About Us

BYT IS LOOKING FOR TRUSTEES AND VOLUNTEERS
Borders Youth Theatre (BYT) exists to encourage the emotional and social development of our young people across the entire Scottish Borders region through theatre and drama. Our inclusive ethos encourages the widest participation, especially among those less catered for through mainstream drama providers.

As we approach our 40th year, we are embarking on an ambitious programme of creative and organisational development, to provide the platform for our next 40 years. We are keen to hear from people – irrespective of background – who would like to be part of that journey. Either as a Trustee or a volunteer helper.

We are especially keen to hear from those with experience in fund raising, digital marketing, financial control and IT.  Experience in drama, theatre, or the arts is an advantage but not a requirement.

If you would like to know more or to speak to one of our Trustees, please email [email protected]

What we do

Borders Youth Theatre's drama leaders deliver a wide-ranging workshop and performance project programme across the Scottish Borders throughout the year.  The drama workshops, which are after-school and/or at weekends during term-time, provide a fun, friendly, welcoming, inclusive environment and high-quality skills development through the medium of drama.
Borders Youth Theatre's inclusive ethos has effectively encouraged young people who are often overlooked by mainstream arts groups to acquire life-skills, grow emotionally, raise their ambitions, and to work effectively as a team - all through fun and creativity.
Many of Borders Youth Theatre's young participants go on to use the transferable skills they have learned to develop their career paths; several have successfully embarked on professional careers in drama and some return to assist the next generation of 'BYTers'.
Here’s the link to the YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyAjLOu9U75kQHNCv8kKi7g

​Borders Youth Theatre is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation SC022282

"BYT is where I can be myself"

"BYT has been brilliant and really ​helped develop my confidence".              

​Borders Youth Theatre
inspiring young people from across the Scottish Borders

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see our youtube channel

​Borders Youth Theatre Workshops
Our 'term time'  weekly workshops are informal and fun 90-minute sessions
that help children and young people to develop transferable skills and build confidence through the creative medium of drama.
​Currently there are workshops in: Duns, Selkirk, Jedburgh, Galashiels & Kelso.
Next term starts after the school summer holidays
The age range for Juniors is 8 years to 'S1', Seniors: S1 to 25 years. 
​All are welcome, no auditions needed.
​For more information about schedule, how to enrol and fees email: [email protected] 

Borders Youth Theatre (BYT) has been inspiring young people from
across the Scottish Borders since 1989.
​Its amazing track record in engaging and empowering children and young adults from all backgrounds, has been applauded far beyond the region. Borders Youth Theatre has worked in partnership with many organisations including: Scottish Youth Theatre, Live Borders, Youth Scotland & Youth Theatre Arts Scotland.

A contemporary play written for National Theatre Connections for Youth Theatre

What has Borders Youth Theatre been doing?
Borders Youth Theatre February 2026 Show was: The Marxist in Heaven by Hattie Naylor
In April 2026 the juniors performed an adaptation of Peter Pan. Three short plays written by BYT participants
​and performed by BYT participants were performed twice at DunsPlayFest in May. Radio Waves - an audiodrama - written and performed by the Online Radio Play Group was also performed at DPF26
The October 2025 seniors project was The Rime of the Ancient Mariner -  A breathtaking experimental performance of the epic poem by Samuel Taylor-Coleridge. 
Borders Youth Theatre Summer 2025 project was Shakespeare's fabulous fantasy comedy A Midsummer Night Dream.
Performed outdoors to rapt audiences of all ages in the atmospheric and beautiful grounds of Bowhill House, Selkirk.

Borders Youth Theatre is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation SC022282

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

Borders Youth Theatre Drama workshops and performance projects

"Bringing Theatre to Young People & Communities​
Bringing Young People & Communities to Drama"

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN 2026?
Seniors Project: 'Devising Drama' 10-13 August
at MacArts, Galashiels, 10:00-17:00.
Cost per participant £80. Facilitated by Oli Bisset and Struan Henderson.
A 4 Day project offering you opportunities to explore and experiment with storytelling
through theatre skills and your own creativity. Supporting you as you find meaning and depth in situations and characters. It's also a really good laugh.
For Senior project enrolment form download here
The Juniors Summer Project is: 'make a play in 3 days' 4-6 August at Philipburn Hotel, Selkirk,
10:00-16:00. Crazy, creative high-energy drama fun for 8-12 year-olds. Cost per participant £60. Facilitated by Lukca Best and Innes Casson. THE JUNIORS PROJECT IS NOW FULL.

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Borders Youth Theatre (BYT) is a registered Scottish Charity run by volunteers.
BYT contracts experienced qualified professionals to deliver a wide-ranging workshop and performance project programme to provide high-quality skills development through the medium of drama.​
​Chairperson: Matt Davies
Treasurer: Esme Babineaux
Trustees:  Matt Davies, Rosemary James-Beith, Rachel Hunter, Esme Babineaux, Struan Henderson, Kyra Tweddle & Natasha Smith
Child Protection  Advisor: Kyra Tweddle
Patron: Grant O'Rourke
Advisor to the Trustees: David Bisset
Volunteer helper: Frances Teckkam
Our Current Workshop Leaders:
​Karen Anderson, Oli Bisset, Lukca Best, Struan Henderson, Esme Babineaux and Innes Casson

Borders Youth Theatre is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation SC022282