What we do

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We help make the lives of young people better through youth theatre.

Since 2004, YTAS has played an instrumental role in building and supporting a vibrant and vital youth theatre sector in Scotland through a combination of youth theatre projects, training and professional development, information and advocacy.

Our Projects

We run a range of projects to help introduce youth into the world of theatre, whether it’s through performance or as a practitioner. Discover our current projects below.

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LGBT+ History Month
CLUB Teatru Manoel Youth Theatre Fri 18 November 2016 Chrysalis Traverse Theatre Edinburgh photographer Andy Catlin 6544
National Theatre Connections Festival 2024
Glasgow Acting Academy Sat 2 July 2022 Grammar School Ayr NFYT 2022 © photographer Andy Catlin www.andycatlin.com 3263
Fringe Days Out
CLUB Teatru Manoel Youth Theatre Fri 18 November 2016 Chrysalis Traverse Theatre Edinburgh photographer Andy Catlin 2496
Directors’ Development Programme 2022-2023
BRONKS
BUZZ Network
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New Territory

Grant-making

Our grant streams focus on development for people who use drama and theatre in their work with young people, as well as for member youth theatres.

Bursary: Expenses Support for National Convention of Youth Drama 2024
There is a Light Brightlight – Contact Young Company Fri 17 Nov 2017 Traverse Edinburgh photographer Andy Catlin 3716
Bursary: Regional Hubs
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Bursaries: Dorothy Heathcote Now, International Drama Conference 2023
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Expenses Support: National Convention of Youth Drama 2023
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Grants for Youth Theatre 2022
Theatre Alliance Sun 3 July 2022 The Gaiety Ayr NFYT 2022 © photographer Andy Catlin www.andycatlin.com 4159
Bursaries: YTAS Sector Training Programme

Sector Support

We have a range of supports in place that aim to strengthen the youth theatre sector in Scotland. 

Interchange Sat 11 March 2017 Eden Court Inverness photographer Andy Catlin • www.andycatlin.com 4026 e1507120874201
Sector Training Programme
Youth Theatre Arts Scotland have a rolling programme of training sessions for the youth theatre sector, with both virtual and in-person events taking place throughout the year.
Ayr Gaiety YT Fri 1 July 2022 The Gaiety Ayr NFYT 2022 © photographer Andy Catlin www.andycatlin.com 2717 1024x683 jpg
Employee Assistance Programme
Led by our partners at Education Support, the EAP offers  our freelance members access to a free and confidential support and guidance service that will help them deal with any personal issues which might impact work, health, or wellbeing.
Firefly Sun 3 July 2022 The Gaiety Ayr NFYT 2022 © photographer Andy Catlin www.andycatlin.com 3844 1024x683 jpg
Membership Development Programme
YTAS exists to support our members and starting in 2023, our support offer will become even more bespoke, with a new portal of online resources, and Membership Support Coordinator.

Research

We often carry out research that benefits young people, youth groups, and their leaders. 

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The Long-Term Impact of Youth Theatre Participation
In 2022, YTAS and the SGSAH carried out research into the long-term impacts of youth theatre participation on participants’ professional and personal lives. Here are the results.
YTAS Emergence Fri 24 March 2023 Traverse Theatre © photographer Andy Catlin www.andycatlin.com 4728
Youth Theatre in Scotland Sector Review 2023
Every few years, YTAS undertakes a review of Scotland’s youth theatre sector to help identify how we’re developing as a sector, and how we can develop further.
Little Red Ensemble Emergence Sat 17 November 2018 Traverse Theatre Edinburgh © photographer Andy Catlin www.andycatlin.com 9635
Youth Theatre in Scotland Sector Review 2020
In September 2020 we conducted the Youth Theatre in Scotland Sector Review, where we asked the sector to tell us more about the youth theatre activity they run. This helped us capture the big picture of the sector, and identify the ways we can develop further.

Our events

From large national events to small gatherings and working groups, there’s always something happening at YTAS and across the youth arts sector.

Youth Theatre Arts Scotland
Sat 30 Mar 2024: 9:30AM
National Convention of Youth Drama 2024

Resources

View our resources for youth theatre groups, theatres, practitioners and  professionals

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Galaxies of Neurons Firing
Every Brain has produced a guide providing theatres and cultural organisations with advice on how they can better support neurodivergent creatives and celebrate neurodiversity. 
Junges Ensemble Marabu There is a Globe Stuck in my Throat Thu 15 November 2018 Traverse Theatre Edinburgh ∏ photographer Andy Catlin www.andycatlin.com 8851
Things to Consider When Starting a New Youth Theatre
Keen to set up your own group? Before you embark on your new and exciting journey, sit down with a cuppa and consider these constructive questions.

Find a youth theatre

Browse our network of member organisations from across Scotland and begin your journey into youth theatre

Find a practitioner

Explore our directory of accomplished youth theatre professionals and find the talent you need

Opportunities

Browse a wide selection of jobs, programmes, funding and more