scottish youth theatre_annual report 10_11

18
Scottish Youth Theatre, The Old Sheriff Court, 105 Brunswick Street, Glasgow G1 1TF TEL: 0141 552 3988 FAX: 0141 552 7615 EMAIL: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.scottishyouththeatre.org REPORT annual It’s an experience you will never forget. I always walk in excited wondering what we are going to do today. It is worth all the effort you put into it. EUAN, 15, GLASGOW Scotland’s National Theatre ‘For & By’ Young People Scotland’s National Theatre ‘For & By’ Young People 2010 2011

Upload: scottish-youth-theatre

Post on 19-Mar-2016

224 views

Category:

Documents


1 download

DESCRIPTION

Scottish Youth Theatre - Annual Report 2010-2011

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Scottish Youth Theatre_Annual Report 10_11

Scottish Youth Theatre, The Old Sheriff Court, 105 Brunswick Street, Glasgow G1 1TFTEL: 0141 552 3988 FAX: 0141 552 7615 EMAIL: [email protected]: www.scottishyouththeatre.org

RE

PO

RT

annual

“It’s an experience you will neverforget. I always walk in excitedwondering what we are going todo today. It is worth all the effortyou put into it.”EUAN, 15, GLASGOW

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

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

20102011

Page 2: Scottish Youth Theatre_Annual Report 10_11

SCOTTISH YOUTH THEATRE IS A MEMBER OF THE SCOTTISH THEATRE COMMUNITY

SCOTTISH YOUTH THEATRE SUPPORTS THE WORK OF PROMOTE YT

Design and production:w

ww.wagdesign.co

Scottish Youth Theatre – giving young people inScotland the opportunity to explore and to reachtheir creative potential through a quality theatrearts experience.

Wee Red

Dance classes

chairm

an’s report

introduct

ion /

national ach

ieve

ment

sum

mer fe

stiv

al

weekly

cla

sses

train

ing

national ro

adsh

ow

syt pro

duct

ions

rese

arc

h &

deve

lopm

ent

speci

al pro

ject

s

inte

rnational

the o

ld s

heriff c

ourt

Funders

/partners

& c

olla

bora

tors

patrons /board

of direct

ors

/st

aff

concl

usion

4 5 8 12 15 16 18 23 24 26 28 31 32 34

“Since being a part of the Scottish Youth Theatremy strengths have improved tenfold. I have hadthe opportunity to work with professional tutorsand classmates who have similar creativemindsets. My improvisational skills, scriptedwork and movement have all improved greatly. I have also gained valuable experience in creatingand performing, and my confidence has growndramatically.’SAM 14YRS GLASGOW

The Court of MiraclesFront and back cover images: Jerusalem – The Song of Deeds

Page 3: Scottish Youth Theatre_Annual Report 10_11

Mary McCluskey Artistic Director (Chief Executive)

year. The annual programme of coreactivities continues to be the mainstayof the company. New initiativesprogress in a positive manner with thesuccess of the ‘work for 7 yr olds andunder’ now feeding participants andaudiences into core activities; the creditrating by SQCF of the ‘Performanceand Production’ course is nearingcompletion; the establishment ofCreative Scotland is proving to bepositive for the youth theatre and theother National Youth Performing ArtsCompanies; the menu of Curriculumfor Excellence sessions on offer isbeginning to bring in bookings fromschools, nurseries and local authorities;and the Old Sheriff Court continues toattract hires from the cultural, charities,educational and business sectors.

As the national youth theatre forScotland, Scottish Youth Theatre isaware of the responsibility it holds indeveloping creative thinking, culturedand self-reliant citizens for Scotland.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, it isour job to give them the chance toshine in their own special way throughthe youth theatre process.

t gives me hope and takesme out of my shell” says oneof our classes’ participants ofher experience with the youththeatre. Everyone at ScottishYouth Theatre takes heart at this

comment. The quote brings into focusthe company’s reason for existing.The personal, social and creativedevelopment of each participant wereach every day of every year. Kirstie’sfeelings about SYT give us hope andit should bring us out of our shell.Throughout this report you will readcomments and quotes from ourparticipants, their parents, our partners,our patrons, politicians and the press.It is heartening for the Staff and theBoard to read and hear theseencouraging words.

Scottish Youth Theatre is now in its35th year of delivering a qualitytheatre arts experience to childrenand young people in Scotland. In thistime the company has grown beyondrecognition, giving more access tomore participants regardless of theirsocial, educational, physical orgeographical needs. The year fromApril, 2010 to March, 2011 has beenfull of challenges for the youth theatre.Human, financial and creative resourceshave been stretched due to thecurrent recession. However, the Staffand the Board of Directors are keento celebrate the many ‘good news’stories that have emerged during the

Bobby Hain Chairman of Scottish Youth Theatre’sBoard of Directors

CR

EAT

E ins

pire

imag

ine

I

annualREPORTchairman’sREPORT

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

5

ANNUAL

REPO

RT

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

4

CHAIR

MAN’S

REPO

RT

cottish Youth Theatrecontinues to thrivethrough challengingeconomic times.

As a registered charityand not-for-profit organisation, werely on three main sources ofrevenue: public funding throughCreative Scotland and GlasgowCity Council, direct payments fromparticipants and parents, and thesupport of the Scottish YouthTheatre Trust.

The Board is grateful for all of thecontinuing investment from allparties, as well as additional incomefrom other funders. We continue towork closely with other artsorganisations and commercialpartners as they make use of ourservices and our extensive facilitieswithin the Old Sheriff Court inGlasgow.

The scope and scale of our offeringremains rich and diverse, engagingthousands of participants andaudience members across all partsof Scotland. The Board has workedclosely with the Executive team andstaff to ensure the Company is bestplaced to deliver our aspirations – aquality theatre arts experience foryoung people in Scotland aged 3 to25. It is particularly rewarding tosee the growth in activities foryounger audiences with targetedproductions proving successful.

The provision of youth arts inScotland is now under activeconsideration by Creative Scotlandwho are currently drawing up termsof reference for a wider strategy.Scottish Youth Theatre has workedclosely with Creative Scotland andthe Scottish Government to placeyouth arts in the spotlight and welook forward to participating fully asthis strategy progresses.

The Board itself continues todevelop – this year we welcomeJanette Harkess as a new memberbringing valuable media and civicpolicy experience. We are alsograteful to those membersstepping down – Peter Thierfeldtand Shahid Nazir – for the time andeffort they have committed to theCompany over many years.

Continually changing, adapting andcontinuing to deliver: ScottishYouth Theatre is now well into itsfourth decade of working withScotland’s young people. With thecontinuing support of funders andthrough the efforts of managementand staff we remain at the forefrontof the delivery of youth arts inScotland.

S

“I have been coming here for 3 years. It givesme something to look forward to throughoutthe week. It gives me hope and takes me out of my shell.”KIRSTIE, 13, CAMBUSLANG

“The opportunities given to me by SYTProductions have helped develop me both as anartist and, more importantly, as a person.Without SYT’s encouragement I would not be the person I am today” ANNA, 21, EDINBURGH

Page 4: Scottish Youth Theatre_Annual Report 10_11

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

6

NATIO

NAL

ACHIE

VEM

ENT

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

7

NATIO

NAL

ACHIE

VEM

ENT

ABERDEEN

INVERNESS

DUNDEE

STIRLING

GLASGOWEDINBURGH

NAT

ION

ALa

chie

vem

ent

SCOTTISH YOUTH THEATRE –INVESTING IN SCOTLAND’S FUTURE

“The main reason I love drama is because of Scottish Youth Theatre… Most of all, I love the whole SYTexperience, from the first hesitant ideas to the building up of several ideas to the final show, which isalways better than the previous one” MICHAEL, 12, EAST RENFREWSHIRE

AberdeenAboyneAirdrieAnnanAyrBanchoryIsle ofBenbeculaBishopbriggs

Blairgowrie Bo’nessBothwellBridge of EarnCampbelltownCardiffCorntonvaleCumbernauldCupar

Dehli, IndiaDundeeDunfermlineEdinburghElginFalkirkFordell Firs, FifeGalasheilsGlasgow

Glen UrqhartGrangemouthGreenockGreenwichHalifaxHamiltonHelensburghHowfordHuntly

InvernessIslayKelsoKippenKirkintillochKirkcaldyLewishamLivingstonLondon

Melbourne,AustraliaMonifiethMotherwellMusselburghPaisleyPeeblesPerthPerth, W.

AustraliaPitlochryPortlethenSt. AndrewsStirlingStranraerSydney, AustraliaTarbertUddingston

annual

307PERFORMANCES

13,479AUDIENCES

26,670PARTICIPANT

DAYS

58VENUES

236FREELANCECONTRACTS

37,425VISITORS

STATISTICS

6,948FREELANCESESSIONS

(equivalent of11.5 full time

jobs in the arts)

(representing118

individuals)

❚ Provides a quality youth theatre arts experienceto children, young people and their leaders;❚ Enables children & young people and theirleaders to explore and reach their creativepotential through the youth theatre process;❚ Operates a diverse national programme ofcourses (residential & non-residential);classes, projects and productions;❚ Delivers that quality experience all aroundScotland all year round;❚ Provides an inspirational focus for youngpeople interested in theatre & drama in Scotland; ❚ Acts as a conduit into further education andthe creative 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 inScotland on a national and international stage;❚ Promotes Scotland’s cultural heritage at anational and international level;❚ Contracts & employs the largest number offreelance theatre practitioners in Scotland;❚ Operates as a national resource, Scotland’sfirst ever specially designed centre for thedevelopment of creativity and imagination inchildren & young people;❚ Commissions new work written specificallyfor performance by children and young people;❚ Acts as a lobbying voice for youth theatre withgovernment at a Local, a Scottish and a UK level;❚ Encourages & develops audiences of the future;❚ Employs the youth theatre process to developconfident and culturally aware citizens forScotland – those with an interest and a pridein the country’s rich cultural heritage.

COMPANY OBJECTIVES– to enable, stimulate and directly provide aquality theatre arts experience for the youngpeople in Scotland through the provision of aprogramme of accessible activities.

– to aim for the personal and social developmentof all individual participants, with specialemphasis on transferable skills.

– to give access at all levels of the youththeatre’s work (fun, serious & career) to allinterested young people in Scotland, regardlessof physical, social, educational, cultural orgeographical disadvantage.

– 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 Scotlandon a national and international stage.

WHAT WE DOScottish Youth Theatre is a ‘national youthperforming arts company’. It is Scotland’snational theatre ‘for & by’ young people. As anational company, the youth theatre aspires tobe a leader in ‘best practice’ in youth theatrearts. As such, it fulfils the following roles: WHERE WE’VE BEEN IN 2010/11

CardiffDehli, IndiaHalifaxLondonMelbourne, Perth,Sydney, Australia

Page 5: Scottish Youth Theatre_Annual Report 10_11

stablished in Edinburgh in1977, the summer schoolcontinues to be the youththeatre’s flagship event of theyear. It was the starting pointfor all other developments in

Scottish Youth Theatre’s activities. Inthe past thirty five years, the summerfestival has grown to offer a 5 weekPerformance & Production Course; aTechnical Theatre Course; 2 weekFoundation Courses in Aberdeen,Edinburgh & Glasgow; a 3 weekIntermediate Course, supporting thePerformance & Production main houseshows; and a 1 week Junior Course, inAberdeen, Edinburgh & Glasgow.

In 2010, 64 theatre professionals workedtogether with 227 young people fromaround Scotland and beyond over a sixweek period to produce 29 performancesof 9 theatre productions of the highestquality in 9 venues across Scotland.These performances played to anaudience of 2026 of family, friends andmembers of the public. The annualSummer Festival remains the ‘flagship’event in Scottish Youth Theatre’sprogramme of activities.

During Summer Festival 2010, ScottishYouth Theatre appreciated CivicReceptions given for the company bythe city councils of Aberdeen, Edinburghand Glasgow. Scottish Youth Theatreappreciates the fact that these councilsrecognise the value that SummerFestival adds to life in their cities.

Peter Arnott Season – Summer Festival2010 was a celebration of the work of

well respected Scottish Playwright PeterArnott. Scottish Youth Theatre wasprivileged to work on his inspiring piecesof theatre. His work has often had anhistorical focus, such is the case withJerusalem – The Song of Deeds. TheCourt of Miracles is based on Victor Hugo’sThe Hunchback of Notre Dame. Thisspecially commissioned play was developedwith Scottish Youth Theatre over a two yearperiod. Peter’s plays have been producedthroughout Scotland and the rest of theUK. His plays have also appeared in Cork,New York, Melbourne and Moscow.

“Whenever I think about summer I canonly imagine me spending it doingdrama in Glasgow. I have reallyenjoyed everything I’ve done in SYTand never really want it to end.” ROSS, 18, BLAIRGOWRIE

PERFORMANCE &PRODUCTION COURSEThis 5 week-long intensive theatre artstraining course for predominately 16 - 21year olds leads to ‘main house’ productions.The course involves young people from allaround Scotland and beyond, attendingfive weeks of workshops, classes, rehearsals,theatre visits, and talks from guest speakers,culminating in performances in the finalweek. It is Scottish Youth Theatre’s aim togive participants – acting, directing &technical theatre – a realistic experienceof the rehearsal and production process.Many of these participants go on toprofessional training after completing thiscourse.

During week one, all participants spend

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

8

SUM

MER F

ESTIV

AL

SU

MM

ER f

estiva

l

EThe Court of MiraclesJerusalem – The Song of DeedsAdventures in a Norwegian Wood

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

9

SUM

MER F

ESTIV

AL

“It was one of the best experiencesof my life. I believe I knew I wouldenjoy it before it began because theaudition had been such fun. Mymum met me after the audition andsaid I even seemed like a differentperson. I had gone into the auditionnervous and worried and had comeout bubbling with energy andenthusiasm.”JOANNA, 13, ABERDEEN

Page 6: Scottish Youth Theatre_Annual Report 10_11

at least one session a day in skills-buildingworkshops in voice production, music,dance, stage fighting and improvisation.These sessions are based on theproductions being produced. At the endof the first week, directors and theircreative teams cast productions based onthe workshop sessions. Rehearsals thenoperate three sessions a day six days aweek until productions open. Productionsare presented in professional theatrehouses across Scotland.

Technical Theatre participants are giventhe opportunity to attend sessions instage lighting, stage design, creating a‘prompt book’, prop making and finding,costume design and sound design. Theythen work assisting the professional staffin preparing the technical and designelements of the main house productions.Technical students operate lights, soundand ‘run the show’ from the promptcorner throughout production week.

The Performance & ProductionCourse performances in 2010 were as follows:

JERUSALEM –THE SONG OF DEEDSWorld premiere @ Brian Cox Studio 2 - 7 August – directed by Mary McCluskeywith design by Kenny Miller, musicaldirection by Andrea Possee andmovement direction by Norman Douglas

“There’s no resisting the dazzlingcommitment of its young and giftedSYT cast... and the whole event glowswith theatrical imagination and wildness,sometimes silly, sometimes brilliant,and always completely liberating...” THE SCOTSMAN, JERUSALEM: THE SONG OF

DEEDS, AUGUST 2010

“SYT was great. Everyone was like afamily after a few days and we alltook the three-weekers in like littlecousins! Amazing! Great course andalso fun getting the money makesyou feel good after raising it.”JAMIE, 17, BLAIRGOWRIE

THE COURT OF MIRACLES@ Tron Theatre 3-7 August – directed byFraser MacLeod with design by FinlayMcLay, musical direction by Ross Brownand choreography by Jenny Dougan

“...met with laughter and rapturousapplause on opening night.” THE HERALD, THE COURT OF MIRACLES,

AUGUST 2010

“We made an amazing show, andperforming it was definitely the icingon the cake… Worth every penny…Definitely wouldn’t feel like summerotherwise!”KIRSTY, 17, LUNCARTY

“This was a beautiful well producedmusical melodrama of a show whichwas full of inventiveness and colourful,engaging performances and excellentmusical chorus sequences.”Overall Rating: ExcellentSPECIALIST ADVISOR, CREATIVE SCOTLAND,

AUGUST 2010

ADVENTURES IN ANORWEGIAN WOODA devised piece for children @ Brian CoxStudio 29 July - 1 August – directed byAngela Darcy assisted by Fiona MansonScheduled to perform at the Lemon Treeas part of AIYF 4 - 7 August.

“The whole experience is as beautiful,gentle and life-affirming as a warm hugfrom a loving mum, in a way that willmake a few go ‘yuk’, and most of usmelt with delight ...an intense pleasure.” THE SCOTSMAN, ADVENTURES IN A

NORWEGIAN WOOD, AUGUST 2010

“This was a beautiful patchwork quiltof a piece. The all female ensembleplaying was strong throughout andthe themes running through the piececoncerning family, friendship, griefand the power of story were heldthroughout.” Overall Rating: Very GoodSPECIALIST ADVISOR, CREATIVE SCOTLAND,

AUGUST 2010

INTERMEDIATECOURSE“Last year I thoroughly enjoyed thesummer festival three week course.Afterwards I felt much moreconfident, both on stage and off.” CONNIE, 17, DUNBAR

This three-week course acts as bridgebetween the Foundation Course and thePerformance & Production Course. It hasbeen developed to provide participantswith a more intense and focussedexperience in approaching play productionand performance. This course starts atthe beginning of week three of thePerformance & Production course. Theparticipants take part in skills workshopsand rehearsals preparing them for theirroles as the ensemble/chorus in themain house productions. Due to thenature of the shows in SF2010 manyparticipants were called upon to playfeatured characters in the productions.

“Love the way SYT involves us in allthe decisions about performance. Itfeels like it is really our show, and thatmakes everyone work so much harder!” RACHEL, 16, GLASGOW

FOUNDATION COURSE‘It was a great way to experiencewhat it is like to create a show on thestage and it was very exciting to seehow we all managed to bring togetherthe various ideas and techniques forthe final performance. In addition Ireally enjoyed meeting other peoplefrom different parts of Scotland whohave the same interest as I have indrama and performing on stage.’KATY, 13, EDINBURGH

This popular basic skills course for 12-15 year olds develops theatre techniquesin week one and works towards a newdevised piece of theatre in week two. Aperformance was devised on this theme– In the Court of Miracles anything ispossible even a happy ending’ – aquote from Peter Arnott’s The Court ofMiracles. Participants worked with two

theatre directors and a specialist artist.In 2010, these specialists werechoreographers, musical directors andvideo/sound artists. Performances tookplace on a main stage in the followingtheatres at the end of week two:

FOUNDATION COURSE

Aberdeen: 19 - 31 JulyPerformance, Wood End Barn, nearBanchory 31 July

Edinburgh: 12 - 24 JulyPerformance, Kings’ Theatre 24 July

Glasgow: 5 - 17 JulyPerformance, New Athenaeum, RSAMD17 July

(I gained)…“New friends, newexperiences, confidence on stage,projecting my voice, memories.” KATEE, 14, BONNYRIGG

“I loved it. Loved the rush ofexcitement before I went on stage.” SAM, 15, EDINBURGH

“During Foundation course Iparticularly liked that the whole groupworked together on something newand original. Everyone was encouragedto contribute and the atmospherecreated by the SYT people was verysupportive. I felt free to offer ideasand to take part fully.”JOANNA, 13, ABERDEEN

JUNIOR COURSE

Aberdeen: 9 - 14 AugustPerformance, Lemon Tree 14 August

Edinburgh: 5 - 10 JulyPerformance, St. Augustine’s 10 July

Glasgow: 9 - 14 AugustPerformance, Brian Cox Studio 14 August

“Keep-up the excellent work SYT!” ROSE, 11, EDINBURGH

“It was the best camp I have everbeen to!!! It was a really good themeand I hope they do something like itnext year.”MILLIE, 9, GLASGOW

“Having been part of SYT Summer Festival now for the past four years, I can not imagine a summerwithout SYT… I love being part of the SYTcommunity, the hard work and the sheer fun!” RORY, 16, BALLATER

Jerusalem – The Song of Deeds The Court of Miracles

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

10

SUM

MER F

ESTIV

AL

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

11

SUM

MER F

ESTIV

AL

Page 7: Scottish Youth Theatre_Annual Report 10_11

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

12

WEEKLY

CLA

SSES

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

13

WEEKLY

CLA

SSES

CLA

SS

ES

wee

kly

hese weekly ‘process’ basedsessions for 3 - 25 year oldsinvolve over 500 young peoplea term in Glasgow at the OldSheriff Court, in Edinburgh atthe Festival Theatre and at

His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen. Themain aim of the classes is to provide aninclusive fun, leisure time activity wherethe participants develop their creativity,personal and social skills through theyouth theatre process. Classes run ateach of the following age ranges: 3 - 4year olds; 5 - 7 year olds; 8 - 10 yearolds; 11 - 12 year olds; 13 - 14 year olds;15 - 17 year olds and 18 - 25 year olds.

“I enrolled my daughter at SYT whenshe was 7 and at that time shestruggled with confidence and a friendsuggested drama classes. It’s definitelyplayed an important part in bringingher out of her shell and 2 years latershe has continued to grow. She hassince started Streetdance and is lookingforward to the Summer Festival. SYTis great fun and has proved to be amajor part in developing her as aconfident individual.” PARENT, DRAMA CLASSES, SPRING 2011

For many young people the weekly classesare their first point of an association with

Scottish Youth Theatre. From attendanceat classes a young person can go on tobecome involved with school holidaycourses & special projects, summer festivalcourses, SYT Productions and, eventually,may end up working for the company asa trainee tutor.

“I started doing weekly classes atScottish Youth Theatre as I thoughtthey were at a much higher standardand also a lot more enjoyable.”JONATHON, 15, EDINBURGH

T

Weekly classes, Glasgow

“As a Workshop Assistant, it’s fascinating tosee how young kids can come in very shy andunwilling at the start of a class, to leavingfeeling much more confident.”RORY, 15, GLASGOW

In 2010/11, weekly classes operated asfollows:

SUMMER TERMTHEMED TERM – in the April to Juneterm weekly classes in all three citieswork towards a sharing based on aspecific theme. In 2010, the themeexplored was Myths, Legends andHappily Ever Afters.

WINTER TERMPERFORMANCE TERM – in theSeptember to November term weeklyclasses work towards a more polishedperformance at the end of term with seniormembers of the youth theatre supportingyounger members in performance. Theapproach taken in each city is slightlydifferent, as explained below. The themein 2010 was the classic children’s novel,The Secret Garden.

SPRING TERMSKILLS DEVELOPMENT TERM – in

the January to March term in all threecities tutors work with participants on thedevelopment of theatre skills includingimprovisation, devising, voice, movementand character development. At the endof term the classes share their new skillsin a session with an audience of familyand friends.

“I’ve been here since I was 8 and itkeeps getting better and better.”VITO, 11, KILBIRNIE

WINTER FESTIVAL– Theme was The Secret Garden – SYTProductions devised the super-structureunder the guidance and direction of CraigSteele. Firmly established in Glasgowclasses, Winter Festival returned as acelebration of the creativity generated inthe weekly classes. In 2010, the weeklydance classes were included as an integralpart of the festival. Winter Festival tookplace over two days in late-November inthe Brian Cox Studio at the Old Sheriff

Court. The classes and tutors workedtogether to create a new piece of theatrebased on the theme: The Secret Garden,linking with the Festive show at theFestival Theatre.

“Being part of the Winter Festival wasbrilliant. I loved the entire experience,and I feel like I’ve learned a great dealfrom it. It was a great privilege to beasked to something like this, and Ifelt very proud presenting somethingthat my cast mates and I had workedon for so long.”LEAH, 14, GLASGOW

2010 saw Edinburgh and Aberdeenclasses enjoy their own versions of WinterFestival. In Edinburgh, Scottish YouthTheatre Associate Artist, Kieran McLoughlin,created a super structure with the 15-25class on a Saturday. Each drama classthen performed with the 15-25s to presentthe new devised piece. In Aberdeen,Scottish Youth Theatre Associate Artist,

Page 8: Scottish Youth Theatre_Annual Report 10_11

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

Francesca Adair, once again, worked with the 15-25 class in Aberdeen. Thegroup acted as a support to the other ageranges end of term sharing by beingscenery and background/supportingartists in their newly devised pieces oftheatre.

27 & 28 November: Glasgow – 6 performances plus 3 cancelleddue to weather playing to 513 people27 November: Aberdeen & Edinburgh

DANCE CLASSES“I love coming to this class because weare all great friends x. I love dancing!!” FRANCESCA, 14, RUTHERGLEN

In 2010/11, these classes were devised,developed and delivered by Carla Duggan,Eilidh McRae and Ali Boyd. Danceclasses have been firmly established inthe calendar of weekly workshops. Thestyle of delivery encourages participantsto develop confidence in their movementskills rather than follow a strict formaldance curriculum. The demand for thesespecialist classes has seen the introductionof extra classes on a Saturday.

“My son Oliver has been attendingdance classes over the last three yearsand he has thoroughly enjoyed his timehere and I, as a parent am very happyand satisfied with how SYT has helpedhim develop and reinforce discipline,

confidence, ambition, sense ofcommunity, social intelligence, motorskills and so much more.” PARENT, DANCE CLASSES SPRING 2011

HOLIDAY COURSES “...It was the type of event that sits atthe heart of SYT’s artistic remit andwas expertly delivered, as should beexpected. The participants wereenthusiastic, engaged and inspired...”Overall Rating: ExcellentSPECIALIST ADVISOR, CREATIVE SCOTLAND,

MAY 2010

MUSICAL THEATRECOURSE EASTER 2010 – the, now traditional, Spring Musical TheatreCourse featured excerpts from the popularmusical Hairspray. 31 participants aged 8-16yrs worked with Mary McCluskey,director, Ross Brown, musical director,Carla Duggan, choreographer and EmmaKing, assistant director. Participantspresented two performances of featuredsongs and dances from the musical to anaudience of 151 made up of extendedfamilies and friends.

The group was visited and treated to aQ&A with Scottish Youth Theatre Patron,Elaine C. Smith.

Participants on these courses expressedtheir feelings on the experience as follows:

…“I liked making new friends … itwas fun learning new things … I hada great time and the show turned outgreat … Great working in teams …Awesome!”

MURDER/MYSTERYCOURSE OCTOBER 2010– The Curse of the Old Sheriff Court –during the October Break in 2010,Scottish Youth Theatre introduced thisinteractive theatre course. The Curse ofthe Old Sheriff Court – a devisedmurder mystery for 8 - 16 year olds wasdirected by Gemma Petrie supported byKirsty McCabe & Robbie Fraser.Participants devised a murder mysteryusing characters based on classic fairytales. Using several spaces in the OldSheriff Court the cast led an audienceof 31 family and friends through this taleof jealousy, spite, betrayal and murder.

NATIONAL YOUTHCOMMITTEE– Scottish Youth Theatre values theopinions of this group of participantsrepresenting a wide spread ofgeographical areas and age groups.The committee meets at least threetimes a year. Matters discussed in2010/11 included e-marketing, thecompany brand, the development of acredit rated qualification for summerfestival courses, summer festivalmarketing campaign and specialistclasses.

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

14

WEEKLY

CLA

SSES

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

15

TRAIN

ING

Dance classes

he provision of quality trainingis at the heart of Scottish YouthTheatre’s programme ofactivities. Young people, CoreStaff, and Tutors all deserve

training of an excellent standard.Scottish Youth Theatre will continue tostrive to keep training standards high.The in-house tutors’ apprenticeshipscheme and tutor mentoring scheme,delivered by the Associate Directors &Associate Artists, continue to offerexcellent advice and training. Theseschemes provide quality assurance andensure that workshop tutors employed bythe youth theatre are of an acceptablestandard.

IN-HOUSEAPPRENTICESHIPSCHEME This method of training tutors allows the‘house-style’ in workshop delivery to beassured in new tutors. Senior members ofthe youth theatre who have been involvedfor at least one year as a workshopassistant are identified by the artisticteam and are given the opportunity totrain as a Scottish Youth Theatre classestutor. Each apprentice works at the rateof personal development best suited totheir individual needs.

❚ In-house Apprenticeship Programme Andrew Jeffrey now shadowing inEdinburgh

❚ Steven McAveety now shadowing inGlasgow

❚ Jayne Austin now teaching in Glasgow

❚ Anna Schneider now teaching inEdinburgh & Glasgow

TUTORS/LEADERS’TRAININGThe professional development oftutors/leaders is of great importance toScottish Youth Theatre. Tutors arementored by Classes Associates andScottish Youth Theatre’s associateDirectors. Training sessions are held atthe beginning of each term of classes.The mentoring and training sessionsallow the company assure the quality ofdelivery in classes, courses and projects.

CORE STAFF TRAININGThroughout the year members of theScottish Youth Theatre’s Core staffattend various conferences, trainingcourses and seminars as follows:

Training & Courses: ❚ First Aid Training❚ Fire Warden Training❚ Roadshow Tutor Training ❚ Staff Appraisals❚ FST Employment Law Training, Edinburgh❚ IOSH Training❚ Ambition IT Training❚ SAC Mental Health Conference❚ NFYT Fife❚ Theatre Symposium❚ Imaginate Autumn Exchange❚ Early Years Conference❚ Get Digital❚ SCQF Training Day❚ Promote YT Skill Up Event❚ Digital 2011❚ Starcatchers❚ Amb:IT:ion Scotland – ‘Get Smart: free digital tools for betteroperational effectiveness’❚ Amb:IT:ion Scotland / Giant –‘Developing a Digital Marketing Strategy’

STUDENTPLACEMENTSScottish Youth Theatre considers thetraining provided by our colleagues inschools, colleges and universities asimportant. As such, the company hostsplacement students and work experiencepupils. In 2010/11, the following schools,colleges & universities sent young peopleon placement with Scottish Youth Theatre:

“Thank you so much for having me onplacement for the past six weeks, I’vehad a wonderful time. I’ve reallyenjoyed seeing the activities that SYThas on and especially seeing Wee Redas I’ve never experienced anything likeit before. It has been really nice to feelpart of an enthusiastic & happy team...”JENNIFER, 19, STRATHCLYDE UNIVERSITY

Student Placements: Strathclyde University; INSEEC BusinessSchool in Bordeaux; Creative CulturalSkills Technical Apprentice and QueenMargaret University Placement.

“Thank you for the great experience!” FRANCES, 15, GLASGOW GAELIC SCHOOL

School Work Experience:❚ Hillpark Autism Unit, Glasgow❚ Glasgow Gaelic School❚ Aboyne Academy, Aberdeenshire❚ Lourdes Secondary, Glasgow❚ Williamwood HS, Clarkston❚ St. Columba’s HS, Dunfermline❚ Jordanhill School, Glasgow❚ Dance School of Scotland, Glasgow❚ Langside College, Enable Scotland.

“...I had a brilliant week! ...you guysare so kind. Thanks for putting upwith me for the week ;) you were allsuch a good laugh, I shall neverforget my week in SYT!” AMY, 15, JORDANHILL HIGH SCHOOL

T

TRAINING“I may not have much money, but I’ll eat beanson toast all summer if it means I can pay fordaughters to come to classes at the SYT!” PARENT, GLASGOW, SPRING 2011

“I love being at SYT. I get to meet newpeople, have fun and learn new skills” FRANCES, 15, THORNWOOD

Page 9: Scottish Youth Theatre_Annual Report 10_11

RO

AD

SH

OW

natio

nal

he National Roadshow remainsan important element ofScottish Youth Theatre’sannual programme of activities.It helps the company fulfill its‘national’ remit through a series

of drama sessions and chats. In theautumn/winter of 2010/11, the NationalRoadshow visited a wide variety ofschools and groups all across Scotland.

“Pupils (even the more inhibited)were engaged throughout.” TEACHER, UDDINGSTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL

“I liked the bit when we had to makepictures on the floor because we allworked as a team.” TAYLOR, 12, THE JAMES YOUNG HIGH SCHOOL

LIVINGSTON

WORKSHOPSOPTIONS ON OFFERWERE AS FOLLOWS:

Theatre Games and Improvisation (2hrs)Using fast paced games & exercises, thegroup can learn basic drama skills andtechniques within a fun, relaxed andcreative environment. Focus is onbuilding groupwork skills and developingconfidence.

The Power of the Ensemble (2hrs)Developing vital groupwork skills as anensemble performer the young peoplewill devise their own work incorporatingmovement and voice. This is a chance toexperience the exciting potential forperforming as an ensemble.

Page to Stage (2hrs)Using theatrical exercises and techniquesthe participants will creatively explore thehouse style of taking the written word tolive performance. This is a uniqueopportunity to creatively explore speciallycommissioned Scottish Youth Theatre text.

1. Dying For It: Follows a group offriends as they explore their relationships,life choices and sexuality in an accessibleconversational way. Fast paced, oftenfunny but with a serious message.

2. Jerusalem, The Song of Deeds: Epicretelling of the first crusade through theeyes of a young boy and girl.

3. When a Star Falls: On a Saturdaynight, on top of a hill, young people comeface to face with some of the key issuesof identity and nationality, learning moreabout themselves and each other thanthey could possibly have expected. Synopsis available on request

Practical Approach to Shakespeare (2hrs)Using tried and tested techniques thegroup will break down the barriers ofShakespeare’s language by focusing onphysicality and voice. The workshop willdevelop confidence in using the languagegaining a fuller understanding of thelanguage used and character motivations.

Special Educational Needs (length isdependent on needs of the group)Within the headline SEN we offer all ofthe options listed above, catering toindividual group skill levels, abilities andneeds. If this tailor-made workshop is ofinterest to you and your group thenplease let us know.

“The workshop was extremelyinformative and relevant to the ageand stage of our pupils.” TEACHER, MONIFIETH HIGH SCHOOL

“It was really good and got everybodyinvolved.”CARA, 15, ELGIN HIGH SCHOOL

“The games were so much fun and Ilearned new skills.”OLIVIA, 12, ABERDEEN

“Exactly what my group needed. As my group’spermanent worker it was wonderful to observehow they worked.”YOUTH THEATRE LEADER, ABERDEEN

T

SCHOOL & GROUPS VISITEDIN 20010/11:

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

16

NATIO

NAL

ROADSHOW

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

17

NATIO

NAL

ROADSHOW

❚ East Lothian Youth Theatre, Musselburgh 2 workshops❚ Stranraer Academy, Stranraer 1 workshop❚ St Columba’s High School, Dunfermline 1 workshop❚ The James Young High School, Livingston 1 workshop❚ Uist Youth Theatre, Isle of Benbecula 1 workshop❚ Sgoil Lionacleit, Isle of Benbecula 2 workshops❚ Ladywell School, Glasgow SEN 1 workshop❚ Linburn School, Glasgow SEN 1 workshop❚ Caldervale High School Drama, Airdrie 1 workshop ❚ Kirkintilloch High School, Kirkintilloch 1 workshop❚ Our Ladys High School, Motherwell 1 workshop❚ Monifieth High School, Monifieth, Angus 1 workshop❚ Monifieth Amateur Dramatics, Monifieth, Angus1 workshop❚ Scrap Happy Theatre Company, Blairgowrie 1 workshop❚ Elgin High School, Moray 4 workshops❚ Kilgaston, Bridge of Earn, Perth 1 workshop❚ Lemon Tree APA, Youth Theatre, Aberdeen 1 workshop❚ Portlethen Academy, Portlethen, Aberdeen 1 workshop❚ Uddingston Grammar, South Lanarkshire 3 workshops❚ Islay High School, Argyll 3 workshops❚ Westhill Primary, Aberdeen 2 workshop❚ Clevenden Secondary, Glasgow 1 workshop❚ Redburn School SEN, Cumbernauld 1 workshop❚ Milton Secondary, Glasgow 2 workshop❚ Tarbert Academy, Argyll 1 workshops❚ Hermitage Academy, Helensburgh 3 workshops

Page 10: Scottish Youth Theatre_Annual Report 10_11

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

18

SYT

PRO

DUCTIO

NS

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

19

SYT

PRO

DUCTIO

NS

“SYT Productions has made useof everything I have learnt andhas built on specific areas oftheatre skills. It has provided mewith the most memorable andunique weeks of my life. ”FAY, 18, EDINBURGH

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

to give then 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. Thegroup has devised, developed andperformed at many prestigious nationaland international events.

SYT Productions allows Scottish YouthTheatre to deliver its identified aims: ❚ identifying suitable participants; ❚ providing participants with theopportunity to develop their skills/talents;❚ training participants through theperformance process; ❚ giving participants the opportunity toshowcase their skills on variousprofessional stages throughout Scotland;❚ affording participants the opportunity ofworking with leading theatre professionals; ❚ allowing participants to learn andexperiment in a safe working environment; ❚ the company acts as a conduit intoprofessional training and the profession;❚ and allows the participants to have funas they are developing vocational skills.

The personal and professional developmentof these participants is important to thefuture of the creative industries in Scotland.Scottish Youth Theatre is best placed toallow their talents to grow in a safe &professional environment. Such is thedemand for this company’s work, that itsprogramme of activities has expanded tonecessitate the formation of a residentcompany.

“Having the chance to get involvedwith all different kinds of projectsallows us to be constantly tacklingnew challenges and gaining newskills. Whether we’re devising a pieceof children’s theatre, improvising asketch that somehow involves atalking fridge or reciting from theworks of Shakespeare – we’re alwayshaving a laugh and learningsomething new.”NATHAN, 19, GLASGOW

SYT Productions undertook thefollowing projects and productionsin 2010/11:

SPRING PRODUCTION– THE UGLY DUCKLINGFollowing the success of the Christmasproductions and other events for under 7sand their families, Scottish Youth Theatrewas delighted to produce its first everEaster show. Using the story of HansChristian Andersen’s The Ugly Ducklingand the company’s skill in workshopdelivery the cast and creative teamdevised and rehearsed a new interactiveinterpretation of the story. The play wasdevised by Fraser MacLeod and FionaManson with participants Jayne Austinand Philip Napier. Fraser directed theshow with Finlay McLay designing amagical environment in The Pink Room.The production proved a great successplaying 42 shows to an audience of almost1400 young people, families and friends.

“We all had a wonderful experience.The format was excellent for youngchildren.”HEADTEACHER, NURSERY, GLASGOW

“1st time for my granddaughter at aplay. She loved it. Very interactive.”GRANDPARENT, GLASGOW

SY

Tpro

duct

ions

S

Wee Red The Ugly Duckling The Princess and the Pea

Page 11: Scottish Youth Theatre_Annual Report 10_11

“Wonderful concept. Young people using theirskills for even younger people... Stimulatedimagination for children.”GRANDPARENT, FAMILY STORYTIME, 2010

JERUSALEM – THE SONG OF DEEDSRead-through of second draft – April 2010– as part of the ongoing script developmentprocess of this specially commissionedplay, SYT Productions came together withplaywright, Peter Arnott and artistic director,Mary McCluskey to read the second draftof the script. The session includedvaluable feedback from the participants.From this feedback, Peter produced therehearsal draft of the script.

FAMILY STORYTIMESummer Season / Autumn Season /Winter Season – Continuing thedevelopment of work for 7yr olds andunder, Scottish Youth Theatre’s uniqueform of interactive storytelling was furtherdeveloped by SYT Productions inassociation with SYT’s Associate Directors,Fraser MacLeod and Karen McGrady-Parker. A more formal structure fordelivery has been put in place. A pool of8 members received special training inthe devising, development and deliverymethods. The stories performed in2010/11 were as follows:

Summer Term1 & 2 May The Princess and the Pea15 & 16 May The Three Billy Goats Gruff29 & 20 May The Twelve Windows12&13 June The Old Woman and Her Pig26 & 27 June The Sword in the Stone

Autumn Term18 & 19 Sep The Frog Prince2 & 3 Oct The Magic Porridge Pot13 -16 Oct The Elves and the Shoemaker30 & 31 Oct The Sorcerer’s Apprentice13 & 14 Nov Sleeping Beauty

Winter Term22 & 23 January Jack and the Beanstalk5 & 6 February The Pied Piper of Hamelin12, 13 & 14 Feb The Enormous Turnip26 & 27 Feb The Sword in the Stone*12 & 13 Mar The Gingerbread Man

“This was their first visit and they bothseemed comfortable and wereencouraged well to take part whichhas given them confidence. Theactors are superb with the children!!”PARENT, FAMILY STORYTIME, 2010

Hamley’s FST – a further developmentof this popular project was devising of ashortened version of the stories allowingthe project to tour to outside venues.The pilot of this new version was run inthe playroom at Hamley’s Toy Store inthe St. Enoch’s Centre, Glasgow.

Yorkhill FST – the new shortened mobileversion of Family Storytime was performedat Yorkhill Hospital for sick children.Several performances took place in thewards for long-term sick children andtheir families. Scottish Youth Theatrebelieves that giving these young peopleaccess to Family Storytime will help todevelop their imaginations and creativity.It also fits with the company’s access andequalities policies. Such was the successof this pilot project that Scottish YouthTheatre will be making a joint applicationwith the Yorkhill Trust for funding to makethese visits a more regular occurrence.

“Talented young performers engagedwith the patients well.” STAFF MEMBER, YORKHILL HOSPITAL

“We are excited to be working with theScottish Youth Theatre to bring storiesto life in an interactive way and lookforward to developing a regularprogramme of performances whichwill make the time in Yorkhill Hospitalmore fun for our young patients.” DAVID WELCH, HEAD OF FUNDRAISING, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS AT YORKHILL CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION

WINTER FESTIVAL ’10 – in 2010, junior members of SYTProduction worked with director, CraigSteele to devise develop and perform thesuperstructure for Winter Festival. Thedevised superstructure was based on theclassic children’s story The SecretGarden. A new play was devised leavinggaps for each individual class to slot inand complete the story. Both productionswere severely affected by the winterweather with cancellations of bookingsand performances affecting box office.

“Being part of the superstructure atWinter Festival gave me the opportunity

to see all the different work that goeson in all of SYT’s weekend classes.We were constantly adapting the showto include the adventures of the 3-4sto the serious drama produced by the15-25s.”RORY, 15, GLASGOW

FESTIVE PRODUCTION – in 2010, SYT Productions producedtwo festive shows with one in the BrianCox Studio, Glasgow and the introductionof the ‘house-style performance piece’ inthe Lemon Tree, Aberdeen.

“It’s the best theatre for small kids.We have four children – they love it...” PARENT, WEE RED, DECEMBER 2010

“Yet another pure delight from thecreative team at Scottish Youth Theatre.” THE HERALD, WEE RED, DECEMBER 2010

WEE RED– in Glasgow, artistic director, MaryMcCluskey and tutor, Anna Schneider,worked with Scott Miller and KirstyPennycook to devise, develop and performtheir own take on the Little Red RidingHood story. Finlay McLay, once again,created a magical environment for theproduction. Wee Red ran from 2 - 24December played 43 of 49 performanceswith 6 cancellations due to weatherplaying to an audience of 1310.

“Excellent. Intimate and interactive forthe children – better than last year.” PARENT, WEE RED, DECEMBER 2010

THE PUDDOCK ANDTHE PRINCESS –ABERDEEN – a new development of Scottish YouthTheatre’s unique form of interactiveperformances for 7yr olds and under wasthe remounting of The Puddock and ThePrincess for the Lemon Tree in Aberdeen.Scottish Youth Theatre is delighted to beworking in partnership with AberdeenPerforming Arts in the delivery of workfor this age group. Associate Director,Fraser MacLeod and Drama Worker, Fiona

Manson worked with Eilidh Richardsonand Kieron Fairclough on the revival ofthis Scottish version of The Frog Prince.Finlay McLay’s original design wasadapted for the Lemon Tree space.

The production played 6 - 24 Dec with43 performances playing to an audienceof 1290.

SPRING PRODUCTION – straddling the two financial years, ThePrincess and The Pea – rehearsed inMarch and played in Brian Cox Studiofrom 23 March - 10 April directed byFraser Macleod with design by FinlayMcLay. The cast for the production wasas follows: Anna Schneider (also musicaldirector/assistant director); Scott Miller;and Kirsty Pennycook.

“It says a lot for the creative team atScottish Youth Theatre that, with onlya cast of three, they take the old-fashioned bones of this Hans ChristianAndersen story and re-shape it intojolly, interactive entertainment forthree to seven-year olds.’ THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA, THE HERALD MARCH 2011

SKILLS DEVELOPMENTWEEK – at least once a year, SYT Productionscome together for a week of skillsexploration and development. Theseweeklong courses are also used as a meansof recruiting new members to the company.In 2010, the courses ran as follows:

June 2010 – Our Scotland: Your Scotland21 - 30 June SYT Productions workedwith Artistic Director, Mary McCluskey;Associate Director, Fraser MacLeod;Ross Brown, Musical Director; and CarlaDuggan, Choreographer in the devisingand development of a site specific piecefor the National Festival of Youth Theatre(1 - 4 July in Fife).

October 2010 – Shakespeare Week – Two Gentlemenof Verona @ HMT Aberdeen Artistic Director, Mary McCluskey workedwith a group of 12 members of thecompany exploring the language and plotof Shakespeare’s little known early comedy.A work-in-progress performance of anedited version of the play was producedon the final day of the course playing toan audience of family and friends. Thegroup had the opportunity to see twospecial productions that week visitingperformances of Black Watch and

Sunshine On Leith. Special thanks aredue to the National Theatre of Scotlandand Aberdeen Performing Arts fororganizing the tickets. The group wasalso grateful to actors Keith Fleming andMichael Moreland for paying us a visit.

Scope Project/Event – in April 2010,Craig Steele directed a small team ofactors in the revival of a piece relatingyoung people’s views on healthy ageing.The performance took place at St Francis Centre, The Gorbals.

NHS HEALTHSCOTLANDPractice Managers Conference –Crieff Hydro – on May 2010, SYTProductions’ members, Anna Schneiderand Rhuaridh Caddell, reprised scenesfrom David Cosgrove’s sketches lookingat youth-friendly health services. Theoriginal scenes were featured at theWorld Health Organisation’s conferencein September 2009.

NT CONNECTIONSPLAYREADING – in April 2010, a group of memberswere invited to read-through a new playpopular Scottish playwright by Douglas

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

20

SYT

PRO

DUCTIO

NS

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

21

SYT

PRO

DUCTIO

NS

The Puddock and the Princess

The Princess and the Pea Hamley’s FST

Page 12: Scottish Youth Theatre_Annual Report 10_11

hile operating ourannual programme ofactivities, Scottish YouthTheatre is always lookingto the future. The Company

endeavours to look at ways of challenging,improving and expanding our theatre artsprovision whilst increasing access forparticipants. The projects discussed anddeveloped in 2010/11 were as follows:

BRIAN COX STUDIO & THE PINK ROOM – in 2010/11, Scottish Youth Theatrecontinued its quest to establish theBrian Cox Studio and the Pink Room asthe only city centre venues focussed onprogramming the theatres with qualitywork ‘for & by’ children and young people.Throughout the year the studio wasprogrammed as follows:

❚ APRIL ‘10: The Ugly Duckling – SYT ProductionsEaster ShowGCC Education & Improvement Service BaldyBane Theatre Acting Cubed Productions – The AntonMonaco ShowFamily Storytime❚ MAY ’10RSAMD Richard IIIRSAMD Sweet SorrowAulround Productions – The Doctor InSpite of HimselfFamily Storytime❚ JUNE ’10Holyrood Secondary – Cabaret EveningFamily Storytime❚ AUGUST ’10Jerusalem – The Song of Deeds– SYT SF2010Adventures in a Norwegian Wood– SYT SF2010❚ SEPTEMBER ’10Family Storytime❚ OCTOBER ‘10

The Curse of The Old Sheriff Court –October Week CourseFamily Storytime❚ NOVEMBER ‘10Sunflowers and Sheds – M6 Theatre –Inspiration FestivalIf I Was A Mouse I Would Hide In YourHood – Reeling & Writhing – InspirationFestivalIETM – Open Space EventWinter Festival ’10 – SYT Weekly ClassesFamily Storytime❚ DECEMBER ’10Wee Red – SYT Productions Festive Show❚ JANUARY ’11Family Storytime❚ FEBRUARY ’11Family Storytime❚ MARCH ’11Family StorytimeThe Princess and The Pea– SYT Productions Spring Show

QUALIFICATIONS & ACCREDITATION – throughout the year 10/11, ScottishYouth Theatre made progress on itsendeavour to achieve a credit rating forthe five week Performance & Productioncourse. Working in partnership with thestaff at the Scottish Qualifications CreditFramework and with financial supportfrom Skills Development Scotland thecompany has developed a proposal fora new qualification. The Performance &Production credit rated course has beendeveloped by the artistic team led byassociate director, Fraser MacLeod.The course is awaiting valuation andrating by representatives from the SQA.

The proposed course will consist of 4units as follows:

❚ Rehearsal & Performance Processes❚ Voice in Rehearsal & Performance❚ Movement in Rehearsal & Performance❚ Creating a Character for Performance

NATIONAL YOUTHPERFORMING ARTSCOMPANIES – in 2010/11, Scottish Youth Theatreworked with NYCOS, NYOS and Y-Danceto establish the youth companies as‘national companies’ in the eyes of theScottish Government, Creative Scotland,COSLA and the cultural community.Several meetings took place where theyouth companies presented their case tothe Minister for Culture, civil servants andthe CEO of Creative Scotland. Progresshas been made in the government’sinstruction to Creative Scotland to leadon the creation of a National Youth ArtsStrategy. As Foundation Organisations,each of the youth companies has gonethrough the recent review process withCreative Scotland.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s Shakespeare,reading through a play or simplysinging some Scots songs – the trust,respect and confidence shown to youngpeople like myself from all at ScottishYouth Theatre is second to none!” SCOTT, 17, CUMBERNAULD

PROMOTE YT – Scottish Youth Theatre has a long andvalued relationship with the nationalagency for the promotion of youth theatrein Scotland. The staff from the youththeatre have been involved with PromoteYT since its inception. As the two nationalcompanies serving the youth theatrecommunity, the companies work in tandemto assure ‘best practice’ and excellencein youth theatre in Scotland. In 2010/11,staff from SYT led sessions withpractitioners at the Promote YT Skill Upevents, Promote YT used the Old SheriffCourt as a venue for training sessionsand SYT Productions performed on theopening night of the National Festival ofYouth Theatre in Fordell Firs NationalActivity Camp, Hillend, Fife

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

23

RESEARCH &

DEVELP

MENT

W

developmentRESEARCH&

Maxwell. Douglas, a former SYT youngplaywright, was commissioned by theRoyal National Theatre to write a newplay for young people as part of theirNational Connections programme.

CIRQUE DU SOLIEL Visit & Workshop – in June 2010, SYT Productions wasapproached by representatives of thisworld famous company who wereperforming at the SECC. The invitationwas to participate in an exchange of ideasand work methods. Members of SYTProductions attended a closed rehearsaland a full performance of Cirque DuSoliel’s touring production Saltimbanco.In return, members of SYT Productionsplus Associate Directors, Karen McGrady-Parker and Fraser MacLeod, led a jointworkshop with members of the Cirque DuSoliel company.

“It was incredible to have theopportunity to work with such a highprofile performance group such asCirque De Soliel. Being able to shareskills while getting excited about thetalent and work that both companieshave. Normally, I would have run awayto the circus in an instant given thechance but I couldn’t possibly leave

SYT Productions and all the excitingwork that we do.”JAYNE, 18, ELDERSLIE

BIG LOTTERY/NTSFLASHMOB – in June 2010, Fraser MacLeod,Associate Director, worked alongsideNational Theatre of Scotland’s AssociateDirector, John Tiffany and Andrew Pantonof RSAMD to produce a ‘flashmob’ tocelebrate the launch of the Big Lottery’saward schemes. The creative team workedwith various groups of young peopleincluding members of SYT Productions.The team used Don’t Stop Believing asthe theme of the ‘flashmob’. It wasperformed in Brunswick Street outsidethe Old Sheriff Court.

Y-DANCECOLLABORATION – Playdays weekend – in August 2010,following the success of the Tam O’Shantercollaboration in 2009, these two nationalyouth performing arts companies cametogether, once more, for a weekend ofplaying, exchanging work methods andexploring the theme of Icarus. Membersof Y-Dance and SYT Productions workedin the Old Sheriff Court, alongside

playwright, David Cosgrove and ArtisticDirectors, Andy Howitt and Mary McCluskey.

PERSIMMONS’CHARITY BALL – in November 2010, SYT Productionswas invited to provide the entertainmentat the Persimmon Homes; Charity Ball atthe Radisson Hotel in Glasgow. The groupworked with musical director, Ross Brownand artistic director, Mary McCluskey, toproduce a musical entertainment includinga ‘flashmob’ at the drinks reception usingMy Favourite Things and a programmeof Burns Songs and songs by a variety ofScottish Artistes during dinner.

SF2011 – PLAYSREAD-THROUGH – in February 2011, a group of SYTProductions members came togetherwith Artistic Director, Mary McCluskeyand Associate Director, Fraser MacLeod,to read-through the scripts chosen forproduction at Summer Festival 2011.The plays are as follows: Prom Night ofthe Living Dead by Brad Fraser andBorn Bad? by Sarah Argent. The groupgave the directors feedback on the choiceof plays. The directors appreciatedmembers giving their time and feedback.

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

22

SYT

PRO

DUCTIO

NS

Cirque Du Soliel

Big Lottery / NTS Flashmob Icarus

Page 13: Scottish Youth Theatre_Annual Report 10_11

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

24

SPECIA

L PROJE

CTS

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

25

SPECIA

L PROJE

CTS

cottish Youth Theatre continuesto use its Special Projects todeliver its outreach and socialinclusion activities. Thenature of the programme is

continually changing to meetthe needs of the youth theatre’s clientgroups. Throughout the year, ScottishYouth Theatre involved itself in specialprojects either initiated by the youththeatre, in partnership with otherorganisations or in response to requestsfrom outside bodies. The current economicdownturn has had a direct affect on thenumber of special projects delivered.Usual partners and collaborators nolonger have budgets for such projects.2010/11 saw a variety of projects beingdelivered, including the following:

CAMPBELLTOWN HIGHSCHOOL – ALCOHOLAWARENESS PROJECT In early September 2010, associatedirector, Fraser MacLeod visitedCampbelltown HS to work with a groupof pupils who were devising their ownshort plays highlighting alcohol abuseand their response to it. Fraser cast aDirector’s eye over the pieces andoffered notes suggesting how they mightbe polished for performance. He alsosuggested acting exercises for plot andcharacter development.

SHAKESPEARESCHOOLS FESTIVAL2010 In September 2010, Fraser MacLeod,Associate Director and Thomas Hobbins,drama tutor delivered the Cast Workshopsfor schools involved around the country.These workshops offered participants skillsin stage craft, use of voice and spatialawareness. The tutors also offer hints oncharacter development, Shakespeare’slanguage and owning the stage. Theworkshops delivered were as follows:

❚ Pleasance, EdinburghGalashiels Academy / Kelso High School/ Little Shakespeare Theatre School /Annan Academy / Pinewood School /Fettes College❚ RSAMD, GlasgowKyle Academy / Kirkintilloch High School/ Lochend Community High School / Our

Lady’s High School / St. Luke’s HighSchool / Bishopbriggs Academy /Craigholme School❚ Eden Court, InvernessGordonstoun School / CharlestonAcademy / Glen Urquhart High School❚ The Byre, St. AndrewsKirkcaldy High School / Balwearie HighSchool / Bell Baxter High School /Kirkland High School & Community College❚ Falkirk Town Hall, FalkirkBo’ness Academy / Grangemouth HighSchool / Falkirk High School / FalkirkChildrens & Youth Theatre

QUARRIERS’ PROJECTAPRIL - JULY 2010This project was aimed at ‘young people atrisk’ in West Glasgow. Weekly workshopscovered group work, imaginative andperformance skills through a series ofgames and exercises. The focus becamemore about the group’s participation,integration and trust whilst developingindividual and group identity, confidenceand ability.

The individual sessions with a grafittiartist gave an opportunity for tailormadeactivities inspired by the young person’stalent and enthused a confidence to learnmore about the subject. With this samethinking the drama group activities whichreplaced the performance aspect of theproject which included facilitated theatrevisits, backstage tours, meeting the actors,photography documentation and thespecialist technical supported workshopsessions in Scottish Youth Theatre.

‘Lots of new ideas for group work; achance to see backstage; enjoyableexperience of partnership working;proud sense of young people andteam; and triumph over adversity.’STAFF COMMENTS AUTUMN 2010

“New experience; different choices forfuture; new experience; self confidence;something exciting to do over summer;make new friends; and challenges.”PARTICIPANTS’ COMMENTS AUTUMN 2010

RIVER CLYDE HOMESAUTUMN 2010In partnership with River Clyde Homesand Scottish Youth Theatre, a drama tutor

and a video specialist from Urbancroftworked with a group of young peoplefrom Inverclyde Academy to research,explore, devise and record a DVDdocumentary about the their area.Through a series of workshops the groupexplored their thoughts and feelingsabout their community. They were thenset the task of finding out about the area’shistory and encouraged to speak to asmany people in their community aspossible to find their opinions. The finalstage of research was to explore theaspirations of themselves and others intheir community. How would they like theirarea to develop and progress in the future?

Having completed their research phasethe group planned out and devised theirdocumentary piece. The documentarywas split into three sections; the past, thepresent, the future. Alongside the dramadirector and the video specialist the groupthen storyboarded the documentary toinclude some research they haveuncovered and the interviews of thosethey had met through the project. Thisplanning session took place at the start aweek long intensive project during theschools October week. The team thenfilmed their documentary. The group wasresponsible for assisting the videospecialist with sound, cinematographyand other film related duties.

After the video specialist completed thefirst edit of the documentary, the groupmet for an edit screening to pass on theircomments. The finished DVD had ayouthful, fresh look and aimed to be apositive, hopeful insight into life in Inverclyde.

“The different drama presentationswere an excellent way of learning,super experience for pupils & staff.Most enjoyable, well done!”TEACHER, BOTHWELL PRIMARY SCHOOL

CURRICULUM FOREXCELLENCE/SCHOOLSWORKSHOPS In 2010/11 Scottish Youth Theatreembraced the new Curriculum forExcellence by devising a menu of theatreprocess workshops for Nursery, Primary,and Secondary schools in Scotland.Workshops were also created for teachersin Continuing Professional Development.

The workshop programme on offer is asfollows:❚ NurseryCelebrate Diversity WorkshopFriendship WorkshopSkint Knees, The Journey, WorkshopSkint Knees Parent & Toddler Workshop❚ Primary 1Celebrate Diversity Workshop Eco Hero Workshop❚ Primary 2 - 4Celebrate Diversity WorkshopFriendship Workshop❚ Primary 5 - 7Citizenship WorkshopTransition WorkshopImprovisational Skills Workshop Skint Knees Storytelling WorkshopSkint Knees, the Power of the Ensemble,Workshop❚ Secondary S.1 - S.3Improvisational Skills WorkshopCreating Character Workshop❚ Secondary S.4 - S.6Creating Character WorkshopActing with a Script WorkshopTechnical Theatre workshop❚ CPDDrama Workshop ToolboxThe Production Toolbox

“The children loved the experience.” TEACHER, ACREDYKE NURSERY

Workshops delivered in 2010/11 as follows:Acredyke Nursery, GlasgowArdencraig Nursery, GlasgowBeechwood Nursery, GlasgowBothwell Primary, South LanarkshireCaldercuilt Nursery, GlasgowCarolside Nursery, East RenfrewshireGlasgow Academy, Atholl Nursery, GlasgowHowford School, RenfrewshireKeppoch Nursery, GlasgowKippen Primary, KippenMaryhillpark Nursery, GlasgowScotstoun Primary, GlasgowWestercommon Nursery, GlasgowWestercraigs Nursery, GlasgowOthersDrama Workshop ToolboxGCC Nursery, Primary & SEN teachersProduction Toolbox GCC Primary Teachers CPDGlasgow South West Regeneration CPD

“Raised my confidence and made mefeel ‘I can do it’. ” TEACHER, LADYWELL SCHOOL

SS

PEC

IALp

roje

cts“Excellent – really helped me to fire up ideas and a way ahead for drama.”TEACHER, HAZELWOOD SCHOOL, CPD TRAINING 2011

CPD Drama Workshops

River Clyde Homes

Page 14: Scottish Youth Theatre_Annual Report 10_11

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

26

INTERNATIO

NAL

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

27

INTERNATIO

NAL

cottish Youth Theatre hasaspirations to exchangeideas and work methodswith colleagues across theworld who are dedicated to aproviding a quality theatre

arts experience to children and youngpeople, allowing them to explore andreach their creative potential. In 10/11links were made with the followingcompanies and groups of practitioners:

MIDNITE YOUTHTHEATRE – In 2010/11, Scottish Youth Theatrecontinued it’s strong relationship with thisPerth based youth theatre. Craig Steele,member of SYT Productions and SYTtutor, was an assistant director with thecompany & Christchurch School, Perth,Western Australia. The following is hisreport on his experiences in Australia:

Between May and September 2010, Itravelled to Perth, Western Australia totake up a post as a visiting director withthe Midnite Youth Theatre Company and

While in Australia, I also took time to visitother theatre companies to learn fromthem. I had meetings with WesternAustralian Theatre Company (Perth, WA)and travelled over to Sydney to meet withAustralian Theatre for Young People. Itwas interesting to see how each of thesecompanies worked compared to my ownexperiences with Scottish Youth Theatre,and I made a point of sharing some of myown stories with them.

The post was a fantastic opportunity, andallowed me to share the knowledge andskills I had been trained in by ScottishYouth Theatre with other high profileinternational youth theatres. I hopeScottish Youth Theatre continues to developthe relationship with Midnite Youth Theatreand other Australian youth theatres.

Craig Steele May 2011

DEHLI HANDOVERCEREMONYCOMMONWEALTHGAMES – in 2010, Scottish Youth Theatre hadthe honour of being invited by GlasgowLife to nominate a young person torepresent the youth theatre as part of the‘flag handover team’ for the CommonwealthGames in Dehli, India. Scottish YouthTheatre nominated a senior member ofSYT Productions, Jayne Austin. Jayne hasattended classes, courses and projectssince she was 3 yrs old, she is now 18 yrsold. Jayne reported her thoughts on theexperience as follows:

I was fortunate enough to have theopportunity to represent Scottish YouthTheatre in the Commonwealth Flag handoverceremony in Delhi. This marked the officialhandover from Delhi to Glasgow for ourCommonwealth Games in 2014. I took partin a short ten minute performance in theclosing ceremony with a strong cast of 348people from all areas of Scotland, performingto an audience of 60,000 people in theJawaharlal Nehru Stadium and an estimatedtelevision audience of around one billionwatching from around the world.

It was an enormous collaboration of people

S

“The team spirit and sense of achievement thatwe had accomplished something for Scotlandwas incredible.”JAYNE AUSTIN, DELHI HANDOVER CEREMONY

to create what would be our sense ofScottish Pride. It was led by a creativeteam called Unspun who had previousexperience with creating events of this scaleas they have choreographed the Vancouver2010 Winter Olympic Ceremonies, theLondon 2012 Olympic bid and the Beijing2008 Olympic Ceremonies, to name a few.Therefore they were very experienced inworking with mass casts.

The rehearsal process was intense butrewarding, three full weeks of rehearsalswhich included exhausting warm-ups andgroup performances of the Time Warp. Itwas almost like a military drilled operationwe had bib numbers and coordinates tostand on as a home base. We learned tomarch and manoeuvre as a whole cast inthe likelihood that anything had to bechanged last minute or if for any reasonwe had to complete something or moveas a whole group. We also had teams offour for the duration of rehearsals, thisteam became like your family for the finalperformance, everything was achieved asa group and this created a great sense ofcamaraderie among the cast. There wasa great social aspect too, we had variousevening ceilidh’s organised for us withIndian buffet’s to allow us to immerseboth cultures and be excited abouttravelling to India where most of us hadnever been before.

It was a spectacular country, we only stayedfor a few nights but the hospitality wasincredible and the scenery was stunning.Herds of elephants and the sheer amountof monkeys running wild was enough forus constantly to be in awe. The stadiumwas enormous and beautiful, the smallchances when we were able to interactwith the other performers in the Indian partof the ceremony was outstanding. We wereboth excited about each others performancesswapping stories, merchandise and huggingeach other with the sheer joy that werepresenting our Country.

That moment when we all walked into thestadium, dressed head to foot in theCommonwealth tartan in our full Highlanddress sweltering in the heat was one ofthe proudest moments of my life. Theteam spirit and sense of achievement that

we had accomplished something forScotland was incredible. We all had ourfamilies, our organisations, our districts torepresent and make proud. As amember of Scottish Youth Theatre for atleast 15 years, it was with great joy that Icould fly the flag for our company inrecognition for the work that we havedone in Scotland, and hopefully for thework that we will do in the run up to theGlasgow Commonwealth Games to leaveour lasting legacy.

Jayne Austin May 2011

IETM MEETING/EVENT– this event was a meeting of internationaltheatre practitioners hosted in Glasgowin November 2010. Associate Director,Karen McGrady-Parker attended varioussessions during the conference. She alsohosted a visit by international delegatesto the Old Sheriff Court. As this visittook place on a Saturday, delegates wereable to see weekly classes in action andto sit on rehearsals for a Family Storytime.

THEATRE CAFÉSYMPOSIUM – in November 2010, Mary McCluskey,Artistic Director, and David Cosgrove,playwright & Associate Artist, representedat the fourth edition of the Theatre Caféin London. Run by Company of Angelsin association with the Unicorn Theatreand Southwark Playhouse, the symposiumlooked at the writing of new plays foryoung people. The featured eight playswere written by writers from Austria,France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Norway,Portugal, Spain and Sweden. As well asstaged readings of five plays delivered bya company of six actors, Theatre Caféfeatured a workshop performance ofJohn Retallack’s new play Arlo. It alsohosted the English language premiere ofEuropean theatre serial Ank! Ang!, withepisodes written by nine playwrights fromacross Europe. The programme allowedfor feedback sessions after each read-through or performance. It also provideda great opportunity for networking withcolleagues from all around the UK,Europe and Scandinavia.

INTE

RN

ATIO

NA

L

Christchurch Grammar School.

The project was a great chance to learnmore about directing theatre and workingwith young people. By spending everydayworking as part of Christchurch GrammarSchool’s drama department, I got hands-onexperience co-teaching lessons, as wellas seeing behind the scenes of how aschool functions. It has given me aninsight into how an educational instituteis run, and as a result of this has furtherfueled my interest in teaching.

My work with the Midnite Youth TheatreCompany also allowed me to work withprofessional drama and technical theatreworkers in Western Australia. I learnednew directing techniques and skills, andworking alongside a production teamgained an insight into other relevant areasof theatre arts including set design andconstruction, lighting, sound, and costumedesign. I also used this cultural exchangeto introduce the young people tocontemporary Scottish texts that theyperformed over three nights in theirstudio theatre.

Page 15: Scottish Youth Theatre_Annual Report 10_11

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

28

THE O

LD S

HERIF

FF C

OURT

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

29

THE O

LD S

HERIF

F C

OURT

he Old Sheriff Court is ScottishYouth Theatre’s homebase. It isat the heart of the company’sactivities providing a centre ofexcellence in youth theatre arts.Not only does it provide the

youth theatre with an excellent venue forclasses, workshops, projects, courses andperformances but it also allows thecompany to welcome other theatrecompanies, arts organisations, charitiesand businesses into a top class rehearsal,meeting and conference facility in thecentre of Glasgow’s Merchant City.

“The Purple Room at SYT has becomea comfortable, well-appointed and verysupportive home for the Diploma inPhysical Theatre Practice. Greatatmosphere, great staff and a greatplace to make work and be creative.” SIMON FROM ADAM SMITH COLLEGE 2010/11

VENUE USERS2010/11:

CHARITY GROUPS ❚ Scottish Refugee Council ❚ Big Lottery Fund ❚ Children in Scotland Mental Welfare

Commission ❚ Centre for Research on Families

& Relationships ❚ Mental Health Foundation

– Men’s Health Forum ❚ LGBT Youth Scotland ❚ Mental Health Foundation

– The Rock Trust ❚ STUC – Close the Gap ❚ Scottish Social Services Learning

Network ❚ Scottish Consortium for Learning

Disability ❚ YMCA ❚ Princes Trust ❚ Scottish Book Trust ❚ Inclusion Scotland ❚ Bright Night International ❚ Say Women ❚ Turning Point ❚ Children First ❚ Quarriers

EDUCATION/TRAININGORGANISATIONS❚ RSAMD ❚ Reduce Abuse Project ❚ Adam Smith College ❚ EPS Community Education Division ❚ Strathclyde University ❚ NHS Scotland ❚ Skills Development Scotland ❚ Learning Teaching Scotland ❚ Shakespeare Schools Festival ❚ University of Edinburgh ❚ Holyrood Secondary School ❚ GCC Education Improvement Service ❚ James Watt College ❚ Community Food & Health Scotland ❚ NESTA ❚ SCQF

“The only thing more impressive thanthe venue itself was its staff who,from the very beginning, understoodour vision for the event and workedhard to help us make it the successthat it was.” LINDA FROM BIG LOTTERY FUND, JUNE 2010

THEATRE/DANCE/MEDIA GROUPS ❚ Elixir Piping ❚ National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland ❚ Angel Eye Media ❚ Helen Thornton ❚ Dance House ❚ No Limit Theatre Co. ❚ Aul Round Productions ❚ GAMH ❚ Cairn Productions ❚ R C Kelly Productions ❚ Dundee Rep Theatre ❚ Vanessa Smith Pilates ❚ Magnetic North Theatre ❚ Catherine Wheels ❚ Y-Dance ❚ Acting Cubed Productions ❚ Joyworks ❚ Estrado Theatre Company

T

“An accessible central location with a range offlexible spaces, coupled with professional andflexible staff means we return to Scottish YouthTheatre time and again as a venue for our events.”SALLY JOHNSTON, CULTURAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE

❚ Theatre And Ltd ❚ Birds of Paradise ❚ The Gate Films ❚ Conflux ❚ Rythm of the Celts ❚ The Platform ❚ Voice Studio International ❚ Mac TV ❚ Swindon Concert Band ❚ Still Motion ❚ Random Accomplice ❚ Theatre Forum ❚ Rapture Theatre ❚ NLP Theatre ❚ National Theatre of Scotland ❚ Weegie Productions ❚ National Youth Orchestras of Scotland ❚ Theatre Jezebel

“SYT staff are fab!” KAREN FROM PUBLIC & COMMERCIAL SERVICES

CORPORATE GROUPS❚ IPA ❚ CCRA ❚ Royal Bank of Scotland Mentor Services ❚ Taylor Clark ❚ Hall Aitken ❚ IRISS ❚ The Wise Group ❚ Merchant City Initiative ❚ Maximillion Events ❚ AXA Icas ❚ Energy Action Scotland ❚ SCVO ❚ Holyrood Events ❚ Trainer in Presentation Skills ❚ Co-Operatives UK ❚ SCOPT ❚ Co-operatives Business Consultants Ltd ❚ Frame ❚ Circles Network ❚ BRE Scotland ❚ 4 - Consulting Ltd ❚ McGrade & Co. ❚ Creative Industries - KTN ❚ Legal Services Agency ❚ Public & Commercial Services Union

ARTSORGANISATIONS ❚ Cultural Enterprise Office ❚ Haa Design ❚ Arts & Business ❚ IETM Glasgow ❚ The Work Room ❚ Promote YT ❚ Creative Scotland ❚ Scottish Arts Council ❚ Merchant City Initiative

GOVERNMENT ❚ Culture & Sport Glasgow ❚ Scottish Credit & Qualification

Framework ❚ Glasgow Housing Association ❚ Scottish Human Rights Commission ❚ Scottish Social Services ❚ West Dunbartonshire Council ❚ Scottish Social Services Learning

Network ❚ Glasgow Life Inspiration Festival ❚ Mental Welfare Commission ❚ SSCIP ❚ Scottish Community Development

Centre

MISCELLANEOUS ❚ Julie McGuire ❚ Mike Lock❚ McKee Crafters

SH

ER

IFF c

ourt

the

old

The Foyer, The Old Sheriff Court

Page 16: Scottish Youth Theatre_Annual Report 10_11

o ‘national’ performing artscompany can operate inisolation. Valued partnershipsare at the core of ScottishYouth Theatre’s annual

programme of activities. Between April’10 and March ’11, the youth theatreconsolidated its partnerships with oldfriends. The company also initiated andresponded to new contacts at aScottish level, a UK level and on aninternational level.

Scottish Youth Theatre’s programme ofactivities would not be as successfulwithout the partnerships formed withfunders, sponsors, other arts organisations,venues and others.

“Scottish Youth Theatre offerschildren and young people a variety ofprogrammes that can improve self-confidence, self-image and self-esteem.” GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR, BEATTIE

COMMUNICATIONS

A special thanks is due to all of our staff,Board members, patrons, partners,participants and their families, and to allwho support the organization through

the Yellow Brick Road scheme. Also tothe many friends of the company for yourenthusiasm and continued support.

The company wishes to thank thefollowing for their support in 2010/11: Creative Scotland; Glasgow CityCouncil; Glasgow Life; Gordon FraserCharitable Trust; The SYT Trust; BeattieCommunications; Persimmon Homes;Aberdeen Performing Arts; Festival CityTheatre Trust, Edinburgh; Tron TheatreGlasgow; Promote YT; National YouthChoirs of Scotland; National YouthOrchestras of Scotland; Y-Dance;Federation of Scottish Theatre; Arts &Business; Midnite Youth Theatre, PerthWestern Australia; Christchurch School,Perth Western Australia; NationalTheatre of Scotland; River ClydeHomes; Quarriers; Skills DevelopmentScotland; SQA; SQCF; RSAMD;Adam Smith College; Reid Kerr College;Strathclyde University; Dance House;Vanessa Smith Pilates; WeegieProductions; Theatre Jezebel; CuttingEdge Theatre; TSG; Art Bar; Citation Chesapeak Packaging; CreativeServices Scotland; Shakespeare InSchools Festival; Cultural Alliance;Ambition Scotland; Call 2 Action;

Merchant City Marketing; GlasgowChamber of Commerce; MusicalTheatre Matters; Children In Scotland;I.E.T.M.; Yorkhill Children’s Hospital;New Century PR; Theatre ForumScotland; Cirque Du Soliel; Hamleys,Glasgow; Wag Design; John JohnstonPhotography; McGreade OutdoorMedia; GT4 print and DouglasRobertson Photography.

“Hamleys are delighted to beassociated with the Scottish YouthTheatre. Having worked together ona number of projects we have beenable to benefit from the accessibleactivities currently being organisedfor young people in Glasgow. SYThave not only brought creativity andperformance to our store but actuallyexemplify the fun, magic and theatrethat has been a proud tradition ofHamleys for more than 250 years.”GRANT YUILL, MARKETING & EVENTS

MANAGER, HAMLEYS, GLASGOW.

NPARTNERScollaboratorsfunders

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

31

FUNDERS, PARTNERS &

CO

LLABO

RATO

RS /

INTERNATIO

NAL

Caption in here for image above

Caption in here for image above

River Clyde Homes

Easter Course

Weekly classes, GlasgowWeekly classes, Glasgow

“The Scottish Youth Theatre arts venue is animpressive space, where one immediately feelsinspired and as a builder of family homes,Persimmon are delighted to assist in whateversmall way we can to help them continue theirmagnificent work with children in Scotland.” INGRID GAHAGAN, PERSIMMON HOMES SALES DIRECTOR

Page 17: Scottish Youth Theatre_Annual Report 10_11

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

32

PATRO

NS &

FRIE

NDS

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

33

BOARD &

STA

FF

PATR

ON

S&fr

iend

s

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Bobby Hain CHAIR

Carole Mackie VICE CHAIR

Anne-Marie Austin

Douglas Brown

Sarah Deas

Margaret Hearne

Hugh Hodgart

Ralph Leishman

Frank McAveety

Mary McCluskey

John Scott Moncrieff

Shahid Nazir

Peter Thierfeldt

Harry Warnock

Ruth Webber

STAFF

Artistic Director (Chief Executive)Mary McCluskey

Executive DirectorCaroline Cosgrove

Associate DirectorsKaren McGrady-ParkerFraser MacLeod

Finance & Office ManagerCarol Rooney

Events ManagerMairi Hall

Senior Marketing OfficerEmma Dunipace

Senior Marketing OfficerIain Findlay-Walsh

Technical ManagerRobbie Fraser

Drama WorkerFiona Manson

Drama WorkerGemma Petrie

Senior Projects Co-ordinatorAlison Russell

Administration / ReceptionistNiamh Millar

Administrator / PA to Artistic DirectorAnthony O’Donnell

Building SupervisorJames Rooney

CleanerJulia Dzikowska

CleanerMirella Tegardi

ASSOCIATE ARTISTS

Francesca AdairJulie AustinCath BaxterDavid CarterDale CorlettDavid CosgroveMary GapinskiRebecca KilbeyFiona McGarryKenny McGlashanFinlay McLayKieran McLoughlinKenny MillerSharon MillerNeil PackhamMartyn RobertsonPam WardellRobin Wilson

BOARD&staff

MARILYN BANNEN

s Scotland’s national theatre ‘for& by’ young people, Scottish

Youth Theatre receivespatronage and support from

many of stars of stage andscreen. Their support is

much appreciated. The youth theatre’sfamily of Patrons work steadfastly tosupport and promote our work out in thewider world. They also participate in andattend many of the company’s eventsand press calls throughout the year.Elaine C. Smith visited the MusicalTheatre Course in April 2010. Duringher time with the company, Elaine

watched rehearsals, answered questionsfrom participants about her life on stageand screen. She also posed with theyoung people at a photo call for localpress. Throughout the year, ColinMcCredie made himself available forpress calls promoting the company’s workfor 7yr olds and under. Both of Colin’sdaughters attend SYT activities. In July,Summer Festival participants inJerusalem – The Song of Deeds weretreated to a visit to rehearsals frompatron Billy Boyd. Participants and Staffwere thrilled when Billy joined in on oneof the battle scenes. He also made

ABILLY BOYD

BRIAN COX

DAVID RINTOULPAUL RILEY

ALAN CUMMING

ELAINE C SMITH

PHYLLIDA LAW

EMMA THOMPSON

COLIN McCREDIE

RICHARD WILSON

BLYTHE DUFF

BILL PATERSON

“Scottish Youth Theatre helped me decide whatI wanted to do and gave me an active, supportiveenvironment to really push myself in acting andwriting” PAUL RILEY, EX-PARTICIPANT AND SCOTTISH YOUTH THEATRE PATRON

himself available for interviews and photoswith local press, radio and television.Scottish Youth Theatre appreciatestheses busy folk giving precious time tosupport the youth theatre’s activities.

Board Members, Peter Thierfeldt andShahid Nazir decided to step down at the AGM. Scottish Youth Theatrethanks them for their years of serviceand wishes them well in all futureendeavours. Janette Harkess joined theboard in 2010/11. The companywelcomes Janette and looks forward toworking with her on future projects.

SCOTTISHYOUTHTHEATRE’SPATRONS

Page 18: Scottish Youth Theatre_Annual Report 10_11

AN

NU

AL

RE

PO

RT

20

10

/11

34

CO

NCLU

SIO

N

and evolve to fit the needs of the childrenand young people of Scotland. We arealways looking for new ways of improvingour quality of delivery and the diversityof the projects we have on offer. If youhave any suggestions for improvements,projects or partnerships feel free tocontact me at the office.

Thank you to all of our staff, Boardmembers, patrons, partners, participants,their families and friends of the companyfor their dedication, enthusiasm andcontinued support.

Mary McCluskeyArtistic Director / Chief ExecutiveScottish Youth TheatreMay 2011

he Scottish Youth Theatre Staffand Board of Directors areproud of the way the companyhas evolved in the past thirtyfive years. We recognise themany achievements Scottish

Youth Theatre has made in that time and look forward to sustaining the youththeatre through the next few years ofdifficult times.

Scottish Youth Theatre is pleased tosay that despite the current economicclimate the charity is continuing to grow

annualREPORT CONCLUSION

“SYT is a great thing to do, and I love participatingfor the friends I have made there, and the actingexperience. I have been going for a number ofyears, and enjoyed every minute of it. I love SYT!” SEAN, 19, MOTHERWELL

T Jerusalem – The Song of Deeds

Wee Red

The Princess and the PeaWeekly Classes