The Traverse Theatre has unveiled an exciting new report showcasing the remarkable success of Class Act on Tour, a groundbreaking program that brought creativity into classrooms across Scotland. With over 400 young participants from diverse communities in Aberdeenshire, Ayrshire, Edinburgh, Inverness, Mull, and Dumfries & Galloway, the program has demonstrated how arts education can profoundly transform young lives.
Empowering Young People Through Creativity
The report celebrates the outcomes of 257 workshops delivered in 33 schools, where students explored creative writing, playmaking, and performance. These activities, led by professional theatre-makers, resulted in 149 original scripts, songs, and films, offering a powerful platform for young voices.
Teachers were enthusiastic about the impact:
- 94% of students reported increased confidence in creative writing.
- 97% felt more knowledgeable about theatre.
This initiative reached students from rural areas and communities facing high levels of deprivation, proving that creativity can thrive anywhere with the right support.
The Jotter: Sustaining the Legacy
A standout feature of the program is The Jotter, a digital library of creative resources developed by leading Scottish artists. This innovative tool enables teachers and students to continue incorporating arts-based learning into everyday education, ensuring the program’s impact extends far beyond the workshops.
Collaboration and Impact
Supported by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation and other valued partners, Class Act has connected schools with local venues like Aberdeen Arts Centre and Ayr Gaiety Theatre to promote ongoing participation in theatre and creative activities.
Gareth Nicholls, Artistic Director of the Traverse Theatre, reflects on the journey:
Class Act has been such a vital part of the Traverse’s work in Edinburgh, unlocking the immense creativity in our young people and opening up opportunities to them to build their confidence and have their voices heard. Being able to take this out across Scotland for the first time has been a hugely rewarding and inspiring exercise.’
From Report to Stage
As a testament to the program’s success, Edinburgh’s Class Act Winter Showcase 2024 will bring the creativity of students from Firrhill High School, Trinity Academy, Tynecastle High School, and Intercultural Youth Scotland to life on 12 & 13 December at the Traverse Theatre. These performances, developed with professional theatre-makers, promise to be a celebration of the young talent nurtured through this transformative program.
For more details on the program and its outcomes, visit the Traverse Theatre website.