A THEATRE-MAKERS’ DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME SHAPED AROUND EXPLORATION, EXPERIMENTATION AND EXCHANGE.
Trajectories is a fully supported bursary programme that invests in early-career theatre artists (aged 18-28) making new performance work in Scotland.
We are seeking 5 bold, curious and committed Young Artists, on the cusp of entering professional practice, to undertake an intensive period of paid artist development, delivered through a combination of in-person and online workshops, masterclasses and one-to-one sessions with a range of leading industry professionals alongside independent making time. The programme supports you to create and perform a high-quality small-scale theatre production of around 15 – 20 mins, injecting the Scottish Theatre sector with new vibrant, dynamic and diverse voices.
Artists will be selected via a two-stage process; written application and audition.
Who you’ll be working with
- 4 other young artists
- An established Lead Artist who will mentor you, offering artistic and creative guidance, and direct the showcase event
- Guest artists and facilitators who will deliver masterclasses and workshops
- The Trajectories Production Team who will help make your performance the best it can be
- Scottish Youth Theatre staff who will support your professional development
What you’ll get
Selected young artists will shape a collaborative learning community to explore and develop their arts practice, supported by leading industry professionals. Alongside your learning and artistic development, the programme is designed to support you to make and perform new work for in-person public audiences in October 2026. Artists will each be provided with:
- A trainee bursary of £2,150
- Access and wellbeing support
- Dedicated time with a professional producer from Scottish Youth Theatre
- Personal professional development planning
- Industry insight sessions with professionals currently working in the sector
- Dedicated marketing support from the Scottish Youth Theatre Digital Team
- Travel costs
- Accommodation fund (for those living a distance from Edinburgh)
- A production budget of £150 to spend on the design of your show
For more information
You can read a full breakdown of the programme, including the support you’ll receive, the project timeline and the selection process in the Project Information Pack below. If you would like to discuss if Trajectories is the right project for you before applying, please get in touch with Artistic Producer Annie Lowry Thomas at annie@scottishyouththeatre.org for an informal chat. Please also read the FAQs listed below the application form that should answer any queries you have.
Trajectories is a bursary programme for young theatre-makers based in Scotland, aged 18-28. Please note, due to the nature of the programme, we are not accepting applications from people in full-time education as of 1 September 2026.
How to apply
To apply, please complete the application form below. If you would prefer to apply in an alternative format or have questions regarding the application, please contact Artistic Producer, Annie Lowry Thomas on annie@scottishyouththeatre.org.
APPLICATIONS HAVE NOW CLOSED.
We will be in touch with all those who applied by Thursday 18 June.
Trajectories is produced by Scottish Youth Theatre, and supported by Creative Scotland, CMS Charitable Trust and The Noël Coward Foundation.
Can I apply as a company?
Applicants can apply as a company of 2, but due to the limited number of places available on Trajectories we are not accepting applications for larger companies.
Do I need to have an idea for a show at this stage?
You don’t need to have an idea at this stage. To make the most of the process, we are however looking for artists who have a sense of the type of work they would like to explore during Trajectories.
Do I need to have made a solo show before?
No! We encourage any artist who has some theatre making experience, and would like to develop their solo practice, to apply.
Do I count as an early-career artist?
We define early-career as a young person one step on from emerging, on the cusp of a career in theatre and the arts that needs space to locate and develop their practice, self-discipline and trust in themselves as theatre-makers. They are actively seeking opportunities to help give them a foothold in accessing professional opportunities within the industry.
Can I apply with a show that’s been performed before?
We want artists to make the most of this development opportunity and take creative risks in the rehearsal room. We therefore ask artists to only apply with an idea that’s had no development further than a Scratch night.
Can I write and direct my work, rather than perform it?
This programme is based on theatre-makers who perform their own work, so you will be the one performing your piece.
What if I’m not available for all the dates?
Please do not apply if you’re not available for all the dates listed, as these are fixed, and your attendance is mandatory.
What if I’m studying?
Due to the time commitment and intensive nature of Trajectories, we are not accepting applications from people in full-time education as of 1 September 2026. If you are in part-time education and are still available on all the dates listed then you are welcome to apply, but please contact Artistic Producer Annie on annie@scottishyouththeatre.org to discuss your suitability for this project.
What if I live too far away to travel to Edinburgh?
We encourage artists from all over Scotland to apply. Travel will be reimbursed for all artists, and for artists travelling from further afield, accommodation will be provided.
What if I live outside of Scotland?
Sorry, this opportunity is for Scotland-based artists only.
Do I need to have participated in a Scottish Youth Theatre project before?
You don’t need to have taken part in any Scottish Youth Theatre project before. This opportunity is not open to former Trajectories participants.
What if I have access needs?
We believe in supporting and enabling all young people with an interest and passion for theatre and the arts to achieve their creative potential. There is an access budget to support artist access needs, which may include things like additional equipment, printing costs and assistant costs. We work with our partner venues to make sure all rehearsal and performance spaces are wheelchair accessible.
We also work with wellbeing specialists Pure Potential Scotland to provide workshops on mental health and wellbeing as well as optional 1-2-1 therapeutic sessions. You can read more about our access support here.