You’ve probably heard about it, maybe you’ve even taken part… but this year the National Theatre Connections team are reaching out to YTAS members to get involved in their 2026 festival.

Connections is the National Theatre’s annual, nationwide youth theatre festival, celebrating the creativity and talent of young people across the UK. Every year, youth theatres across Scotland take part, and in 2026 they are thrilled to be partnering again with Beacon Arts Centre and Pitlochry Festival Theatre, who will be hosting groups to perform on their stages. 

Now in its 31st year, the programme has a proud history of empowering the next generation of theatre-makers.

Connections is open to any company of young people aged 13-19, and up to 26 for groups with additional needs. Whether you’re a school, youth theatre, or voluntary organisation, whether you’re experienced in staging plays or trying it for the first time, your group can apply to be part of Connections.

The application deadline is 12pm on Monday 7 July 2025. Here’s their 30th anniversary video to give you an idea of what to expect…

2024’s Information Session

Youth Theatre Arts Scotland hosted the Connections team for a virtual lunchtime info session on Wednesday 7 June 2023, where we offered a chance for the sector to ask questions and hear more about the application process, the plays and the festival overall. We also heard from one of 2023’s host venues (Pitlochry Festival Theatre) and a Scottish youth theatre (Corn Exchange Young Performers) who took part in the 2023 festival.

We’ve left the video up for general information, but please bear in mind that any dates will be specific to the 2024 application process.

More info

Contact the Connections team on connections@nationaltheatre.org.uk or read more on https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/learn-explore/young-people/connections/