The Regal Youth Company are offering free ten minute drama workshops for anyone to access when schools are closed due to COVID-19. Watch our first Drama Bites now!
about us
At the Root Theatre is a West Lothian based youth arts organisation established in 2015 to create a space to amplify and empower the voices of different communities, people and places.
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We embed fairness, kindness and inclusion in our practice. We believe that the arts are for everyone. Our workshops and projects create spaces where participants can fully be themselves, grow in confidence and make new friends.
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Our approach to theatre making and the arts is collaborative, curious and playful. We create spaces where participants take agency and ownership in the performances they make and share. In our workshops, we are responsive to what the group wants to do. We are not a one size fits all organisation, we tailor make projects and workshops to suit the participants and groups.
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At the Root exists to be a platform for children and young people to be creative, to play and to grow in confidence.
team
Matthew Swan is the Creative Director & Founder of At the Root Theatre.
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Matthew is a freelance theatre facilitator, director and playwright based in West Lothian. He graduated in 2018 from Queen Margaret University with a first class honours in Drama & Performance. During his time at university, Matthew found a passion for drama in the community and hasn't looked back since.
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Matthew believes in creating playful and collaborative spaces for children and young people to take agency and ownership in their creativity. He embeds fairness and kindness in his practice at all times creating positive safe spaces for people to engage with the arts.
Rebecca Wyman is a workshop leader with At the Root Theatre.
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Rebecca is an actor and creative based in Glasgow. Having trained at New College Lanarkshire in Musical Theatre, Rebecca finished her BA in Acting at Queen Margaret University in 2020.
Since then, Rebecca has worked on numerous creative based projects. She has starred in a feature film - soon to be released - as well as working on a variety of short films.
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Rebecca currently leads our Dechmont and Mid Calder classes.
Emma Lindsey is a media and communication assistant with At the Root Theatre.
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Emma is a performer and creative artist from Cumbernauld. Having trained at Cours Florent in Paris, Emma returned to complete her degree with New College Lanarkshire at the turn of the pandemic, and graduated from BA Hons Acting and Creative Enterprise in June 2022.
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Since then Emma has performed in numerous festivals across Scotland and has not long returned from a UK wide primary schools tour of 'Cinderella'. When not on stage or in front of a camera, Emma is facilitating in Drama, Dance and Circus, and has a passion for making the arts accessible to as many people as possible.
Becca Lamont is a workshop leader with At the Root Theatre.
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Becca trained in drama and performance at Queen Margaret University and graduated with an honours degree in 2018. She is currently studying her masters in drama therapy. She is a drama facilitator and creative based in Edinburgh and working across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
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Becca has been working with At the Root since 2016 and also works with MBArts and Mix Up Theatre.
Martine Browne is a workshop leader with At the Root Theatre.
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Martine trained as an actress and performer studying at college and university across Scotland, completing her HNC and HND in performing arts. Martine became self-employed through this time appearing in TV adverts, independent films, voice-overs and touring as a singer. Martine also attended Queen Margaret University to complete year 2 of the BA HONS degree in Film and Theatre.
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2018 Martine was the founder and creative director of Mia’s Aim CIC, a nonprofit organisation, ranging from FREE classes,bespoke classes, birthday parties and workshops. Martine currently works as a director of M&Bees Ltd.
