About the Scottish Theatre Awards
Who we are
The Scottish Theatre Awards on the Fringe are run by a group of theatre enthusiasts, drawn from the Scottish arts world. We are organised as a judging panel and have the great pleasure of selecting the shortlist and winners of these awards.
The awards are supported by the Scottish Arts Club which also hosts the awards evening.
"The Scottish Theatre Awards on the Fringe, for the best new theatre from Scotland on the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, occupy a special place. The list of winners embraces much of the new, cutting edge and often young talent that made its first impact in the mayhem of an Edinburgh August, alongside more established names exploring new avenues. I am happy that some of them were also recipients of Herald Angel Awards and less delighted that there are a few that we definitely should not have missed".
Keith Bruce, The Herald
History
Our awards began at the 2011 Fringe, and have run every year since, with the express purpose of recognising Scottish theatre.
For the first five years, the awards were purely for outstanding productions and this awards category is named the Leading Light.
The Bright Spark awards were introduced in 2016 to add recognition for talented theatre individuals just embarking on their careers.
Each year, the winner of the Leading Light award, in addition to their cash prize and framed print, also gets to lift a trophy (a bronze sculpture by Scottish artist, Douglas Robertson). This has led to these awards being affectionately nicknamed the Flying Artichokes.
During 2020 (Fringe cancelled) and 2021 (Fringe mostly online), ‘Stepping Stones’ awards were given to help the development of ideas.
Eligibility
The purpose of the awards is to celebrate contributions to Scottish Theatre. The Leading Light Award supports productions and the Bright Spark Award(s) support emerging talent.
Now for all the detail on who and what is eligible.
Productions that qualify:
- Productions on the Fringe database that have self-registered as both Country = Scotland and Genre = Theatre or Genre = Dance, physical theatre and circus.
- Productions appearing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for the first time.
- Productions with a minimum of 4 performances, where the first performance takes place no later than the Wednesday of the second week. (Judging takes place at the end of the second week)
Every qualifying Scottish theatre show appearing on the Fringe is reviewed – normally a list of well over 100 productions.
- The Leading Light prize is awarded to an outstanding Scottish theatre production. Scottish-based theatre companies and productions with a Scottish director, writer or cast are eligible.
- Bright Spark prizes are awarded to Scottish actors or theatre-makers just embarking on their career.
The prizes include cash, a framed print and a certificate and the winners are presented at a formal awards ceremony held at the Scottish Arts Club.
Judges
Joyce Caplan teaches Literature at Edinburgh University and has also Chaired several Arts organisations. She is Chair of the Scottish Centre for Tagore Studies and on the board of the Jewish Literary Society. She has a lifelong love of Theatre in all its forms.
Catherine Robins worked in the performing arts, mainly in Scotland, starting Theatre Workshop Edinburgh, and freelancing as a director. She was the Director of Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, commissioning playwrights and directing Highland and island tours. She was co-director of Northern Ballet Theatre and then freelanced across England. As a member of the Scottish Arts Club, she set up the Scottish Theatre Awards on the Fringe.
John Scott Moncrieff has, over the years, been on the Board (and Chaired six, including Cheek by Jowl and the Traverse) of nine Theatre Companies, as well as serving on the Scottish Arts Council for six years, Chairing the Drama / Performing Arts Committee. He is currently Vice-Convenor of the Saltire Society.
Anna Stapleton is a retired arts professional, having spent her career working in theatre as a Company Stage Manager, Administrative Director and in senior roles within the funding agencies across the United Kingdom, including the Scottish Arts Council. Currently Chair of Luminate, Vice President of the Scottish Arts Club and a member of the Advisory Committee of the Friends of the Scottish National Galleries.
Neil Weir has combined a career in industry with a long-standing involvement in voluntary work in the Arts sector. He is currently Chair of Grid Iron Theatre Company and Love Music Productions and is also a former Director of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society.
Mark Wilson is a Civil Engineer and a member of Equity with thirty years’ active involvement in theatre in the UK and abroad. Besides directing, producing, set and lighting design, he has performed many lead roles on stage and more recently in short films.
Jo Cameron-Brown is a Scottish actress and voice & dialect coach. She trained at the RSC, then the RSAMD, and at Royal Central. Her extensive acting career covers most Scottish theatres, London’s National Theatre & West End, television series, and films. As a coach she works internationally on major films & TV Series. She is passionate about encouraging Scottish talent, and helping to provide support and recognition. Jo is an Equity activist, and is also chair of SafetyCurtain.
Paul Burrows was ordained a priest in the Church of England in 1980 but spent 34 years in the Episcopal Church in the USA. He began ballet classes in 2010 and retired from full time ministry in 2014. After moving to Edinburgh in 2019, he was invited to join PRIME, Edinburgh’s contemporary professional dance company for the over 60’s. As well as dance, he enjoys opera and classical music and, of course, theatre.