Wider role for saved theatre group

SCOTTISH Youth Theatre is to expand across the country after being given an emergency bailout to stop it from closing.

The popular theatre was saved after receiving a £250,000 emergency rescue package from the Scottish Government and fund manager Baillie Gifford.

The company (SYT), based in Glasgow, had said it would be forced to close in July after being denied a regular funding package from Creative Scotland, the national arts agency. However after a wave of support on social media and the company’s famous alumni from its 40-year history, the Scottish Government has intervened with a £150,000 package, as well as a £100,000 boost from Baillie Gifford.

The theatre company, which said the threat of closure has now been lifted, is now to “engage with experts from across the cultural and business sectors to build a model that is accessible and sustainable”.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the funding will allow SYT to “extend the reach and accessibility of its programmes”.

It is the second time in five years the Government has stepped in with funding for the company: it also lost out in a bid for regular funding to Creative Scotland in 2014.

Chief executive Jackie Hardacre said the funding allows the company a year to reassess its business plan, how it operates and “pursue every source of income”.

Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said the funding is to help it “improve the reach, depth and quality of SYT’S work across Scotland”.

Ms Hardacre said it would now be in talks with regional and local youth theatres about potential collaborations, and would proceed with a tour of its National Ensemble of actors.

She said: “I think that is something very clear that we really want to concentrate on, and to get it right. Over its 40 years, SYT has had lots of different models, which has inspired companies across the country. Our ensemble is to tour nationally ... but it is something we want to address.”

She said that the early pledge of funding from Baillie Gifford had been crucial, as it allowed the company to present the Scottish Government with a scenario where it could match private funds.

Ms Hardacre added: “With a future now secured for SYT, our focus is firmly on ensuring the nation’s young people have their own thriving national theatre company to engage with, be inspired by and to aspire to be a part of.”

Ms Hyslop said: “The SYT has supported many young actors and other theatre professionals to find their voice and launch their careers.

“There was widespread concern about the announcement that the theatre was facing closure due to its financial position.

“This funding from partners will allow the theatre to maintain its work, and complete the ongoing positive changes to their business.

“It will also give time for further dialogue about a longer-term funding strategy.

“I have set out this offer to the Scottish Youth Theatre, and I have encouraged them to continue exploring all options available to secure a more permanent funding solution.

“I have also discussed their continuing ambitions to improve the reach, depth and quality of Scottish Youth Theatre’s work across Scotland, and how this funding will help them towards that goal.”

Our focus is on ensuring young people have thriving national theatre company