Emma Thompson Speaks Out in Support of Scottish Youth Theatre

Emma Thompson, the Oscar-winning actress who played Sybill Trelawney in the Harry Potter films, recently spoke out in support of Scottish Youth Theatre (SYT). SYT, the theater program with alumni such as Gerard Butler and Karen Gillan, was set to close this summer after not getting any funding from Creative Scotland. The news of SYT’s expected closure, however, set off a frenzy of support for the theater.

The Scottish government offered to match pledges from the private sector and ultimately provided £150,000 ($212,329.50) in matching funds. These funds will enable SYT to stay open past July.

Thompson has supported many charities and causes over the years, ranging from a blog by ActionAid UK supporting women living in poverty to the Time for Inclusive Education campaign to end homophobia in Scottish schools. She is also a patron of SYT, and she spoke of her excitement upon hearing that the organization had been saved.

I am thrilled that SYT has been offered a stay of execution and ask everyone who can to support this fabulous life-changing initiative, so vital to the cultural life of Scotland’s young people.

Despite this great news, SYT chief executive Jacky Hardacre stated that there is still work to be done to continue the organization’s good work.

This funding agreement only lasts a year so it is our responsibility to ensure we have a long-term sustainable business model to deliver on these aims. We will be exploring a number of fundraising opportunities and we welcome any offers of advice or financial support from individuals and the private sector.

To learn more about the theater and offer support, visit Scottish Youth Theatre’s website.