In September, The Touring Network worked in partnership with the National Theatre of Scotland and Imaginate, and the Theatre in Schools Scotland initiative, to bring a tour of two award-winning, internationally recognised Scottish productions to primary schools in Ullapool and Portree, as well as Sleat on the south end of Skye.
‘Theatre in Schools Scotland has been established to support and develop the provision of theatre in Scotland’s schools, with the ultimate aim of ensuring that every child in Scotland receives – at their nursery or school – a minimum of one performing arts production, per year, as a core part of their education.
Scottish performing arts for children and young people is a success story. Over the last twenty years, thanks to the influence of Imaginate and the creativity and success of companies like Visible Fictions, Starcatchers and Catherine Wheels; Scottish theatre for children and young people is generally accepted as some of the best in the world, with productions being celebrated both in Scotland and globally’ (National Theatre of Scotland)
We are very keen to continue this partnership, which is a great opportunity for Touring network promoters to develop their audiences, and we are excited about how we can support this partnership initiative through our Network.
Duncan MacInnes of SEALL received a performance of Martha by Catherine Wheels Theatre Company through the scheme in September, and had this to say about the experience:
“As usual Catherine Wheels excelled themselves in the quality of theatre, involvement of the imagination and a great and easy team to work with. I have been telling recent local older audiences that the best theatre is often young people’s theatre and they should come along – they did and were not disappointed. We had 59 tickets and a good new venture for us to try weekend early afternoon events.”
Duncan MacInnes, SEALL
We would like Promoters who are interested in developing deeper engagement with their communities through promoting performances for primary schools to get in touch with us. The engagement process will be supported through the partnership work.
There is an opportunity to get involved in the Spring tour of Lost at Sea, which you can find out more about here:
www.thetouringnetwork.com/catherine-wheels-theatre-company-lost-at-sea
Theatre in Schools Scotland are also keen to gather feedback from every Headteacher in Scotland about the initiative and the thirst for live performing arts performances in their schools. They have therefore devised an online survey, and would be grateful to anyone with school contacts for sharing the link. Further information about the initiative, and an introductory email to send to your school contacts can be found here.