Amateur company links

The Scottish Community Drama Association exists to encourage the development of volunteer-led theatre arts in Scotland.

The SCDA runs the Scottish rounds of the UK-wide One Act Play Festival. It has a quarterly publication, Scene magazine.
SCDA Website: drama.scot
Facebook: @drama.scot
X: @dramascot

The Edinburgh and Lothians district branch of the SCDA runs the district heats of the annual One Act Play Festival, which take place in February each year.

The SCDA’s script library is based in Edinburgh, at Summerhall. SCDA members can borrow scripts or purchase them for a discount.
SCDA Script Library website: drama.scot/library
SCDA Ed & Dist website: www.scdaedinburgh.org.uk.
Facebook: @SCDAEdinburgh
X: @scda_edinburgh
Instagram: @scda_edinburgh

The National Operatic and Dramatic Association was founded in 1899, “to protect and advance the interests of operatic and dramatic art, and of societies engaged therein”.

The organisation tends to represent companies staging musicals and opera, rather than straight theatre, although not exclusively so. NODA Scotland publishes a magazine three times a year.

NODA Scotland website: www.noda.org.uk/regions/scotland.
Facebook: @NODA.Scotland.

Founded in 1954 by alumni of the former Edinburgh University Dramatic Society, EGTG (formerly known as ‘The Grads”) retains its university connection through its company base at the Graduate Association rooms at 18 Buccleuch Place, but is open to all.

EGTG has earned a reputation as one of Edinburgh’s most well respected amateur theatre companies, presenting a versatile annual programme of challenging contemporary work and crowd-pleasing classics. Its annual output often includes plays written by members. It currently participates in the SCDA One Act Festival, stages a play in May, two during the Fringe and a further two in the Autumn and Winter.

EGTG Website:https://theegtg.com/
Facebook: @edingrads
Instagram: @edingrads
X: @TheGrads

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The present amateur drama club was formed in May 1996 by the amalgamation of two long standing Edinburgh clubs – The Makars and Davidson’s Mains Dramatic Club (DMDC). In 2002 the new club formally adopted the name The Edinburgh Makars.

The Makars usually put on two or three full-scale productions a year, one of which is in the Edinburgh Fringe, as well as other one or two night performances primarily intended for club members and friends. They often have an entry in the SCDA One Act Festival. There are regular clubnights on the second Monday of each month with a variety of events including playreadings and workshops, as well as occasional theatre visits and other social occasions.

Makars Website:www.edinburghmakars.com
Facebook: @edinburghmakars
Instagram: @edinburghmakars

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Edinburgh People’s Theatre (EPT) was founded in 1943 by playwright Andrew Wilson who considered that the anticipated end of the war and new social security legislation would make this an ideal opportunity to form a people’s theatre for the benefit of the citizens of Edinburgh.

EPT was one of the eight “adjuncts” – uninvited productions – at the first EIF in 1947 and is the only one of those companies still performing at the Fringe.

The company stages around five productions a year. An entry to the SCDA One Act Festival, two full stage, straight dramas in the late Spring and early Autumn, a full stage production during the Fringe, and a pantomime at the Church Hill Theatre in December.

Auditions are open and the company welcomes new members both as performers and backstage crew. It holds regular events around different aspects of staging and stagecraft at its rooms in Mayfield Gardens.

EPT Website: www.ept.org.uk
Facebook: @EdinburghPeoplesTheatre
Instagram: @epeoplestheatre
X: @EPeoplesTheatre

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Community theatre company formed in the late 1940s and currently based at St Ninian’s Hall in the Comely Bank area of Edinburgh.

ETA typically stages two full-length productions each year – one in the Spring, and one in August as part of the Fringe. In addition to those shows, ETA often enters one-act play festivals and has also staged Christmas Shows, Murder Mystery and Burns Supper events in recent years.

“We aim to produce the best shows possible, maximising the skills and resources available in our membership. We enjoy telling stories – classic and modern – and delight in challenging our audience to join us in imagining single-set locations or multi-scene stories in our intimate theatre which creates a very real bond with a live audience. Movies are great, but nothing beats the buzz of a great story told by live actors to a live audience!”

Edinburgh Theatre Arts website: www.edinburghtheatrearts.com
Facebook: @edinburghtheatrearts
Instagram: @edinburgh_theatre_arts
X: @edinTheatArts

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Leitheatre was founded in 1946 in Kirkgate Church in Leith as the Kirkgate Drama Group by a group of people interested in drama, encouraged by the Rev James Scott Marshall. It took on the name Leitheatre in 1973 and moved into its current premises at 20 Sunnyside, off Easter Road, in 1997.

Leitheatre currently has over 60 members and is always keen to welcome new people with an interest in any aspect of the theatre – be it acting, staging, sound, lighting, costume or whatever. The company currently stage two full productions a year at the Church Hill Theatre, in the Spring and the Autumn, with another production during the Fringe. It also enters short plays into the SCDA One Act Festival.

Leitheatre Website: www.leitheatre.com
Facebook: @Leitheatre
Instagram: @leitheatre
X: @ LeitheatreEdin

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Amateur theatre club formed in 1948 at St Serf’s, Clark Road where it originally performed two plays a year in the old tin-roofed hall which stood adjacent to the church. The “new” hall, completed in 1959, was built with drama in mind and the company continue to be based at and perform in what is now known as the St Serf’s Church Centre.

The Players currently stage an annual pantomime, often in association with local youth company the Trinity Theatre Company, and enter plays to the SCDA One Act Festival.

St Serf’s Players Website: www.stserfsplayers.org.uk
Facebook: @stserfsplayers
Instagram: @stserfsplayers
X: @stserfsplayers

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The Saughtonhall Drama Group was founded in 1948. It meets and performs at the Saughtonhall United Reform Church.

Saughtonhall Drama Group Website: www.saughtonhall.com
Facebook: @saughtonhalldramagroup

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Small amateur theatre group founded in 2018 to produce “high quality theatre on a tight budget”. All of production and technical team have been working in professional and amateur theatre for many years both on and off stage.

Produces one main-stage production a year for which is holds open auditions. Initial productions were strictly drama, but the company announced its 2024 production would be Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. The company is a member of NODA.

Threepenny Theatricals Website: www.threepenny-theatricals.org.
Facebook: @3pennytheatre
Instagram: @threepennytheatricals
X: @3penny_theatre

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A-Team Productions is a youth musical theatre charity based in North Edinburgh and formed in 2013. It places its young members at the heart of everything it does.

“We believe that giving young people a platform to perform onstage gives them confidence and has a positive impact on wellbeing. We also tailor our workshops and rehearsals to focus on team building exercises which are fun and encourage them to work together and socialise. A-Team Productions has always been free, removing any barriers of participation.”

A-Team website: www.ateamproductions.co.uk
Facebook: @ateamproductionsedinburgh
Instagram: @ateamproductions
X: @ATeamedinburgh

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Allegro is an amateur musical theatre society, established in 1977 from the then Barclay Bruntsfield Drama Group to bring lesser known or rarely performed musicals to the attention of audiences for amateur theatre in Edinburgh.

The company stages one musical every year, usually in the Autumn, at the Church Hill Theatre. It is an SCIO, run by a committee and welcomes new members.

Allegreo website: www.allegromusical.co.uk
Facebook: @allegromusical.
Instagram: @allegromusicaltheatre
X: @allegro_edin

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Based in the Balerno/Currie area of Edinburgh, BTC Productions, the Balerno Theatre Company (formerly known as Balerno Community Songsters) was established in 1999 and in 2025 revised its BTC acronym to reflect the company’s ethos: Bringing Theatre to the Community

The community-based amateur theatre company draws cast, crew and audiences from across Edinburgh and beyond. It performs an annual production at the Church Hill Theatre, usually announced early in the year, with auditions in the Spring and a performance week in the late Autumn. The majority of its productions involve large casts of up to 70 performers ranging from age 7+ involved in any one show.

The company is run by a committee of volunteers who hire professional creative teams for their productions. “Our emphasis is on fun and professionalism and we pride ourselves on creating inclusive, family feel in how we rehearse, prepare for and perform our shows. Rehearsals are at Currie Community High School every Tuesday & Thursday

Balerno Theatre Company Website: www.balernotheatrecompany.co.uk
Facebook: @balernotheatrecompany
Instagram: @balernotheatrecompany

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Bare Productions was established in 2017, committed to providing theatre opportunities to those living in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas. “Community is always at the centre in all that we do and we pride ourselves on making all our services accessible, inclusive and fun for all.”

The company’s main event is a musical theatre production at the Fringe, for which it normally holds open auditions early in the year. It also provides support for local grassroots companies.

Bare Productions website: www.bareproductionsedinburgh.com
Facebook: @BareEdinburgh
Instagram: @bareproductions
X: @bareproductions

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Founded in 1909, the Bohemians Lyric Opera Company is one of Edinburgh’s leading amateur musical theatre companies.

A registered charity, they perform three different shows a year: a Fringe concert, Christmas concert and the main annual Musical production, usually around February, with an open welcome night and auditions soon after the end of the Fringe.
The Bohemians Website: www.bohemians.org.uk
Facebook: @bohemiansedinburgh
Instagram: bohemiansedinburgh
X: @bohemians_ed

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“Celebrating the best local talent the city has to offer”, Captivate best known for staging musical theatre during the Fringe.

Operating under director Sally Lyall, Captivate has run youth theatre classes around Edinburgh for over ten years. The EdFringe Summer School culminates in performances of four different shows at the Fringe, alongside an adult-cast amateur musical theatre show.

Captivate Theatre website: www.captivatetheatre.com
Facebook: @captivatetheatre
Instagram: @captivatetheatre
X: @captivate_ltd

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The Edinburgh Gilbert & Sullivan Society (EDGAS) is a charity dedicated to the performance and promotion of the works of Sir W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan.

Formed in 1924 as an appreciation society, EDGAS began annual public performances in 1946 and this is now their main activity, with a major production in the Spring. The company also performs concerts ranging from orchestral singalongs of the operas to smaller concert party visits to a variety of venues, such as churches and nursing homes.

The Society welcomes new members, both as singers or performers, or simply as a member keen to support their aims and activities. Contact details on the website

Website: /www.edgas.org
Facebook: @EdinburghGilbertSullivan
Instagram: @edinburghgilbertsullivan
X: @EdinGnS

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Edinburgh Music Theatre Company, or EMT as it is more commonly known, was formed in 1982 and has become one of the major amateur musical theatre companies in the capital.

Managed by a voluntary board of directors, EMT aims to: “stage musical theatre performances of the highest standard through commitment, dedication, hard work and talent.” The company produces a main stage musical each Spring and performs in August as part of the Edinburgh Fringe.

EMT is made up of amateur performers, but works with professional directors, choreographers and musical directors. It holds auditions for each new production and welcomes new members to its open auditions.

EMT website: www.edinburghmusictheatre.co.uk
Facebook: @edinburghmusictheatre
Instagram: @edmusictheatre
TikTok: @edmusictheatre

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Edinburgh Studio Opera (ESO) is a student-run legacy and introduces young singers into professional performance. ESO collaborates with experts in both directing and musicianship, and encourages performers with any level of experience to join.

ESO currently stages one production every year, in March. Auditions for production team and cast take place in September, with rehearsals usually beginning shortly after. There are opportunities to be a part of the chorus, or for our more experienced singers, to take a principle role. The company has occasionally staged a production at the Fringe.

Edinburgh Studio Opera Website: www.edinburghstudioopera.org
Facebook: @/EdinburghStudioOpera
Instagram: @edstudioopera

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Founded in 1989, Edinburgh University Footlights is a student-run musical theatre group that “aims to give its entire cast and crew as professional an experience as possible while providing an accessible and affordable performance for the student body as well as the Edinburgh community at large.”

The company produces one modern, large scale musical in the Spring term and in recent years has added a second production during the Fringe. In 2011 the company added a Showchoir that performs at a number of events during the academic year. The company holds one set of auditions for The Show and Showchoir at the beginning of each academic year during Fresher’s week.

Edinburgh University Footlights Website: www.edfootlights.com
Facebook: @edfootlights
Instagram: @eufootlights

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EUSOG is the University of Edinburgh’s Gilbert & Sullivan and musical theatre society. Since its formation in 1961 it has strived to find the best talent both onstage and behind the scenes to produce a wide range of theatre and music.

Building on a tradition of annual performances of the Savoy Operas, in 1988 EUSOG added contemporary and classic musicals into its repertoire. Since 1993, EUSOG has also been a well-known name at the Fringe.

Edinburgh University Savoy Opera Group website: www.eusog.org
Facebook page: @eusavoy
Instagram: @eusogy

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Forth Children’s Theatre (FCT) was established in 1979 by Peter Gorman as a registered charity with the aim: “To encourage further interest and active participation in theatre and drama among young people”. FCT continues to give young people in Edinburgh and beyond a chance to perform and be involved in all aspects of theatre; from technical to direction.

FCT provides a safe environment for children and young people to learn more about theatre. They are encouraged to help in all aspects of a production not just on stage. Many of those who have been through FCT have come back to share their talent and experience.

The company usually produces two full-scale musicals a year, one during the Easter holidays and one during the Fringe. Auditions are open to all who will be aged ten or over and 18 or under at the start of the show week. In recent years it has also produced occasional Christmas entertainments.

Forth Childrens Theatre Website: www.forthchildrenstheatre.org
Facebook: @forthchildrenstheatre
Instagram: @forthchildrenstheatre

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Founded in 1960, the Edinburgh Gang Show has become the biggest annual theatrical show starring young people from Scouting and Girlguiding in the UK, with some 250 members of the Edinburgh and Lothians Scouting and Guiding movements taking part in the week-long run every November.

The cast, aged between 8 and 25, stage a revue style production which contains a little of Gang Show founder Ralph Reader’s format, including his Crest of a Wave of course, but which is placed very firmly in the 21st century with topical gags, relevant sketches, modern hits and a lot of dancing. Auditions are from within the Scouts and Guides.

Edinburgh Gang Show Website: www.edinburghgangshow.co.uk
Facebook: @EdinburghGangShow
Instagram: @edinburghgangshow

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One of Scotland’s leading amateur youth musical companies, LYAMC was founded in 1998, and registered as a charity in 2002.

LYAMC’s main objective of LYAMC is to make musical theatre fun for 120 youngsters aged 8 to 25. The company seeks to “develop, educate and encourage young people in various aspects of the performing arts.” Open auditions are early in every January, with a concert performance in the spring and a main production in September.

LYAMC Website: www.lyamc.com
Facebook: @lyamc
Instagram: @lydreamers

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Amateur group formed in 1950 by a few members of staff at the Musselburgh and Fisherrow Cooperative Society, dedicated to bringing musical theatre to Musselburgh and the surrounding area.

The company usually stages a Revue in January with a full-scale musical in the late Spring. However in 2023 its regular venue the Brunton was stricken with RAAK and in subsequent years its programming has become a bit more fluid.

Musselburgh Amateur Musical Association Website: www.mama-musical.co.uk
Facebook: @mamamusselburgh
Instagram: @mamamusselburgh
X: @MAMAmusselburgh

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Company formed in 1991 to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. The main effort is through an annual show at the Church Hill Theatre in September “offering the highest standard of entertainment and professionalism”.

The show comprises an eclectic mix of musical styles and sources, ranging from rock, pop and musical theatre to the music of the cinema. The company draw on the rich vein of amateur musical talent in the Edinburgh area, with many company members also singing with other amateur companies. Entry is open to all via an audition to join the company. Separate auditions take place for solo spots at the annual show and the several concert performances through the year. Full details on the website.

Showcase Website: www.show-case.co.uk
Facebook: @ShowcaseEdin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showcaseedin/
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Formed on March 6, 1897, Southern Light is Edinburgh’s longest running amateur operatic society. It has staged one show a year at the King’s Theatre since 1924 – although while the King’s is dark, it uses the Festival Theatre.

The amateur company is run by a voluntary board and employs professional creatives for its performances. The annual production is normally announced in early Autumn, when open auditions for the principals take place, followed by open auditions for the chorus. The company welcomes new members.

Southern Light Opera Website: www.southernlight.co
Facebook: @SouthernLightEd
Instagram: @southernlighted
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Arkle Theatre Company was an Edinburgh-based community theatre company that began producing plays in 1994. Initially for the Fringe, but in its final years typically presenting three plays a year – one in the spring and two in August.

Arkle produced its final plays at EdFringe 2025 after founders, Michael Mulligan and Rob Mackean, decided to go out on a high. A report of a final celebratory party with some details of Arkle’s history is here: Arkle and Out.

Arkle was not a club and had no members, but held (fairly) open auditions for each show and “cast the very best”. Actors past and present include many who have been professionally trained or have accumulated vast experience of acting. Some cast members have gone on to train as professional actors.

Website: www.arkletheatre.co.uk.
Facebook: @ArkleTheatreCompany

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