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

Scottish Youth Theatre The Old Sheriff Court, 105 Brunswick Street, G1 1TF

Tel: 0141 552 3988 Fax: 0141 552 7615 Annual Report email: [email protected] website: www.scottishyouththeatre.org 2004/05 Annual Report 2004/05

4 Chairman’s Report

5 A National Company

6 Artistic Objectives

7 Summer Festival

8 Weekly Classes

9 National Roadshow

10 SYT Productions

12 Partnerships / Special Projects / Training

14 Old Sheriff Court Development

15 Patrons / Board of Directors / Staff

THANKS

FRONT COVER: Scottish Youth Theatre is grateful All Individual Givers to the SYT Productions perform at Festival for the financial assistance it ‘Yellow Brick Road Scheme’ Theatre, as part of 10th Anniversary Gala Evening, June 2004 receives from its revenue funders, NHS Health Scotland the Scottish Arts Council and Festival City Theatres Trust INSIDE FRONT COVER: . The youth Foundation for Sport & the Arts TOP: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Summer Festival 2004 theatre thanks them for their Gordon Fraser Trust

SECOND TOP LEFT: SYT Productions continued support. Founding Members perform at Festival Theatre Gala Mr and Mrs Faulds Evening, June 2004 The company also appreciates the The McGhee family extra funds and assistance it SECOND TOP RIGHT: Sweeney Todd, The Graham Family Summer Festival 2004 receives from its partners and Jim and Isobel Service SECOND BOTTOM LEFT: Fairytale, collaborators. Scottish Youth Dr Bill Doig Summer Festival 2004 Theatre would like to thank the SECOND BOTTOM RIGHT: Dying For It, following funders who supported SYT Productions, 2004 the company and its participants in BOTTOM: Sweeney Todd, Summer 2004/05: Festival 2004

BACK COVER: SYT Productions perform at Festival Scottish Youth Theatre is privileged to receive the support of its patrons. Theatre, Edinburgh as part of 10th Anniversary Gala Evening, June 2004 The company thanks them for their time and consideration.

SCOTTISH YOUTH THEATRE IS A MEMBER OF THE SCOTTISH THEATRE COMMUNITY Annual Report 2004/05 Annual Report 2004/05 4 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT A NATIONAL COMPANY 5

“The Sheriff Court Development is going to bring Scottish Youth Theatre very firmly into the 21st Century. It is a wonderful opportunity to capitalise on the magnificent work that has been done over the past decade. Upward and onward.” ● Brian Cox, Patron

● SYT places visited 2004/2005

national achievement SUMMER FESTIVAL ● Glasgow Harry Warnock, Chairman of Scottish Youth Theatre’s Board of Directors, reflects on ● Edinburgh ● ● Peebles a successful year for the Company and for young participants across the country. CLASSES ● ● ● Edinburgh ● ● ● Scottish Youth Theatre is Scotland’s national theatre ‘for & ● Glasgow ● ● ● ● by’ young people. I am pleased to say that the programme INVERNESS ● of activities the Company has carried out in 2004/05 confirms SPECIAL PROJECTS ●● ● Kirkcudbright the youth theatre’s position as a ‘national’ Company. From ● ABERDEEN Dumfries and ● ● performing and meeting HRH The Queen at the Opening of Galloway the New Parliament Building in October ’04 to operating ● Campbelltown Weekly Drama Classes for up to 700 participants in Glasgow ● Glasgow ● ● and Edinburgh, to working in partnership with NHS Health ● Coatbridge ● ● ● Scotland to deliver SYT Productions’ first national tour with West Lothian ● ● ● the hard-hitting Dying For It, Scottish Youth Theatre continues Kirkintilloch ● Orkney DUNDEE to highlight the impact of the youth theatre process on the ● Angus ● lives of children and young people in Scotland. ● East ● Renfrewshire ● My fellow Board members and I never cease to be amazed at ● ● everything Scottish Youth Theatre’s hard working team manages ROADSHOW ● ● Aberdeen ● ● to achieve in one year. For instance, were you aware that in LEFT TO RIGHT: Taggart actors Alex Norton, Colin McCredie, John Michie and ● Huntly ● 04/05 Weekly Classes alone clocked up almost 21,000 Blythe Duff with Mary McCluskey and Harry Warnock at the ‘Audience with ● ● the Taggart Team’ fundraising event in November 2004. ● Lanark STIRLING participant attendances? Summer Festival ’04 saw 337 ● ● Edinburgh ● ● participants involved in 135 training & rehearsal sessions over ● Dumbarton ● them for their continued support. In particular, Billy Boyd, ●●●●●●● ● a five week period in July and August – leading to over 13,600 ● Dunbar ● ● ● ●●●●●● ● Blythe Duff and Colin McCredie, who all gave their time ● EDINBURGH participant attendances. The statistics for the Company’s ● Bonnyrigg GLASGOW ● for the youth theatre during the year. Blythe and Colin were ● ● ●● ● complete programme of work are impressive. The National Campbeltown ● ● instrumental in organising the ‘Audience with the Taggart ● Tarbert Roadshow, SYT Productions and our Special Projects all reach ● Team’ in November. This event helped raise over £1000 ● Lochgilphead thousands of children and young people every year. This re- ● ● towards the building development fund. I would also like to Forfar ● Alloa ● affirms Scottish Youth Theatre’s position as a truly ‘national’ ● thank Billy for frequently turning out at events for the Company. Dundee ● Inverurie Company delivering a quality theatre arts experience ● Dunkeld ● Fraserburgh ● throughout Scotland, all year round. On behalf of the ● Crieff ● Banff As the move into the new building draws closer, it was ● Board, I’d like to congratulate Mary, Caroline and the team Perth ● Barrhead heartening to have grants towards the fit-out confirmed from ● ● ● for their continued dedication and hard work. Kingussie ● Mallaig the SAC Capital Lottery Fund and Glasgow City Council. ● Lossiemouth ● Kinlochleven ● Scottish Youth Theatre is grateful to Scottish Enterprise Elgin ● Paisley ●● ● 2004/05 was a year of change for the Scottish Youth Theatre ● Glasgow and Persimmon Homes for their generosity in the Inverness ● Balerno Board of Directors. Long-serving Directors, Lucy Conway ● Drumnadrochit ● development of our new headquarters. The youth theatre is Bathgate and Phyllis Steele stepped down at the AGM. The Board ● Lochgelly ● Moffat also appreciative of the financial support it receives from the thanks them for their advice and support and wishes them ● St Andrews ● Dalry Scottish Arts Council, Glasgow City Council and the many ● well in all their future endeavours. The Board was happy to Stornoway ● Castle Douglas trusts and foundations who give generously to our projects ● Glasgow ● Stranraer ● Culloden welcome the following new members during the year, ● KEY: and participants. Largs ● Shetland ● Bobby Hain, Euan Macleod and Maurice Taylor. I look ● Glasgow ● Kinross ● Skye ● SUMMER FESTIVAL forward to working alongside these new members on the ● Stranraer Kirkcaldy ● ● CLASSES Thanks to all who help to make Scottish Youth Theatre the ● St Andrews future development of the youth theatre. May I take this Edinburgh SYT PRODUCTIONS ● success it clearly is – participants, parents, patrons, funders, ● SPECIAL PROJECTS Livingston PERFORMANCES opportunity to thank my fellow board members for their OTHER ACTIVITIES ● ROADSHOW friends, staff & Board Members – it wouldn’t be the same ● Helensburgh ● untiring efforts in support of the Company. Hamilton WORKSHOPS, AUDITIONS ● without you. ● Isle of Islay ● SYT PRODUCTIONS Aberdeen Pitlochry ● East Kilbride ● Edinburgh Scottish Youth Theatre’s Patrons are loyal, staunch supporters Falkirk Harry Warnock ● ● Ullapool of the organisation. I would like to take this chance to thank CHAIRMAN, SCOTTISH YOUTH THEATRE, BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Stirling Annual Report 2004/05 Annual Report 2004/05 6 ARTISTIC OBJECTIVES SUMMER FESTIVAL 7

artistic objectives Artistic Director and Chief Executive Mary McCluskey outlines the year’s artistic objectives, and how the Company achieved its goals in 2004/05.

Scottish Youth Theatre’s ‘artistic objectives’ are delivered The Lion, The Witch and through the provision of a diverse programme of accessible the Wardrobe: activities. The annual programme of work includes: the “...The Lion, The Summer Festival; the National Roadshow; Weekly Drama summer Witch and The Classes; SYT Productions; and Special Projects & Courses. Wardrobe at the The company employs theatre arts skills to develop festival transferable skills in each participant. Particular emphasis is Citizens’ Theatre placed on each individual’s personal and social development. is a summer treat... This process encourages young people to improve self- this is a visual confidence, self-image and self-esteem. delight for adults Scottish Youth Theatre endeavours to offer access at all levels as well as children.” of the youth theatre’s work (Fun / Serious / Career) to young Evening Times people in Scotland regardless of any physical, socio-economic, cultural, educational or geographical disadvantage. Sweeney Todd: “...they pulled it off In the year April ’04 through March ’05, the youth theatre’s with considerable achievements have consolidated its position as a national Company – establishing it as a leader in ‘best practice’ in the finesse... I was TOP: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at The Citizens’ Theatre; BOTTOM LEFT: FairyTale at the Tramway; BOTTOM RIGHT: Sweeney Todd at The Citizens’ Theatre. delivery of theatre arts activities for children and young amazed at the sheer people. Throughout the year, Scottish Youth Theatre’s accomplishment Scottish Youth Theatre’s annual In 2004, the five-week Summer FOUNDATION COURSE “You have not Rehearsing & performing at Board, Core Staff and Freelance Tutors worked hard to of it all.’ Summer Festival continues to Festival involved 337 participants This popular basic skills course for King’s Theatre strengthen the youth theatre’s position as a ‘national’ only taught me The Mail on Sunday be the company’s flagship series from 153 towns & cities in and 12-15 year olds develops theatre Peebles Foundation Course: performing arts Company and as an integral part of of events. The main aims of the around Scotland. They worked techniques in week one and works things I can use rehearsing and performing at Scotland’s cultural community – training future creative Summer Festival courses are to with 60 professional theatre towards a new devised piece of in my acting Eastgate Arts Centre Fairy Tale: provide young people with an practitioners and pastoral care theatre in week two. A industries’ employees, creating audiences for the future, and dramatical producing quality theatre performances, providing support to “...this is a show with opportunity to participate in staff on 9 courses in Glasgow, performance takes place in a PERFORMANCE & teachers and youth theatre leaders, forwarding the building bags of ambition; theatre arts activities, to give them Edinburgh and Peebles. A total professional theatre at the end theatrical career PRODUCTION a professionally based theatre development project for our new home in Glasgow’s of 29 performances took place of week two. In July ’04, the that I wish to This 5 week-long intensive and when it comes experience and to provide the across the following venues; following courses took place: theatre arts training course for Merchant City, making connections with established participants with a chance to King’s Theatre, Edinburgh, Glasgow Foundation Course A: have, but those predominately 16-21 year olds partners, new partners and international contacts; and to firing young develop personal & social skills, Eastgate Arts Centre, Peebles, Citizens’ Theatre rehearsing at tips will help leads to ‘main house’ performances. helping participants, aged between 3 years and 25 years, to imaginations with a making them more attractive to Citizens’ Theatre, Glasgow, and Woodside Hall and the me in my The course involves young people find their voice through participation in theatre arts. Through sense of the power potential employers and further the Tramway Theatre, Glasgow. St. Andrew’s Building at Glasgow from all around Scotland, attending the delivery of the Company’s annual programme of and potential of education institutions. Young These plays were performed to University everyday life.” five weeks of workshops, classes, activities, thousands of young people across the length and people are given the option of an audience of 4439 people. Dave, Glasgow A Participant, rehearsals, theatre visits, and talks theatre, there’s no Glasgow Foundation Course B: breadth of Scotland were helped to explore and reach their applying for the Foundation Citizens’ Theatre rehearsing at aged 15 from Dumfries from guest speakers, culminating creative potential in workshops, classes, projects and more important Course, the Performance & Summer Festival ’04 was attended Maryhill Community Hall in performances in the final week. performances. quality than that.’ Production Course – acting, by International Students from Glasgow Foundation Course C: During week one, all participants directing, choreography or Kosovo, Luxembourg, Dubai, spend at least one session a day The Scotsman Citizens’ Theatre rehearsing at technical theatre – and the Switzerland, Belgium, Spain & Jordanhill College, Strathclyde in skills building workshops. All ▲ Advanced Skills Course. Germany. University students attend classes in voice Edinburgh Foundation Course: The Courses ran as follows: Annual Report 2004/05 Annual Report 2004/05 8 SUMMER FESTIVAL WEEKLY CLASSES ”Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun, fun, fun, fun and very, very fun.“ NATIONAL ROADSHOW 9 Member of Stornoway Drama Club and National Roadshow participant, aged 9

production, music, dance, stage fighting and ”During SYT classes you can really let ▲ improvisation. Stage management participants are given yourself go! I don’t know anywhere the opportunity to attend sessions in stage lighting, stage design, creating a ‘prompt book’, prop-making and finding, else where I can do that.“ costume design and sound creation and reproduction. Shaina, aged 13, 13-14s class From week two onwards participants work three sessions a day rehearsing their ‘main house’ production.

Productions in 2004 were: weekly classes

The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, adapted by Adrian Mitchell. The show, performed on the main stage at the Citizens’, was directed by Julie Austin, supported by assistant director, Abbie Wallace with Davey Anderson as musical director and designer, Finlay McLay. FairyTale, Scottish Youth Theatre Summer Festival 2004

Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street by Sondheim and Lapine was directed by Mary McCluskey, The Roadshow was established in 1997 as designed by Kenny Miller with musical direction by Keith national Munro and Brian Gunnee, assisted by singing director a means of spreading the news about Alyson Orr. The production played to full houses in the Scottish Youth Theatre and its activities. Circle Studio at the Citizens’. roadshow

Fairy Tale ❚ ❚ – a new piece of theatre devised by the Company. The Through the years the Roadshow attend Summer Festival. Lossiemouth High School, , Glasgow ❚ show was directed by Carter Ferguson assisted by Kenny has grown, reaching more schools Everyone receives an information Lossiemouth St Aloysius College, Glasgow ❚ ❚ McGlashan. They were supported on a ‘needs must’ basis and youth theatre groups each pack including posters, newsletters Elgin High School, Elgin Lourdes Secondary School, Cardonald ❚ ❚ by musical director, Brian Gunnee and choreographer, Carla year. With this in mind it was and application forms. Moray Youth Theatre, Elgin Clackmannanshire Council, Alloa ❚ ❚ Duggan. Since its introduction at Summer Festival 2003, decided that the Roadshow should Culloden Academy, Inverness MSD Productions, Inverurie ❚ ❚ the devised piece has proved to be a valuable addition to replace the National Workshop Groups visited in September / Glen Urquhart High School, Fraserburgh Academy, Fraserburgh Drumnadrochit ❚ Fraserburgh Junior Arts Academy, the summer festival programme. Participants and staff gain Scottish Youth Theatre classes Programme as the youth theatre’s October ’04 were as follows: ❚ valuable experience in the devising for production process. main means of delivering the ❚ Harlow Academy, Aberdeen Lochgelly High School, Lochgelly Fraserburgh ❚ ❚ outreach part of its national remit. ❚ Gordon School, Huntly Lochgelly Centre, Lochgelly Banff Academy, Banff These weekly ‘process’ based In Glasgow, the level of sessions ❚ ❚ ADVANCED SKILLS ❚ Stanmore House School, Lanark St Leonards School, St Andrews Barrhead High School, Barrhead sessions for 3 - 25 year olds on offer was maintained at the ❚ Chryston High School, Glasgow This two-week specialist course gives experienced 16-25 In 2004, three teams of two tutors involved over 700 young status quo. In spite of a large ❚ year olds the opportunity to develop new skills in specific Mallaig High School, Mallaig waiting list, no extra classes were visited 80 different schools, youth ❚ areas of theatre arts, whilst working with expert tutors. people a term for three terms Kinlochleven High School, offered due to the lack of theatres and drama groups. The ”All the pupils enjoyed the roadshow – Each year a different theatre arts skill is explored for two a year in Glasgow and Kinlochleven National Roadshow covers the ❚ weeks. A performance or sharing takes place at the end Edinburgh, in 2004/05. The accommodation available. they all talk about it and it is used as a Hollybrook School, Glasgow whole country from Benbecula to ❚ of the fortnight. In July ’04 at the King’s Theatre, main aim of the classes is to However, in Edinburgh at the reference point for many aspects of drama.“ St Margaret Mary’s Secondary, provide a fun leisure time Festival Theatre, the company Castle Douglas via Thurso, and Glasgow Edinburgh, the course looked at all aspects of Musical Douglas Melvin, Teacher, Hollybrook School everywhere in between. Each ❚ Theatre – singing, dance and acting. The group performed activity where the participants was able to offer two new classes Gleniffer High School, Paisley venue receives a 1-hour drama or ❚ a revue showcasing a wide variety of ‘musical theatre’ develop their creative, personal in the Friday afternoon slots. The Balerno High School, Balerno waiting list for Edinburgh classes advanced improvisation workshop ❚ Jeely Piece Club, Castlemilk, Glasgow styles, everything from Rogers & Hammerstein to and social skills through the ❚ , Edinburgh ❚ Byre Theatre, St Andrews for up to 40 participants. The ❚ Bathgate Academy, Bathgate Sondheim. The ‘musical theatre’ course proved to be theatre process. These weekly continues to sit at around 200 ❚ Dumbarton Academy, Dumbarton ❚ Lewis Youth Drama, Stornoway advanced impro option was a ❚ Moffat Youth Theatre, Moffat extremely popular with participants, and Scottish Youth sessions also act as conduit for young people. Unfortunately, ❚ Dunbar Grammar School, Dunbar ❚ Nicholson Institute, Stornoway welcome addition to the ❚ Milton Kids Dash Club, Glasgow Theatre has decided to make it a regular feature of the participants to get involved in there is no more room for ❚ Lasswade High School, Bonnyrigg ❚ , Glasgow programme in 2004. Participants ❚ Dalry Secondary School, Dalry annual summer school. other Scottish Youth Theatre expansion in weekly sessions. ❚ Campbeltown Grammar School, ❚ Largs Academy, Largs also take part in a short informal ❚ Lochside Youth Theatre, Castle activities. Classes run at each of Scottish Youth Theatre continues Campbeltown ❚ Pipedreams Youth Theatre, Glasgow discussion highlighting how young Douglas Dumfries & Galloway Projects – during the summer of the following age ranges: to work with the Festival City ❚ Tarbert Academy, Tarbert ❚ Kinross High School, Kinross people can get more involved with ❚ Inveralmond Community School, 2004 Scottish Youth Theatre delivered two drama skills 3-5yr olds; 6-7yr olds; 8-10yr Theatres Trust to find a solution ❚ Lochgilphead High School, ❚ Balwearie High School, Kirkcaldy youth theatre activity, especially Livingston projects for Dumfries & Galloway Council. The first being olds; 11-12yr olds; 13-14yr olds; to the ‘waiting list’ problem... Lochgilphead ❚ Forrester High School, Edinburgh ❚ Stranraer Academy, Stranraer a series of skills workshops for 12-18 year olds aiming to 15-17yr olds and 18-25yr olds. Scottish Youth Theatre. Participants ❚ Forfar Academy, Forfar ❚ , Edinburgh ❚ Ballerup High School, East Kilbride lay the foundations for future drama work. The second are given the opportunity to meet ❚ St John’s High School, Dundee ❚ James Young High School, ❚ Hillpark Secondary School, Glasgow was a 4-day performance project for 16-18 year olds in and question Scottish Youth ❚ High School of Dundee, Dundee Livingston ❚ Festival Theatre, Edinburgh Kirkcudbright. Theatre Staff and, in some places, ❚ ❚ ”I liked the bit in space when The New School, Dunkeld Hermitage Academy, Helensburgh past-participants. An important ❚ Crieff High School, Crieff ❚ Lomond School, Helensburgh Scottish Youth Theatre’s National we made a rocket“ part of this discussion is a session ❚ Strathallan School, Perth ❚ Islay High School, Isle of Islay Roadshow served over 2,100 Esther, aged 6, 6-7s class on how to raise the funds to ❚ Kingussie High School, Kingussie ❚ Claremont High School, East Kilbride young people in 2004. Annual Report 2004/05 Annual Report 2004/05 10 SYT PRODUCTIONS SYT PRODUCTIONS 11 SYT productions SYT Productions is the youth theatre’s high profile, high quality performance group.

The Company was established answer session with the Company. Dying For It: to identify talented young In June ’04, the group met over “...the response actors, directors & technicians a weekend to work on the first and to give them the draft of the play. Having spent from the young opportunity to further develop 18 months on the script audience was their skills through challenging development process the Company electric... a performance and workshop rehearsed and took the play to projects. full production in late-summer deafening roar ’04. In August/September, at school Between April ’04 and March Dying For It by David Cosgrove performances... ’05, SYT Productions confirmed toured to theatre venues and a remarkable its place as a Company for young schools all around Scotland. people who are serious about Performances featured lively production...” pursuing further education leading after-show discussions with the Times Education Supplement to a career in the arts; a company cast and director. A full able to deliver projects of high programme of drama workshops standards and artistic quality. An complemented the tour. Venues innovative and exciting theatre visited were as follows: company producing work to a ❚ Hamilton Town Hall, Hamilton professional level, SYT Productions x 3 performances “I think the best is a group that other young ❚ The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen experience for me people aspire to join. x 2 performances ❚ North Edinburgh Arts Centre, was being part Edinburgh x 3 performances In June ’04, a group of 6 senior ❚ McPhail Centre, Ullapool of a historical members of SYT Productions x 1 performance occasion for performed to an appreciative ❚ Culloden Academy, Culloden Scotland and audience at the 10th Anniversary x 2 performances Gala Evening celebrating the ❚ James Arnott Theatre, Gilmorehill, Scottish Youth opening of the Festival Theatre, Glasgow x 3 performances Theatre. Walking Edinburgh. The company, led by ❚ Ryan Centre, Stranraer Associate Director, Karen McGrady x 2 performances down the Royal ❚ performed a funky, devised piece The Byre Theatre, St. Andrews Mile I felt really x 1 performance based on the Corbie’s speech from patriotic” Liz Lochead’s Mary Queen Of Scots Amy, aged 15, Got Her Head Chopped Off. The Dying For It Company were treated to a visit from Scottish Parliament project participant The development process for Youth Theatre patron, Billy Boyd. Dying For It continued and came Billy came to see the show in to fruition in 2004. The company Glasgow and stayed on afterwards to take part in a Q & A session came together with David TOP: SYT Productions performs a piece Cosgrove, playwright, Mary with the group. In January 2005, based on ‘Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off’ at the OPENING OF SCOTLAND’S NEW PARLIAMENT BUILDING McCluskey, director, and Keith members of the ‘DFI’ Company performed a shortened version Edinburgh Festival Theatre 10th Munro, musical director, to Anniversary Gala Evening. of the play at an NHS Health In October ’04, SYT Productions joined by 30 members from weekly Scotland’s Kings & Queens from presented to HRH The Queen, continue character development MIDDLE: SYT Productions’ Dying For It Scotland national conference in were proud and privileged to drama classes in Glasgow and ancient times to the union of the HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, the in April. A work-in-progress tour 2004. perform as part of the celebrations Edinburgh. The company performed crowns. Playing to the crowds First Minister Jack McConnell sharing took place before an Glasgow. Craig Steele, a member BOTTOM: SYT Productions participants marking the opening of the new a specially commissioned piece of outside St. Giles’ Cathedral and MSP and George Reid MSP, the invited audience in the James of the group, chaired an NHS at the opening of the new Parliament parliament building by HRH The street theatre written by David outside the new parliament at parliament’s Presiding Officer. Arnott Theatre. The performance ‘Young People & Health Day’ in building and meeting HRH The Queen. Queen. A core group of 9 senior Cosgrove. Using song, dance and Holyrood, Scottish Youth Theatre The company also participated in was followed by a question and Shettleston, Glasgow. members of SYT Productions were comedy, the play told the story of had the honour of being the ‘ridings’ down the Royal Mile. Annual Report 2004/05 Annual Report 2004/05 12 PARTNERSHIPS / SPECIAL PROJECTS / TRAINING PARTNERSHIPS / SPECIAL PROJECTS / TRAINING 13

LEFT TO RIGHT: Construction work continues at the new headquarters for Scottish Youth Theatre at The Old Sheriff Court; SYT productions Dying For It, August/September 2004; Valued partnerships are at the core of Scottish Youth Theatre’s annual programme of activities. Scottish Youth Theatre class participants

working partners SPECIAL PROJECTS TRAINING

No national performing arts Course. Members of SYT “I really enjoy Youth Theatre artistic staff exchange ‘best practice’, work Shakespeare in Special projects in 2004/05 Scottish Youth Theatre believes company can operate in Productions performed at the working with attended the leaders’ exchange together to lobby politicians & Schools Festival continued with projects either that every activity it undertakes isolation. Between April ’04 and Festival Theatre’s 10th Anniversary event in Pitlochry early in 2005. funders and develop joint projects. – in February 2005, the youth initiated by Scottish Youth involves training to a greater or March ’05, the youth theatre Gala Evening. young people The Artistic Director is a member The group submitted a joint theatre was invited to join the Theatre, in partnership with lesser degree. The provision of consolidated its partnerships with from all over of the Board of Directors of response to the Cultural team of companies delivering the organisations or in response to quality training is at the heart of old friends. The company also Strathclyde University Scotland towards Promote YT. Commission and met with BBC’s Shakespeare Festival – requests from outside bodies. Scottish Youth Theatre’s annual initiated and responded to new – Scottish Youth Theatre is representatives of the Scottish scheduled for July ‘05. Initial programme of activities. Young contacts at a Scottish level, a UK working in partnership with the same goal. NHS Health Scotland Executive to present a case for meetings were held in London These included: a response to the people, Core Staff, and Tutors all level and on an international level. Strathclyde University to develop Lovely to work – during the year, Scottish Youth recognition as ‘national’ companies. with partners as follows: BBC, ‘Disclosure Scotland’ review for deserve training of an excellent a strategy and a series of events with different Theatre continued to collaborate National Youth Theatre, Ulster the Scottish Executive; a Careers’ standard. In ‘04/’05, Scottish Partnerships in’04/’05 developed and research projects exploring with NHS Health Scotland in the Casting Youth Theatre, National Youth day in Campbeltown; weekly Youth Theatre continued to strive practitioners – as follows: the development of creativity & development of Dying For It – – in 2004/05, Scottish Youth Theatre of Wales and the after-school drama sessions at to keep training standards high. the imagination in children and the staff all had the script development / workshop Theatre continued to act as a Shakespeare In Schools Festival. Hyndland Secondary, Glasgow; a The in-house tutors’ apprenticeship RSAMD young people. A partnership different skills programme / education pack and resource for the creative industries A workshop format and project for disaffected young scheme was formalised with the – Scottish Youth Theatre enjoys a already exists involving and we all national tour. SYT Productions in providing a casting service. contracts were agreed. people at Willowbank School, first official candidates shadowing long established working ‘community arts’ students being also participated in NHS Health The company served as a Coatbridge; participation in the senior tutors, while being partnership with the Academy. placed on work placements with complemented Scotland national conferences in conduit between participants Arts & Business Awards International Schools Theatre mentored by the Associate In the year ‘04/’05, the the youth theatre and youth each other” Glasgow and Edinburgh. This and film, television and radio – during the autumn of 2004, Association weekend at RSAMD; an Directors. The tutor mentoring organisations made progress on theatre Core Staff delivering Mary, Foundation Course Tutor has been a happy partnership companies. the company was invited to ‘in-service’ singing / voice workshop scheme continued to offer excellent the development of the Youth lectures to BA Community Arts that has been mutually beneficial devise the entertainment for the in West Lothian; weekly workshops advice and training provided by Theatre Leaders’ Course and the students. to both organisations. Late- Midnite YT, Perth Australia Scottish Arts & Business Awards leading to the establishment of the Associate Directors. Both Gap Year Course. A planned spring ’05, NHS Health Scotland – this youth theatre serving the ’05. Preliminary meetings and a Kirkintilloch YT; a video project for schemes were put in place to collaboration on the RSAMD Promote YT agreed to fund a second national young people of Western photo shoot took place in the the National Fostering Network; ensure the quality standard of summer initiative ‘Shakespeare In – Scottish Youth Theatre is proud tour of the production. Australia made contact with spring of 2005. primary school workshops for delivery of tutoring. The City’ was developed. to have worked alongside the Scottish Youth Theatre late in ’04 Dairsie House, Glasgow; support Lyceum YT, WLYT, the macrobert National Youth Performing inviting the company to In 2004/05, members of the skills workshops for Dollar YT; an Creative Specialist Recruitment Festival City Theatres Trust and Perth YT in 2004/05 in the Arts Companies – throughout participate in a festival of youth Core Staff attended the education outreach programme of was carried out by the artistic – due to a happy partnership instigation and the setting up of the year Scottish Youth Theatre theatre they were hosting in following Meetings / Conferences workshops in partnership with team over a six-week period with the Trust, the King’s & the youth theatre network. was happy to initiate and host the Perth in August ’05. Members / Training – Gaelic Arts, Edinburgh Festival Theatre; a two- during the spring term. New Festival Theatres have become Scottish Youth Theatre worked first meetings of this group of of the artistic team met with Spacecraft, CHAS hospice, stage drama and video Orkney freelance tutors were identified the home of Scottish Youth with these groups to host the organisations. The company Midnite YT representatives at Imaginate, Commissioning & Reminiscence Performance Project; for classes and SF courses. Theatre in Edinburgh. 2004/05 leaders and participants worked alongside the National Australia House, London in European Touring, GCC Arts drama skills workshops for Angus saw the two companies conference in Aberdeen in Youth Choirs of Scotland, the January ’05. At this point Dying Network, Children In Scotland, Council; Anti-smoking workshops collaborating on weekly drama November ’04. Scottish Youth National Youth Orchestras of For It was invited to the festival. Youthlink, National Fostering for East Renfrewshire Secondary classes, a series of primary school Theatre gave the network help Scotland, the National Youth Pipe Network, Arts & Business, Schools; and the development and workshops, a SF Foundation in-kind plus administrative & Band of Scotland and Y-Dance, Orkney Council and Angus delivery of Dying For It support Course and a SF Advanced Skills strategic advice/support. Scottish endeavouring to share resources, Council Outreach Team. workshops and resource pack. Annual Report 2004/05 Annual Report 2004/05 14 OLD SHERIFF COURT DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS / STAFF / PATRONS

Once again the amount of work BOARD OF DIRECTORS STAFF

delivered in 2004/05 proves that Artistic Director (CHIEF EXECUTIVE) Harry Warnock CHAIR without the dedication, hard Mary McCluskey Ralph Leishman VICE CHAIR work and commitment of its Administrative Director Board of Directors and Staff the Anne-Marie Austin Caroline Cosgrove company would be unable to Alan M Black Associate Directors operate... Julie Austin Bobby Hain Karen McGrady Marilyn Bannen Colin McCredie Since leaving the Old Athenaeum Margaret Hearne Building Manager in 1998, the company has expanded Tony Kerr Hugh Hodgart its programme of activities while Marketing Manager running a building development Euan McLeod Gareth Beedie Mark Irwin project. Neither area of work Carole Mackie has suffered because of an over- Press and Marketing Assistant Richard Muir Natalie Bain emphasis on the other. Through Alison Newton Meg Watson forward planning, determination Ronald Singleton Administrators and patience the Board & Staff John Austin have managed to maintain an Billy Boyd David Rintoul Laura Finnan equal balance. Robert Laurie Claire Stewart Anthony O’Donnell Long serving Members of the Board, Phyllis Steel and Lucy Administration and Finance Manager Conway, decided to step down Sally McGill at the AGM. Scottish Youth Theatre thanks them for their CONSULTANTS Scottish Youth Theatre looks forward to its new home at the Old Sheriff Court in Glasgow’s years of service and wishes them well in all future endeavours. “The Scottish Building Project Consultant Merchant City, with support from specialist consultants, fundraisers and patrons. Malcolm Crofts New members who joined in Youth Theatre Brian Cox Elaine C Smith 2004/05 are Bobby Hain (SMG), Theatre Consultant is a great Ross Gerry Euan McLeod (GCC) and Interior Design Consultant old sheriff court development Maurice Taylor (Chardon Leisure). national asset Kaye Cullinan The company welcomes them and I’m proud IT and Communications Consultant The new national headquarters safeguarded the youth theatre’s Q&A session followed by a drinks and looks forward to working to be Sandy Pratt for Scottish Youth Theatre has best interests throughout the reception. Scottish Youth Theatre with them on future projects. associated Strategic Planning Consultant been developed, built and process. His hard work on the is grateful to Blythe, Colin, John Finella Devitt Two Freelance Associate Directors completed in partnership with Company’s behalf is much & Alex for giving up their precious with it.” Marketing Consultant Persimmon Homes in the appreciated. Various other free time to support the company. were appointed in 2002, and this David Rintoul, Patron Anne McCluskey decision has been justified with Blythe Duff Emma Thompson Merchant City in Glasgow. In specialist consultants have been PR Consultant monetary terms this partnership contracted throughout the year. The fundraising during the year the resulting expansion in classes Mary Jo Devlin and project work that has occurred will produce a building worth in These include: Lesley Boyd also included an award of £141K Fundraising Consultant the region of £5million. This new (Fundraising), Kaye Cullinan from the SAC Capital Lottery Fund between 2002 and 2005. This Lesley Boyd national flagship centre for youth (Interior Design), Finella Devitt “I’m delighted the and a grant of £80K from Glasgow decision has allowed the company “I feel that to employ experienced theatre theatre arts and creativity will afford (Strategic Planning), Ross Gerry organisation will City Council. The youth theatre SYT is one of ASSOCIATE ARTISTS the Company 5 rehearsal rooms, (Theatre Consultant), Anne welcomes the recognition from practitioners of a high standard have a purpose the greatest... Cath Baxter a dance studio, a sensory room, McCluskey (Marketing) and these organisations of the on a regular basis. The flexibility David Carter office accommodation, a spacious Sandy Pratt (IT & Communications). built home where importance of the new building. of the contract enables these god knows Dale Corlett foyer, a studio theatre with Scottish Youth Theatre appreciates Scottish Youth Theatre was members of staff to work on a Rebecca Kilbey they can continue my spirit is Phyllida Law Richard Wilson Finlay McLay backstage facilities and an atrium their contributions to the project. honoured to welcome Patricia freelance basis for other arts to thrive. I think with you.” Sharon Miller courtyard. Ferguson MSP, the new Minister organisations – thus, allowing a Neil Packham Emma Thompson, The fundraising campaign for the SYT deserves it!” for Tourism, Culture & Sport, to a healthy cross-fertilisation to occur “Perhaps a course with SYT Pam Wardell between the youth theatre and Patron Robin Wilson Throughout ‘04/’05, Scottish Youth fit-out of the building got off to Blythe Duff, Patron walk around the building site. should be compulsory for all Theatre has been involved at every a flying start with the launch of The Minister took the time to the arts community. stage of the building development the ‘Yellow Brick Road Scheme’ wander around the development of us. I only wish SYT had programme of work. The senior for individual givers. The fund before meeting with a group of Mary McCluskey existed when I was young.” staff and the Building Committee was given a boost in November youth theatre participants. ARTISTIC DIRECTOR / CHIEF EXECUTIVE Phyllida Law, Patron have been represented by ’04 when the team of detectives Scottish Youth Theatre thanks Malcolm Crofts, our Building from SMG’s hit drama series the Scottish Executive for their Project Manager. Malcolm has Taggart hosted a fundraising continued support. Design and production: Wag Design Print: TPS Photography: Anthony Brannan, Drew Farrell, Mark Hamilton, Martin Hunter, Peter Sandground, Alan Wylie