YTAS are committed to improving the experience for all artists, employees and young people in the youth theatre sector in Scotland. Sometimes this involves looking inward to ensure that we are practicing what we preach! In an effort to continue to be a fully accessible and inclusive organisation, YTAS are embarking on the Silver Charter Programme with LGBT Youth Scotland.
Our charter journey will involve consultation, developing and implementing new policies, staff training and a plethora of campaigns and events for LGBTQIA+ artist, staff and young people. This month our staff and freelancers will all complete 3.5 hours of focussed awareness training in order to create our action plan. Our aims are:
- To ensure that our events and activities are safe and inclusive for all LGBTQIA+ people
- To provide better support for our members to become inclusive organisations
- To protect and amplify the voices in the LGBTQIA+ Youth Theatre community
We want to hear from our LGBTQIA+ artists, freelancers, managers and assistants to help identify what YTAS should prioritise when supporting the sector. If this is you, we invite you to come along to our event Youth Theatre for Everyone: Designing a Safer Sector on Thursday 5 October from 12.30-1.30pm on Zoom. Can’t make it but want to have your say? Get in touch with emma@ytas.org.uk directly to share any thoughts, ideas or concerns.
Keep an eye out for updates on our journey throughout the year. If you live in Paisley or Inverness, feel free to reach out to our members PACE and Eden Court, who are going on this charter journey with us in their own communities and organisations.