Classic pieces of international theatre contrast and juxtapose with the work of exciting young companies who challenge and re-define the traditional boundaries of the stage. Many notable theatres and companies in Scotland reach out to new talent through educational workshops and development programmes. Thereby, a sense of community and social expression is created and fostered within one of the most immediate of art forms. There are impressive showcases such as Edinburgh's Summer festivals - and the Children's International Theatre Festival is the largest of its kind in Europe, while several Scottish companies also specialise in this kind of work.

The Scottish Executive confirmed in September 2003 that a National Theatre of Scotland is to be created with a budget of £7.5 million over the next 2 years. The exciting model inspired by Scotland's theatre community takes the form of a 'virtual' commissioning body with its HQ located in Easterhouse, Glasgow. The new National Theatre will set high dramatic standards and provide strategic and artistic leadership. It will commission work from Scotland's existing talent for productions that will tour the country and showcase the best of Scottish theatre. We look forward to its first production in 2005.

• Scottish Arts Council guide to drama
• Scottish Youth Theatre