Become a Member – Federation of Scottish Theatre

Federation of Scottish Theatre membership is open to professional dance, opera and theatre companies and venues, individual professional practitioners and to those working to support the dance, opera and theatre community within Scotland.

To find out more about the range of services and activities we deliver throughout the year, have a look at our Annual Plan.

There are three FST membership categories:

Organisation Membership

Organisation Membership is open to any Scotland based professional organisation whose principal purpose is producing, presenting or curating dance, opera or theatre work. Membership is held in the organisation’s name and all employees can benefit from membership. Organisation Members also have full voting rights and the right to stand for election to the FST Board.

Fee: 0.1% of turnover for the previous financial year, with a minimum payment of £125 to a maximum of £2,550 per annum + VAT.

Associate Membership

Associate Membership is open to Scotland based professional organisations working within the theatre or dance sector in a supporting or strategic capacity that can also support the mission of FST but whose principal purpose is not producing, presenting or curating dance, opera or theatre work. Membership is held in the organisation’s name and all employees can benefit from membership. According to the constitution of FST, Associate Members are not entitled to vote at meetings or at the AGM.

Fee: £315 per annum + VAT.

Individual Membership

Individual Membership is open to any Scotland-based professional dance, opera or theatre worker. Membership is held in the individual’s name and cannot be transferred to another individual or colleague. Individual Members also have full voting rights and the right to stand for election to the FST Board.

Fee: £80 per annum + VAT.

Member Benefits

As a member of FST you will be part of a network of around 200 professional performing arts organisations and individuals throughout Scotland.

A powerful voice for Scotland’s performing arts sector
FST champions members’ interests through ongoing advocacy with the Scottish Government, Creative Scotland, local authorities, and key decision-makers—ensuring the sector’s challenges, opportunities and ambitions are represented where it matters most.
Exclusive training, learning and professional development
Access a programme of subsidised training, workshops, events and development opportunities designed to build skills, confidence and organisational resilience across the sector.
Mentoring and coaching to support your next step
Connect with experienced industry professionals through FST’s mentoring programme, helping individuals and organisations develop leadership, skills, networks and career pathways.
Bursaries that invest in your growth
Apply for bursaries that support learning, development and new opportunities, helping you build capacity and advance your professional practice.
Stay informed with sector intelligence and expert guidance
Receive regular updates on funding, policy, legislation, research, workforce developments and emerging opportunities, helping you navigate change and plan ahead with confidence.
Shape the future of the sector through forums and working groups
Join conversations on key issues including touring, producing, audiences, accessibility, sustainability, workforce development and Fair Work, helping to influence sector priorities and solutions.
Access practical resources and sector-leading initiatives
Benefit from projects and partnerships that strengthen the performing arts ecosystem, including initiatives such as Access Scottish Theatre, audience development networks and workforce development programmes.
Build valuable connections across Scotland’s performing arts community
Take part in regular member meetings, forums, networking events and sector gatherings that foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing and new partnerships.
Be part of a stronger collective sector
Join a diverse network of artists, freelancers, producers, venues, festivals and organisations working together to create a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable future for Scotland’s performing arts sector.