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CULTIVATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SCOTTISH THEATRE MAKERS, INNOVATORS AND ACTIVISTS
Emery Law (Left) and Heather Mitchell (right) in VENT.
Scottish Youth Theatre National Ensemble
CASE STUDY: HEATHER
Scotland’s national touring company for young people
The National Ensemble was an incredible year for developing my skills as a theatre maker. Ross MacKay was the perfect choice as Director – he really helped us grow. Every week we would experiment with new techniques including object manipulation, puppetry and soundscaping. When we started to devise VENT., we were so involved with every step of the process. One scene incorporated sign language which stemmed from improvising with my scene partner who used BSL. Touring to different spaces and venues was another great experience.
The second year of the National Ensemble saw seventeen emerging artists come together with professional Director Ross MacKay and other established practitioners, to co-create a new work. Focusing on mental health, the impactful production of VENT. explored diverse topics of living with debt, body dysmorphia, postnatal depression, abusive friendships and work stress. With sponsorship support from the Richmond Oaks Group plus match funding from Arts & Business Scotland via the Culture & Business Fund Scotland, the company toured the show nationally to arts venues in Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen and Glasgow. The year also saw national auditions for Ensemble 2019. The successful twenty diverse young artists met for four development weekends in different locations to get to know each other and explore themes for their summer 2019 touring production.
The National Ensemble has given me a strong foundation in devising my own material and what is required to create your own work. I am currently studying acting in LA which Scottish Youth Theatre helped support through references and guidance. When I started my course in LA, I already felt confidence and experienced in my abilities thanks to my participation in the National Ensemble.