Bank of Scotland’s Emerge Programme at the National Theatre of Scotland 2012 to 2013 – New artists announced

The National Theatre of Scotland and Bank of Scotland announce today that four emerging artists and three emerging directors have been successful in their bid to join Scotland’s National Theatre company on a programme aimed at developing the talents of writers and directors.

The four emerging artists are: Eilidh Daniels, Catriona Lexy Campbell, Martin O’Connor and Adura Onashile. The three emerging directors are: Deborah Hannan, Rob Jones and Sarah Macdonald.

Committed to developing the emerging talents of writers, theatre-makers and directors in Scotland, the announcement follows the success of the partners’ 2011-2012 New Director Placement Programme and Emerging Artists Attachment Programme. This year, these two strands will now be brought together under the umbrella Emerge Programme.

The Emerge Programme will support the artists by offering bespoke opportunities, including creating access to creative resources, giving time and money in order to allow them to fully concentrate and develop their work, in their chosen field.

Commenting on his experience as an Emerge participant, Alan Bissett said:

“The Emerge Programme was an invaluable experience for me, helping me test and fix a piece that I’d been having difficulties with. Showing it before an audience, with the support of the National Theatre of Scotland meant I was able to push the project on to the next stage of the creative process. It’s now ready for a run at the Fringe. This couldn’t have happened without the vital event of the Emerge programme.”

The National Theatre of Scotland also invites audiences to come and share these artists work at its earliest stages, at Emerge Events, free and intimate evenings of performance, programmed throughout the year. The first Emerge event will be held at Glasgow’s CCA on Friday 20th July. Full details to be announced shortly. For updates: www.nationaltheatrescotland.com

Bank of Scotland Emerge Programme artists also get the opportunity to be part of the National Theatre of Scotland company for the year with access to free tickets and exclusive opportunities to see the work the company produces.

Vicky Featherstone, Artistic Director, National Theatre of Scotland said: “The National Theatre of Scotland’s success over the last six years has been built on the talent of Scottish artists who remain at the heart of our organisation. Bank of Scotland’s Emerge Programme at the National Theatre of Scotland is a vital organisational resource that helps us identify and nurture emerging and diversifying artists. We are committed to enabling a new generation of theatre-makers to become key players in Scotland’s successful cultural future. Our Pioneering Partnership with Bank of Scotland is spread across all aspects our Company’s programme of work and empowers us to achieve greater experiences and opportunities for the people of Scotland.

Susan Rice, Managing Director, Lloyds Banking Group Scotland says: “Through Bank of Scotland’s Pioneering Partnership with the National Theatre of Scotland, we support the next generation of theatrical talent. We’re always excited when we meet one of these new directors or aspiring artists; for some, our support is the only way they can manage to continue learning and gaining experience. It’s truly gratifying to be part of their journey with this focus on emerging talent, which sits in the core of our multi year relationship with the National Theatre of Scotland”‘

The Emerge Programme represents one element of the National Theatre of Scotland and Bank of Scotlond’s Pioneering Partnership – a sponsorship connecting Bank of Scotland and the National Theatre of Scotland in a relationship across a wide range of National Theatre of Scotland programme elements over two years. The partnership offers geographic spread and reach across productions, initiatives, workshops and events particularly in the area of supporting creativity and emerging talent. In Year 2(2012) the elements of Bank of Scotland Pioneering Partnership include support of An Appointment with the Wicker Man by Greg Hemphill and Donald McLeary; The Guid Sisters by Michel Tremblay in Scots translation by Bill Findlay and Martin Bowman – a co-production with the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh; the small scale tour of The Monster in the Hall and Yellow Moon, by David Greig and directed by Guy Hollands and the Emerge Programme supporting flourishing artists and directors.

Source: National Theatre of Scotland