonwealthEmployment Initiative, ScottishCouncil for VoluntaryOrganisations, Big Lottery -Community and Families FundsTrust FundsChristina Mary Hendry, ScottishYouth Theatre TrustDonationsNatalie Allison, Jim Thompson,Angela Constance, HelenBattersby, Douglas Brown, SuzieWeatherston, Mary GapinskiOther SupportPersimmon Homes

Scottish Youth Theatre wouldalso like to express its thanks toeveryone who makes personaldonations to the companythroughout the year, includingmembers of the Yellow BrickRoad, Emerald City and RubySlippers clubs: The Carr Family,Dr. Bill Doig, The Hain Family,Lily McCord, Ruari McNeil, JimThompson, Bryan Wilson andMeghan Wilson. Their enthusi-asm and commitment to thecompany are an inspiration andtheir contribution enablesScottish Youth Theatre to con-tinue meeting its purpose.

SGLASGOW 2014COMMONWEALTHGAMES – CULTURE2014 PROGRAMME – THE TIN FOREST

Scottish Youth Theatre is workingin association with the NationalTheatre of Scotland to deliver theInternational Performing Companyelement of The Tin Forest. Theproject is inspired by the bestsellingchildren’s book of the same nameby Helen Ward and WayneAnderson. The project is using the story as a metaphor for theindustrial history of Glasgow andthe regeneration of the city. TheInternational Performing Company,run by Scottish Youth Theatre, willsee 90 young people from acrossthe Commonwealth to make onecompany that will split into fivegroups and perform at severaliconic Glasgow sites and atvarious events. Sites includeBarrowland Park, Custom HouseQuay, Waterbus Terminal,Tradeston Footbridge, RiversideMuseum and the South Rotunda.The project is directed by FraserMacLeod, with music by RossBrown, choreography by CarlaDuggan and design by KennyMiller. This exciting project is partof the Culture 2014 programmethat runs alongside theCommonwealth Games. Over 30theatre specialists will be engagedin the project. Countries representedare Australia, Canada, England,India, Jamaica, New Zealand,Northern Ireland, South Africa,Wales and, of course, Scotland.

MULTIMEDIA CENTRE – CENTRE FORCHILDREN’S THEATREDEVELOPMENT,PRISHTINA,KOSOVO –PEER GYNT FROM KOSOVO – In September 2013, the ArtisticDirector/CEO attended a meetingrelating to a proposed collaborativeproject with Qendra Multimedia,Prishtina (Kosovo); Teater De Vill(Sweden); and HessischesStaatstheatre, Wiesbaden(Germany).

GRAZ ANDKLAGENFURT,AUSTRIA – Mary McCluskey visited formerBoard Member, Douglas Brown.Mary and Douglas visited localyouth schools and youth theatregroups. Meetings compared localyouth theatre and drama practicesand methodologies.

EDUCATION ANDYOUTH AFFAIRSDELEGATES MACAU – In October, 2013, the BritishCouncil asked Scottish YouthTheatre to host a delegation ofdignitaries from the Education,Culture, Health and YouthDepartments of the MacauGovernment. Mary McCluskeywith 5 members of SYTProductions gave the 40 delegatesa tour of the Old Sheriff Court.After the tour, the group took

“SYT is such a fun place to be and I will definitelycome back next term.”

PARTICIPANT, WEEKLY CLASSES, EDINBURGH

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part in a Q&A session whereScottish Youth Theatre’s aims,objectives and programme ofactivities were explained. Thedelegates were particularlyinterested in the company’s “issue based” workshops andproductions.

INDIANEDUCATIONDELEGATES VISIT – January 2014. CreativeScotland and British CouncilScotland invited Scottish YouthTheatre to be part of an ArtsEducation Study Tour with Indiandelegates in Scotland in January.Indian delegates were representing:Ministry of Culture, Ministry ofDevelopment of North East Region,Department of Education in Artsand Aesthetics, State Governmentof Himachal Pradesh and StateGovernment of Meghalaya.

Karen McGrady Parker along withSYT Productions participants gavea presentation on the history andethos of Scottish Youth Theatre.Focus was on the eclectic mix ofeducation projects that is deliveredby Scottish Youth Theatre acrossScotland with young people fromvarying skill level, background andability. Participants talked abouttheir experiences and how theirparticipation has shaped who theyare today. The day was hosted byBBC Scottish SymphonyOrchestra and Scottish YouthTheatre had the treat of hearingthe Orchestra rehearsing.

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MARILYN BANNEN S Scotland’s national theatre ‘for & by’ young people,

Scottish Youth Theatrereceives patronage and

support from many of starsof stage and screen.

Their support is much appreciated. Theyouth theatre’s family of patrons workssteadfastly to support and promote ourwork out in the wider world. They alsoparticipate in and attend many of thecompany’s events and press callsthroughout the year.

❚ Patrons Emma Thompson and PhyllidaLaw visited in early July, when after atour of the building they lead a Q&A with participants.

❚ Participants welcomed new patron, Liz Lochhead, our Scots Makar. Liz

visited a rehearsal and performances ofher play Mary Queen of Scots Got HerHead Chopped Off. The cast enjoyedLiz’s tips and readings from the play.

❚ Elaine C Smith, patron, attendedperformances of Now’s The Hour andMary Queen of Scots Got Her HeadChopped Off. Both casts and creativeteams appreciated her support.Colin McCredie, patron, continues tosupport the company by attendingproductions throughout the year.

❚ Fiona Hyslop MSP and CabinetSecretary for Culture and ExternalAffairs, and Clare Adamson MSPattended performances of Mary Queenof Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off.The cast and creative team appreciatedan after show chat with Ms. Hyslop.

ABILLY BOYD

BRIAN COX

PAUL RILEYBILL PATERSON

ALAN CUMMING

DAVID RINTOUL

PHYLLIDA LAW

ELAINE C SMITH

LIZ LOCHHEAD

EMMA THOMPSON

BLYTHE DUFF

COLIN McCREDIE

❚ MSPs Clare Adamson, Linda Fabianiand Joan McAlpine attendedperformances of Now’s The Hour.

Other MSP’s visits throughout the year included:

❚ Linda Fabiani❚ Clare Adamson ❚ Joan McAlpine ❚ Annabel M Goldie ❚ Sandra White ❚ Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretaryfor Training, Youth and Women’sEmployment❚ Christian Allard❚ Jean Urquhart

Scottish Youth Theatre greatlyappreciates the support it receives from its many friends and patrons.

SCOTTISHYOUTHTHEATRE’SPATRONS

STAFFMary McCluskey Artistic Director & Chief Executive

Caroline Cosgrove Executive Director

Fraser MacLeod Associate Artistic Director

Karen McGrady-Parker Associate Director – Early Years

Katriona Wilson Associate Director – Projects

Joanne Marr Access & Outreach Officer

Kyriakos Vogiatzis Marketing Officer

Carol Rooney Finance & Payroll Manager

Laura Ann Campbell Arts Administrator

Laura Campbell Arts Administrator

Clare Davis Arts Administrator

Laura Spence Arts Administrator

James Rooney Building Supervisor

Ewa Jastzrebowska Assistant Building Supervisor

Julia Dzikowska Cleaner

ASSOCIATE ARTISTSFrancesca Adair, Julie Austin, Cath Baxter,Ross Brown, David Carter, Dale Corlett,David Cosgrove, Mary Gapinski, RebeccaKilbey, Fiona McGarry, Kenny McGlashan,Finlay McLay, Kieran McLoughlin, KennyMiller, Sharon Miller, Neil Packham, MartynRobertson, Pam Wardell, Robin Wilson

STAFFThroughout the year, Scottish Youth Theatre’s Board, Core Staffand Freelance Tutors worked hard to strengthen the youththeatre’s position as a national performing arts company and asan integral part of Scotland’s cultural community. ScottishYouth Theatre achieves this by:❚ Training future creative industries’ employees.❚ Creating audiences for the future.❚ Producing quality theatre performances.❚ Providing support to tutors, teachers and youth theatre leaders.❚ Continuing the development of a programme of work for andby children and young people throughout Scotland and in thecompany’s home in Glasgow’s Merchant City.❚Making connections with established partners, new partnersand international contacts.❚ Helping participants, aged between 2.5 years and 25 years, to find their voice through participation in theatre arts.

In the year 2013/14, we welcomed to the Core Staff: JoanneMarr, Laura Campbell, Laura Ann Campbell, Claire Davis andLaura Spence. We said goodbye to Daniel Cosgrove, PippaDale, Sean Greenhorn and Keegan Friel. Scottish YouthTheatre wishes them well in their new ventures.

Scotland’s National Theatre ‘For & By’ Young People

RICHARD WILSON

“It has been amazing to learn and work alongsidetop theatre professionals. The creative journey willstay with me forever. My wonderful experienceand huge support from staff has spurred me on tocontinue improving, learning and creating.”

ALANA, 17, IRVINE

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rounded cultured citizens of Scotlandand who work in all types of vocationsand professions.

Everything the youth theatre achievesin any one year is directly related togiving young people in Scotland theopportunity to access youth theatrearts of the highest quality. Youngpeople are at the centre of everythingScottish Youth Theatre does. It is ourbelief that every young person inScotland has a great deal to offer andit is our job to give them the chanceto shine in their own special waythrough the youth theatre process.The annual programme of work andthe building allow Scottish YouthTheatre to do just that – shine!

Thank you to all of our staff, Boardmembers, patrons, partners,participants, their families and themany friends of the company for yourenthusiasm and continued support.The youth theatre could not continueto grow and develop with out theircommitment and dedication. Here’s tomany more years of quality

Mary McCluskeyArtistic Director & Chief Executive

OR the last five years,Scottish Youth Theatre hasexperienced challengingtimes. However, throughdetermination and hardwork, the company has

managed to sustain itself throughoutthis difficult period. For over 37years, Scottish Youth Theatre hasbeen giving children and youngpeople in Scotland a wide variety ofopportunities to participate in highquality theatre arts activities. Thecompany is proud of the activities itdelivers all around Scotland all yearround serving not only youngparticipants but also their teachers,leaders and tutors.

Scottish Youth Theatre has trained oremployed many of Scotland’s leadingprofessionals in theatre, film,television and radio. However,Scottish Youth Theatre is not justabout producing media stars andpractitioners. It has also madecontact with and given a voice to tensof thousands of participants whohave gone on to become well

Caption in here for image above

Caption in here for image above

Patron Emma Thompson with SYT participants, 2013

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs with thecast and crew of Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off, 2013

Theatre Toolbox, 2013Rail Respect, Cumbernauld High School, 2014

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“SYT has not only changed my life in giving me asubstantial amount of acting experience I wouldnot be able to obtain elsewhere but I have alsomade genuine friends for life who share a passionfor theatre like myself.”

KATEE, 18, MIDLOTHIAN