Inverness is preparing to welcome one of the UK’s biggest celebrations of young creative talent as the National Festival of Youth Theatre makes its Highland debut.
Hosted by Eden Court from 3 to 5 July, the annual event will bring together youth theatre groups, performers and aspiring creative professionals from across Scotland for a weekend of workshops, performances and shared experiences.
Established in 2006, the National Festival of Youth Theatre has grown into the largest gathering of youth theatres in the UK, but this year’s event marks the first time it has been staged in Inverness.
Organised by Youth Theatre Arts Scotland in partnership with Eden Court, the festival places young people at the centre of decision making and creative programming.
This year’s programme has been shaped in part by a team of Young Producers, who selected performances from around the country that will take to the stage over the three day event.
Young Hosts have also been involved in planning the festival’s social activities, while many workshops will be delivered by Young Facilitators as part of a wider commitment to developing future theatre leaders and creative practitioners.
The festival is expected to see youth theatres from across Scotland arriving in the Highlands carrying not only tents and camping gear, but productions ready to be performed in front of new audiences.
Performances will feature companies including Platform, Eden Court Young Company, Bute Youth Theatre, Deaf Youth Theatre and Firefly Arts, alongside a range of other groups showcasing new work.
Beyond the performances themselves, the festival aims to encourage participants to develop as artists, audiences and creative thinkers while building friendships and connections with fellow young people who share a passion for theatre.
Youth Theatre Arts Scotland says giving young people a genuine voice in the creation and delivery of the festival has been central to its success over the past two decades.
The organisation supports around 100 youth theatre organisations and practitioners across Scotland, helping facilitate opportunities for an estimated 22,000 young people each week.
Research has previously highlighted the lasting benefits of participation in youth theatre, including increased confidence, stronger teamwork skills and greater emotional intelligence.
Tickets for performances are available to the public on a Pay What You Can basis through Eden Court, offering local audiences the opportunity to experience the creativity, energy and ambition of Scotland’s next generation of performers.
