Theatre in Schools Scotland (TISS) is produced by Imaginate and National Theatre of Scotland (NTS) to develop the provision of theatre and dance performances available for schools to host for their pupils. This season sees six leading theatre and dance organisations for children and young people in Scotland come together in a new creative programme for Scotland’s primary schools and nurseries in 2021/22.
These well respected companies – Barrowland Ballet, Catherine Wheels Theatre Company, Curious Seed, Imaginate, MoonSlide and Starcatchers – will provide a combination of live performance with digital interactions, ensuring TISS can continue to provide regular high quality creative experiences for pupils across Scotland.
While live touring theatre and dance productions have been off the road, TISS has been exploring new ways of working with teachers and schools. The new programme includes a creative playground experience; an immersive video installation; a new touring theatre production; internationally acclaimed dance performance and, for the first time, a touring performance created for pupils with additional support needs – a comical dance show performed through a window.
TISS producer Anna Derricourt said “We are in awe of the way Scottish schools have navigated the last years and have enjoyed finding new ways to work together. Last year we live-streamed performers into classrooms, provided schools with online festive shows and supported teachers to lead amazing creative projects. TISS learnt and shared a lot and, as we move through another school year, will continue to create and support rewarding links between schools and Scotland’s theatre and dance sector.”
During lockdown, TISS continued to offer a programme to schools that included a digital version of Shona Reppe’s Potato Needs a Bath; Rapunzel from NTS with Historic Environment Scotland and Catherine Wheels Theatre Company’s White: The Film.
TISS continues to offer subsidised bookings to schools and will be continuing partnerships with local support organisations, ensuring that performances and creative experiences reach the range of schools from rural to urban throughout Scotland.
They are also introducing a series of bespoke Meet the Creative online events for teachers hosted by TISS that are an opportunity for teachers to find out more about the performance from the creators and to meet and share ideas. Liaising with schools and partners has taken place to ensure the return of touring productions to schools is as safe as possible.
Bookings are subsidised and TISS works with schools, local authorities, regional promoters, venues and touring networks to develop sustainable partnerships.
The 2021/2022 programme includes:Mixed Up by Katy Wilson, commissioned by Starcatchers and Imaginate; Family Portrait presented by Barrowland Ballet; Lightning Ridge created by Catherine Wheels Theatre Company; Buff and Sheen presented by MoonSlide and Chalk Aboutpresented by Curious Seed.
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 