Explore Lothians

Credit: Catherine Wheels Theatre Company
Credit: Catherine Wheels Theatre Company

Thank you for delivering an immersive experience which was relevant and tackled difficult subject areas. One of my teaching career highlights Titus

—Teacher, St Francis RC, Dundee

Fifteen schools from Edinburgh and Lothians are taking part in an exciting project to spark pupils’ and teachers’ interest in live performance. The three-year project includes an annual programme comprising the following:

  • In autumn, the schools host an in-school production from Theatre in Schools Scotland, specially curated by Imaginate and The National Theatre of Scotland for its artistic quality and relevance to the CfE. The show is usually performed twice in the day to enable as many pupils to watch it as possible. Schools have chosen from a range of shows by some of Scotland’s leading performing companies. These shows cover a range of subjects and age ranges, and are created with school audiences and buildings in mind.

What an inspiration! Thank you so much for a very valuable, entertaining and educational performance. It was phenomenal and I am sure that I will get a lot of mileage out of this stimulating experience and will use it to cover many more outcomes across the curriculum. You have created a memory that will stay with the children and myself always. Is This a Dagger? Theatre in Schools Scotland 2018

—Alehousewells Primary, Aberdeenshire

  • In spring, teachers take part in CLPL led by an experienced artist-educator. This equips teachers with the skills to help their pupils reflect critically on live performances, developing their confidence and skills. It also connects teachers with a network of peers who are interested in developing the performing arts in their schools.

  • Finally, in May, pupils attend a performance at the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival. The Festival presents the world’s best theatre and dance for young audiences, reflecting many different artforms, cultures, and ways of interpreting the world.

To find out more about this project, please contact anna@imaginate.org.uk