Case Study 3 - National Theatre of Scotland
National Theatre of Scotland (NTS), based at Rockvilla on the canal in the north of Glasgow, is dedicated to creating exceptional theatre for contemporary Scotland, fostering connections between communities and the wider world. Established in 2006, NTS pioneered the ‘Theatre Without Walls’ model, extending its cultural reach across Scotland and internationally, while remaining rooted in its North Glasgow community. Rockvilla acts not only as a technical centre from which the theatre produces its work, but also as a creative hub for the artistic community in Scotland and a space and resource for other communities.
NTS are proud to contribute to a key area of urban regeneration. NTS demonstrates principles of Doughnut Economics and aligns its practices with the Glasgow Thriving City Portrait through increasing access to culture, increasing social equity and equality in diversity, enabling political voice, supporting income and work, harvesting energy to address climate change and reducing chemical pollution through minimising waste.
For more information, visit the National Theatre of Scotland website.
The National Theatre of Scotland and the Doughnut: Diagram showing the impact the work of National Theatre of Scotland has on themes within the Doughnut Economics model.
NTS supports cultural democracy through fair access to resources in the performing arts sector. Its extensive loan system offers free or subsidised access to rehearsal spaces, technical kit, props, and costumes, redistributing public funding to benefit wider creative communities. The organisation also strives to embed attitudinal change within its operations and in those they engage with, from theatre-makers through to participants and audiences, to create active, engaged, and creative citizens.
NTS further prioritises equality and diversity in its programming and operations. It actively engages with diverse and historically excluded groups and collaborates with schools and artists to create performances that nurture creativity.
NTS is part of the steering group for the Theatre Green Book, a resource for theatre-makers that aims to set a shared standard for environmentally responsible theatre. NTS is a key contributor to this nation-wide initiative, ensuring that Scotland is represented. Ensuring that its productions adhere to the Green Book’s standards, NTS demonstrates its commitment to transitioning to a wellbeing economy centred on climate justice.
The organisation also champions fair work conditions and throughout its supply chain and practises circular economy principles, such as minimising new material use in productions and maximising the reuse of resources. NTS’s loan system acts as a blueprint for circularity in the performing arts sector, reducing waste and providing a catalogue of second-hand resources that are accessible and affordable.
Looking ahead, NTS is working alongside organisations such as Agile City to contribute to the urban regeneration of Speirs Lock by developing systems to measure Scope 3 emissions and transitioning to lower-carbon energy systems. This includes using a biomass boiler, with further plans to install solar panels to support and influence wider implementation of renewable energy, contributing to net zero ambitions that reflect the ecological lens of the Doughnut framework.
NTS continues to expand its impact by collaborating across the arts, building connections between communities, and increasing circularity in the industry. By embedding sustainability, equity, and enriching cultural involvement into its practices, NTS is dedicated to ensuring that theatre can be enjoyed and pursued by all, while supporting a healthier and more regenerative city.
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