Amplify
Performance is protest.
14-17 years
10-17 June 2023
In these politically fraught times – with the pressures on cost-of-living, the climate crisis and the proximity of war and tyranny – Amplify is a new project from Scottish Youth Theatre that seeks to explore theatre and performance as vehicles for change. From Just Stop Oil's soup demonstrations in galleries and sporting events to Little Amal's incredible journey across Europe, recent interlinked acts of performance and protest have been igniting the public's imagination. Using these foundations, Amplify will assemble groups of young people aged 14-17, asking them to imagine how theatre-making can spark political and social change, empowering them to think radically, respond creatively and act collectively.
Partnering with YouthSTUFF from Dunoon, Firefly Arts from West Lothian and Beacon Young Company from Greenock, the groups of young people will each be led by an inspiring Lead Artist and Trainee Artist who will facilitate conversation, open space for making and ask the young people to consider the issues that impact them, in the towns where they live.
Using performance as a tool for activism through a weekend of workshops and collaboration in June, the groups will then create a public intervention that will be showcased either live or online on 17 June at Beacon Arts Centre.
Amplify is a project led by Scottish Youth Theatre, in partnership with Beacon Arts Centre, Dunoon Burgh Hall, Firefly Arts and YouthSTUFF. Find out more about the partner organisations below:
Beacon Arts Centre is a contemporary theatre and arts centre in the heart of Inverclyde... and a whole lot more. A safe place to escape into a different world; a place to connect and share new experiences through shows and activities that inspire and delight, sometimes challenge, and always entertain. We passionately believe that cultural experiences are crucial to the wellbeing of individuals and communities. That's why our mission is to make a lasting impact and 'light up lives' by giving as many people as possible the opportunity to engage with the arts in enjoyable and meaningful ways.
Dunoon Burgh Hall is the creative, cultural hub for Cowal. It was rescued by the community, who worked with the John McAslan Family Trust to purchase it for £1. Following a major refurbishment, this grade B listed building is now a fully accessible venue for performances, exhibitions and events. Today DBH is an inclusive organisation working hard improve wellbeing by providing access to exhibitions, theatre and events. They also offer learning programmes for young people; artist talks, dance and drama opportunities alongside workshops in design, film, visual arts and literature.
Firefly Arts is West Lothian’s leading provider of high quality and accessible drama, film and youth arts activity, with a national reputation for inclusive, cutting-edge and youth-led theatre-making. We offer broad arts programmes for children and young people aged 5 to 25 and upskill, train and equip them with new skills, abilities and experiences so that they become empowered and resilient and develop a passion for the creative arts.
At YouthSTUFF, we offer a friendly, inclusive environment where children and young people can have fun and support each other to explore and develop creative skills through performing arts activities. We believe in creative experiences that nurture the talents, wellbeing, confidence and social skills of each individual participant. Anyone aged 8 to 18 can join our YouthSTUFF family and meet like-minded friends.
Amplify is supported by Creative Scotland's Open Fund: Sustaining Creative Development Programme.
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