National Theatre of Scotland facts for kids
The logo of the National Theatre of Scotland
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| Formation | 2006 |
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| Type | Theatre group |
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Artistic director(s)
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Jackie Wylie (2017–present) |
| Website | www.nationaltheatrescotland.com |
The National Theatre of Scotland is Scotland's main theatre company. It started in 2006. What makes it special is that it doesn't have its own theatre building. Instead, it travels all over!
The company performs in many different places. You might see their shows in regular theatres, village halls, or even schools. They also use unusual spots like airports, tower blocks, ferries, and forests. They have created over 200 shows.
The National Theatre of Scotland works with many other theatre groups and artists. They create all kinds of performances. Some are huge shows, while others are perfect for small venues. The idea for a national theatre was part of Scotland's plan to support culture.
Contents
How the National Theatre of Scotland Began
After Scotland gained more power to make its own decisions in 1997, people started talking about a national theatre. In 2000, the Scottish Government asked for a study. They wanted to see if a national theatre was possible.
A group of experts looked into it. In May 2001, they suggested a special kind of theatre. It would be a "theatre without walls." This meant no new building was needed. It also wouldn't have a fixed group of actors.
Instead, it would use existing theatres, actors, and staff. This way, it could create new plays. These plays would then be shown across Scotland and even in other countries.
In September 2003, the Scottish Government announced funding. They gave £7.5 million to start the National Theatre of Scotland. Robert Findlay became the chairman. After a board was chosen, they began looking for the first Artistic Director.
Artistic Directors: The Creative Leaders
The Artistic Director helps decide which plays to put on. They also guide the creative vision of the theatre.
Vicky Featherstone was the very first Artistic Director. She led the theatre from before it officially opened in 2006 until 2013.
Laurie Sansom took over in March 2013. He left the role in April 2016.
Jackie Wylie became the Artistic Director in Spring 2017. Before this, she was the Artistic Director of The Arches in Glasgow.
Famous Productions: Plays You Might Know
The National Theatre of Scotland has put on many popular shows. Here are some of their most well-known productions:
- Black Watch (2006): This play by Gregory Burke won many awards. It received four Laurence Olivier Awards. It also won several international awards.
- Macbeth (2012): This classic play starred Alan Cumming. It was performed in Glasgow. It also went to New York City, including Broadway.
- Let The Right One In (2013): Jack Thorne adapted this play from a popular novel. It won the South Bank Sky Arts Award for theatre in 2014.
- The James Plays (2014): This was a series of three historical plays by Rona Munro. It won the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Play in 2014.
- Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour (2015): Lee Hall adapted this play from a novel called The Sopranos. It won several awards at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. These included a Scotsman Fringe First Award.
Researching Audiences
The National Theatre of Scotland also looks at how audiences react to their shows. For example, they studied two plays: Molly Sweeney and A Sheep Called Skye.
They found that performing in rural areas is very powerful. It brings clear benefits. It also showed that honest marketing for rural audiences works well.
Europe Theatre Prize: A Big Award
In 2016, the National Theatre of Scotland won a major award. It was the XIII Europe Prize Theatrical Realities. They received it in Craiova, Romania.
The award recognized the theatre for many reasons. They said the company was created to reach a very wide audience. It works with people and aims to produce top-quality theatre.
The award also noted that the theatre wants to create shows that get a strong reaction. Their goal is to entertain and make audiences think. They aim to be different and encourage discussions about what theatre can achieve.
Images for kids
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The logo of the National Theatre of Scotland
