National Theatre of Scotland is collaborating with MCR Pathways to bring its interactive performance project LIKE FLYING to Bellahouston Academy in Glasgow and Ardrossan Academy in North Ayrshire in 2022 following the success of the project in 2019.

LIKE FLYING is led by leading Scottish artist Nic Green with movement direction by All or Nothing Aerial Dance Theatre, Scotland’s leading aerial dance company who create, perform, teach and pioneer aerial arts in Scotland. The project takes the form of a three week residency in each school, where pupils are trained in aerial performance methods including, hoop, aerial cocoon and harness work. The finale of the project is a series of public promenade performances through each school’s corridors and multiple spaces, both indoors and out, created and performed by the pupils.

These performances will take place in Bellahouston Academy on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 September and in Ardrossan Academy on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 October. Up to 30 young people from each school are involved in the project.

LIKE FLYING has been designed as a transformative project to enable young people to reach their potential, increase their wellbeing and build resilience. The project invites a cast of 13 to 14 year olds to learn to fly through aerial performance methods. Originally conceived and produced in 2019, the project has increasing relevance to young people today who have been faced with exceptional challenges to their mental wellbeing during the last two years of the pandemic.

The project will be in 4 local authority areas over the coming year with over 120 young people taking part.

Mr Mochan, Headteacher of Bellahouston Academy says:

“We are thrilled to be taking part in Like Flying with National Theatre of Scotland. It is such an exciting and rewarding opportunity for young people from Bellahouston Academy to learn from talented theatre professionals. This unique experience promises to offer them a chance to develop new skills and self-confidence, which they can take forward with them, throughout their school lives and beyond. We are very much looking forward to the final performances, and seeing what they have learnt.”

Anne Anderson, Headteacher of Ardrossan Academy says:

“This is a great opportunity for our young people and we are delighted to be working with the National Theatre of Scotland on this innovative and creative production.”

LIKE FLYING is generously supported by The Rayne Foundation, The William Grant Foundation, Binks Trust, The McGlashan Charitable Trust, The Ettrick Charitable Trust, The Murdoch Forrest Charitable Trust, The WM Mann Foundation, Educational Institute of Scotland and Savendie.

More information and booking details here.