The Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST) is the membership and sector support body for professional dance, opera, and theatre in Scotland. We advocate, connect across, and lead necessary change within the performing arts, enabling a thriving sector that that is integral to a vibrant, diverse, and equitable Scotland. This response was submitted to the AMA […]
News
Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST) announces Sharon Burgess as Chair of their Board of Directors, and elects three new Board Members
Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST) today announces Sharon Burgess as the membership organisation’s new Chair of Board of Directors. Sharon Burgess is currently the Chief Executive of Aberdeen Performing Arts (APA)—a multi-award winning, multi-site, arts charity right at the centre of North-east Scotland. Burgess is a seasoned arts executive who has vast experience in Scotland […]
FST Evidence for Pre-Budget Scrutiny EEACC 2027-28
FST was invited to provide evidence to the Europe, External Affairs, and Culture Committee at the Scottish Parliament as part of its pre-Budget scrutiny process. This helps to inform what recommendations are made around Culture funding. FST submitted written evidence (below) and FST CEO Kenny McGlashan provided evidence in person at the Committee. You can […]
Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST) announces the latest seven recipients of their Bursary Placement Programme
Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST) is excited to announce the latest seven recipients of their long-standing bursary programme, which has already assisted over one hundred and fifty individuals gain vital experience in the performing arts sector. Founded in 2008, the bursary programme continues to help elevate careers and further skill development within Scotland’s performing arts sector. In this latest round […]
State of the Nation Findings Report published
The Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST) is pleased to support the publication of the State of the Nation: Thoughts from a Strategic Gathering for Scotland’s Theatre Sector report, produced by Rebecca Atkinson-Lord following the conference held at the Citizens Theatre in October 2025. Convened by An Tobar and Mull Theatre, Citizens Theatre and Playwrights’ Studio Scotland, with support from FST, […]
Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST) and Scottish Society of Playwrights (SSP) release updated recommendations for the Standard Play Contract
FST and SSP have updated their Standard Play Contract, used to commission plays in Scotland. The new agreement will come into effect as of today, 1 April 2026. This decision was made after several focus groups and meetings with both FST members and the SSP Council. The updated contract recommendations are not only clearer and […]
The Federation of Scottish Theatre announces the latest seven bursary recipients
The Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST) is proud to announce the latest recipients of their long-standing bursary programme. FST’s bursaries have already helped over one hundred individuals gain vital experience in the performing arts sector, assisting in elevating their careers and furthering skill development within the sector. FST is granting £27,857.90 in total to seven […]
Federation of Scottish Theatre turns 50
Today, 23 January 2026, the Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST) celebrates their 50th birthday. The organisation was registered on 23 January 1976 with a governing document that was co-signed by collaborators from seven Scottish theatres, a powerful reminder that FST has always been built through collective effort, and that same spirit still drives the network […]
FST Response to the Scottish Budget
The Federation of Scottish Theatre welcomes the Scottish Government’s continued commitment to increase culture funding, however we note the impact of ongoing standstill funding for the National Performing Companies alongside the limited uplifts Scotland’s producing houses received earlier this year from Creative Scotland. While smaller companies have benefitted from inclusion in Creative Scotland’s Multi-Year Fund […]
Responding to the Independent Review of Creative Scotland
FST broadly welcomes the findings of the Review. We recognise Creative Scotland’s importance to the sector and the huge effort invested in gathering evidence. At the same time, we agree with many contributors that the recommendations need to translate into clear, measurable changes – both within Creative Scotland and across the wider culture support system.
Federation of Scottish Theatre’s response to the Independent Review of Creative Scotland
Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST) welcomes the publication of the Independent Review of Creative Scotland and its recommendations. We were pleased to engage with the process on behalf of our members from across the performing arts in Scotland, and we appreciated the opportunity to amplify the experiences and concerns of organisations and individuals working throughout […]
Federation of Scottish Theatre appoints Kenny McGlashan as new Chief Executive Officer
Federation of Scottish Theatre (FST) and their Board of Directors are delighted to announce Kenny McGlashan as the new Chief Executive Officer of the organisation. Kenny McGlashan will be joining FST in September of 2025, stepping down from his current position as CEO of YTAS (Youth Theatre Arts Scotland). Kenny has been with YTAS since […]