Pupils from Aberdeen Grammar School took to the stage of His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen on Friday 30 October as part of our new project The Next Stage.

The Next Stage is an ambitious new pilot project that invites young people to create and present original performances on the set of a major NTS productions.  

Since August, S3 Drama pupils have been developing their own theatrical works inspired by the themes, characters and story of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. Working alongside members of our Creative Engagement team, the pupils wrote and refined their pieces before performing them on the striking set designed by Chloe Lamford at His Majesty’s Theatre.  

The plays created by the pupils explore the questions, big and small that young people are asking of themselves and of the world around them - what if AI takes over?  Who should I believe in?  What will I be when I grow up? And what if all I want to do is dance?  

Alongside the performance programme, several pupils have also gained behind-the-scenes experience by shadowing the production team and learning about the technical aspects of staging a professional theatre production.  

Their pieces were performed in front of an invited audience, including the director of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Vicky Featherstone and the cast of the production.

Pupils at Aberdeen Grammar School said  

"Working with NTS has opened our eyes to the fact that Drama is more than just acting; it is a team of people working together to create a vision. It was an amazing experience performing on the set of a professional production in His Majesty's Theatre. To get the opportunity to perform to an audience comprising of the cast, crew and director of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie was phenomenal. We cannot explain the buzz we felt. It has given us more confidence in our performing skills; it was not as scary as we thought. A unique experience we will treasure for years."  

Aberdeen Grammar School teaching staff said  

"It has been a privilege working with NTS on this pilot project over the past few of months. Our young people have benefited greatly from the experience of seeing how a professional company bring a production together.  

Nic Green and her team have worked meticulously with them creating a performance that voices their thoughts and opinions based on the themes within The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and given them a core memory that will stay with them for years. How many S3 young people can say they have performed in front of a world class director and actors on a professional stage in a professional theatre? We feel very fortunate to say they have. We are also very fortunate to have a school leadership team that supports our young people to undertake these opportunities and understand the benefits they bring. We are super proud of what our young people have achieved and hope this inspires some to go into the creative industry."

Nic Green, Director of Creative Engagement at NTS, said  

“National Theatre of Scotland is proud to work alongside Aberdeen Performing Arts and Aberdeen Grammar School to place young people centre stage through our ambitious pilot project, The Next Stage.  

To give young people the opportunity to respond to a major work in our programme through their own perspectives and world views, and then present those responses on the set of our touring production, is truly special.  

The ambition of this project reflects our mission: to be a theatre without walls, for everyone.  

We thank our partners and collaborators, and most importantly the young people involved, whose energy, creativity and insight have inspired us throughout the process.”  

Sharon Burgess, CEO/Creative Director of Aberdeen Performing Arts, said  

“This has been an incredible opportunity for school pupils here in Aberdeen, giving them the chance to tread the boards at His Majesty’s Theatre with their very own special performance to an invited audience.  
These opportunities are what continues to make theatre in Scotland so exciting and dynamic. We’re thrilled that Aberdeen was chosen by the National Theatre of Scotland, and it’s been a joy seeing it all come together.”