Scottish Youth Theatre has something to celebrate! Scotland’s national theatre ‘for & by’ young people has accomplished many great achievements in the past 30 years. Not only has the company gone from strength to strength in a climate where many arts organisations have come and gone, but Scottish Youth Theatre has worked with tens of thousands of young people who have gone on to be a success in many different careers.

Scottish Youth Theatre has produced a staggering 30 Summer Festivals; thousands of leisure time courses & National Roadshow events; tens of thousands of weekly drama classes – now operating in Aberdeen, Edinburgh & Glasgow; and countless numbers of tailor-made special workshops & projects. Now settled in its new home at the Old Sheriff Court the company continues to grow offering a broad programme of quality theatre arts activities giving access to more children and young people in Scotland.

Scottish Youth Theatre would like to celebrate its 30th birthday by finding out where previous participants are now? Not just those who have gone on to work in theatre, television and film but also those who are successful teachers, sales persons, doctors, chefs, lawyers, house husbands and wives or any other career –even politicians!

From its beginning in 1976 to present day, Scottish Youth Theatre has helped the likes of Gerald Butler (Phantom Of The Opera, Dracula 2000, Mrs. Brown, Tombraider II, 300), Kate Dickie (Red Road, Who Do You Love), Tony Curran (Red Road, Miami Vice, Gladiator, Blade II), Douglas Henshall (Orphans, This Year’s Love), Blythe Duff & Colin McCredie (Taggart) propel themselves onto the big screen.

Blythe Duff commented on her experience as a participant at Scottish Youth Theatre, “Having taken part in Summer Festival 6 & 7, Number 30 makes me feel very old! I know you will all have a great time!

Indeed, SYT’s A-List patrons also continue to inspire participants with their endless accomplishments. From Brian Cox to Alan Cumming, Emma Thompson to Billy Boyd, Elaine C. Smith to Richard Wilson participants at Scottish Youth Theatre have the support of Scotland’s greatest actors.

Scottish Youth Theatre’s objective is to improve the confidence, self esteem and creative thinking of children and young people, providing them with transferable skills that will serve them in their chosen career, whatever path they choose to take.

As patron, Billy Boyd commented, “Scottish Youth Theatre undoubtedly nurtures talent, just what that talent is, is not the main concern. What matters is that confidence is developed, a confidence that will enhance the life of an individual in whatever path they choose to follow.”

This is why SYT would like to celebrate this anniversary by inviting past participants and staff to share their memories with us. Whether it is from classes, Summer Festivals, special projects or residential staff, we would really like to hear from you. Where are you today and how did participation with Scottish Youth Theatre benefit you? Please send us your memories to Birthday Celebrations, Scottish Youth Theatre, 105 Brunswick Street, Glasgow, G1 1TF or email us at info@scottishyouththeatre.org