Scottish theatre companies launch new schools initiative

A new initiative to take live theatre into schools in Scotland has been launched by the National Theatre of Scotland and children’s theatre festival Imaginate.

The Theatre in Schools Scotland project will see work by leading children’s theatre companies Catherine Wheels Theatre Company, Visible Fictions and Starcatchers toured in schools across Scotland.

Organisers say the aim of the project is to ensure every child in Scotland in nursery or school sees one piece of live theatre a year.

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As part of the initial pilot 15,000 children in Scotland across 25 local authorities will see productions this year.

Culture secretary Fiona Hyslop said the project would encourage creativity and imagination as part of the breadth of Curriculum for Excellence.

“Scotland is recognised internationally for its outstanding record in promoting children and young people’s theatre,” she said.

“The Scottish Government shares the widespread understanding that performing and visual arts help young people’s mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing.”

Laurie Sansom, outgoing artistic director of the National Theatre of Scotland said:

“I believe it is essential that the Scottish Theatre community takes world-class work that's being made in this country, regularly, to children of every age. I don't think we can underestimate the increase in well-being and academic attainment it provides, and by touring to schools, we are also growing our audiences for the future.”

Productions this year will include ‘Martha’ by Catherine Wheels Theatre Company and ‘Shopping for Shoes’ by Visible Fictions.

The initial pilot is supported by The Scottish Salmon Company and Arts & Business Scotland.

The Imaginate festival is currently underway in venues across Edinburgh. (picture by Jassy Earl)