From November 2026 to June 2027, groups can work with Wonder Fools to develop and stage a Positive Stories for Negative Times production at one of their Showcase Weekends across Scotland.
As part of the Showcase Weekends programme, your group will receive…
- a newly commissioned play or play-blueprint to perform, alongside practical resources to support your process
- dedicated time and support from the Wonder Fools team
- budget for an Associate Artist to work alongside you and your young people, supporting areas such as movement, sound, devising or staging
- the opportunity to apply for a bursary to support your group
- a midpoint workshop where you can meet other participating groups, share practice and exchange ideas
- technical support as you prepare for your performance
- a performance slot in a professional theatre as part of a Showcase Weekend
The Showcase Weekends are the culmination of your PSFNT process. Each weekend will bring together six groups for two days of performances, workshops and shared activity. Across the weekend, there will be six productions, a workshop programme for leaders and young people, and a free dinner provided on both days of the festival.
In summer 2027, the Showcase Weekends will be held at…
- Theatre Royal, Dumfries, 12-13 June
- Citizens Theatre, Glasgow, 19-20 June
- An Lanntair, Stornoway, 2-3 July
Spaces for Showcase Weekends are limited, and Wonder Fools expect there may be more applications than available places. When selecting groups, they will aim to create a balance between those who have been committed to Positive Stories over a number of years and those who do not usually get opportunities like this.
Positive Stories for Negative Times has always been about bringing different groups together, and that mix is hugely important.
Applications close on 2 October 2026. Wonder Fools will notify all groups about their involvement by 9 October 2026, with plays available from 14 October 2026.
If your group is not selected for a Showcase Weekend this year, you can still take part by staging a performance in your own community. If you’re interested in receiving a play to perform in your own community, head to PSNT’s Perform in Your Community page.
What is Positive Stories for Negative Times?
Positive Stories for Negative Times is Wonder Fools’ free international theatre project by young people for young people. Across the last five seasons, it has brought together 11,583 young people from 817 groups to make bold, imaginative theatre in schools, youth theatres, and communities.
Each season, participating groups receive access to brand new plays and play-blueprints completely free, alongside practical resources and support to help bring the work to life.
They commission some of the most exciting artists working in theatre today to create brand new work for performers aged 6 to 25. Positive Stories for Negative Times was a finalist for The Stage Awards Community Award and is a huge part of Wonder Fools’ nomination for the Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards 2026 Empty Space… Peter Brook Award.