In autumn 2023, YTAS will be back with a new season of training for the Scottish youth theatre sector… and we might be coming to a theatre near you!  

On top of our virtual programme (which will be launching in August), YTAS will be partnering with member venues to host regional hubs. These brand new two-day training events will include workshops, networking activity and discussion groups. The aims of the hubs are to upskill artists; share practice on specific creative areas; create stronger working relationships with regional youth theatre networks; support emerging youth theatre artists; identify future partnerships and projects; and help to shape YTAS’s programming. 

We’re delighted to announce that the first hubs in autumn 2023 will take place at Eden Court in Inverness and at Theatre Royal Dumfries! Look out for more details soon.

What does it look like?

Hubs will respond to the needs of your region, as well as work alongside YTAS’s wider knowledge of the needs of the sector. Hubs could include training for practitioners in an area of creative practice or a specific training need. They will also include freelancers meet and greets, presentations/talks, practitioner swap shops, and if we’re lucky, performances at host venues… This means that no two hubs will ever look the same! 

Practitioners and youth theatre staff attending hub events may choose to join for all events, just one day, or just for networking. They can also choose to have a discussion with our Membership Support Coordinator if they have a topic they need help with. Themes, topics and training needs will be decided alongside the hosting member’s team, as well as through consultation with freelancers and other organisations in the area.  

What does it take?

For a hub to be successful, it’ll need a strong partnership with a regional organisation, or cluster of organisations. Your organisation will help to identify training needs and support YTAS to develop a programme that will be useful and well attended. You can also support YTAS to identify practitioners and organisations with whom you work in the region, while YTAS will use our knowledge of networks from our Sector Review to market the event and help you to build new connections.  

YTAS’s Sector Development Manager and Membership Support Coordinator will develop the programme alongside you, manage the event, and recruit external facilitators or organisations to run the training.  

If you are interested in hosting a hub, or would like more information, get in touch with Emma directly, emma@ytas.org.uk.