Getting high-quality theatre into schools is a perpetual headache of logistics and budgets. Usually, someone has to compromise. But as Theatre in Schools Scotland (TiSS) approaches its tenth anniversary, the National Theatre of Scotland and Imaginate have decided to bypass such financial friction entirely. From August 2026 to June 2027, every single TiSS performance will be completely free for participating schools.
This isn’t a token gesture, but a nationwide rollout of over 100 live and digital performances, targeting more than 10,000 pupils across primary, secondary, and ASN (Additional Support Needs) sectors. Since its inception in 2016, the initiative has already reached over 114,000 children. The partnership, backed by a consortium of funders, is now offering a celebratory season that brings the very best of Scottish children’s theatre directly to the assembly hall.
The Programme: Zero Filler, All Killer
The roster they have assembled is genuinely excellent. These are proven, critical hits rather than cheap educational fill-ins, spanning everything from early years to secondary and ASN settings:
- White: The Film (P1–P2) & Lightning Ridge (P5–P7): Catherine Wheels is reviving White, their legendary, utterly enchanting early-years show that dominated the Traverse and toured the globe, offering it here as a specially made film. It sits alongside their award-winning live show Lightning Ridge, a piece about the preciousness of hope and the power of believing in the impossible.
- Two in a Barrel (P1–P3): Ruxy Cantir and Sarah Rose Graber’s wonderfully inventive physical comedy tackles mass consumerism with a Beckett-meets-Pixar sensibility. It traps two clowns atop an island of rubbish, delivering sharp, funny environmentalism that respects the intelligence of a younger primary audience.
- Pop! (P1–P7): Vince Virr Dance Company brings a high-energy dance duet exploring the surprises and awkwardness of growing up and finding your way in the world.
- Super Special Disability Roadshow (P4–S2): Birds of Paradise rounds out the digital offering with an honest, humorous film drawing on real-life stories to explore disabled identity.
- My Friend Selma (P5–P7): Victoria Beesley returns with her deeply personal and remarkable true story of a young Bosnian refugee finding safety in the UK. It is a vital, compassionate piece of storytelling about loss and courage.
- Brrr (ASN Schools): For pupils with complex needs (aged 10–18), Hayley Earlam offers a multi-sensory dance installation inside an inflatable dome, featuring sound, video, and a lot of snow.
A Theatre Without Walls
NTS’s continuing commitment to the hobo life (there’s a voice, keeps on calling me…) continues to provide equitable arts access across a geographically complex country.
“Theatre in Schools Scotland is key to Imaginate’s mission because every child deserves the joy and inspiration of high‑quality theatre and dance, wherever they live and whatever barriers they face,” says Belinda McElhinney, Chief Executive of Imaginate, “Touring directly into schools is the most effective and equitable way to reach children across Scotland, and we’re especially delighted to extend this to ASN schAools, who remain among the most culturally underserved. For ten years, Theatre in Schools Scotland has ignited imaginations and expanded horizons, a powerful demonstration of children’s rights, creativity and well‑being in action.”
Theatre in Schools Scotland is key to Imaginate’s mission because every child deserves the joy and inspiration of high‑quality theatre and dance, wherever they live and whatever barriers they face…”
Belinda McElhinney, Chief Executive of Imaginate
The National Theatre of Scotland is equally invested in the milestone, which neatly coincides with their own anniversary.
“Our theatre without walls model demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that audiences, of all ages, in all locations across Scotland, have access to high-quality theatre,” notes NTS Artistic Director and Co-CEO Jackie Wylie. “We are delighted, that thanks to the generosity of multiple, visionary funders, we are able to offer this free TiSS at 10 programme which we hope will extend our offer and will increase our engagement with schools Scotland-wide. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate 20 years of the National Theatre of Scotland than by offering up this packed programme of brilliant, enriching theatre for children and young people to enjoy.”
How to Get the Tour in Your Assembly Hall
This is not a first-come, first-served scramble that naturally favours the most heavily resourced schools. Allocation for the TiSS at 10 programme will be based on equity. Factors like the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD), school size, and geographical barriers will dictate the tour logistics, ensuring the work reaches the pupils who need it most.
There is also a comprehensive support structure for teachers, including in-person and recorded CLPL (Career-Long Professional Learning) sessions accompanying the Birds of Paradise digital film to build confidence around disability equality.
Schools have until 27 April 2026 to register their interest via the Theatre in Schools Scotland website.
Featured Image: L to R: Sarah Rose Graber, Ruxy Cantir, Jackie Wylie (Artistic Director and joint CE O of National Theatre of Scotland), Belinda McElhinney (Chief Executive, Imaginate) – Photography by James Chapelard
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