A CLACKS theatre is trialling a pilot scheme to encourage more young people to get involved in playwriting and performing.

The Alman Theatre, in Alloa, is gearing up to open its doors for a production called Scotland Afore Ye, written by Grace Davie, a university student from Dollar.

Grace won a competition run by the theatre group to recognise creative talent in Clacks, earning herself the company’s first Playwriting Award.

Her prize was to have her play produced and performed at the theatre, which is set to go ahead from June 8-11.

Gerry Docherty, artistic director at the Alman Theatre, explained that he hopes this will encourage other young people in the Wee County to get involved in local theatre.

He said: “We’ve worked alongside Stirling University Drama Society (SUDS) and we’ve deeply integrated them into these plays by Grace next week.

STUDENT TALENT: Grace Davie will have her play Scotland Afore Ye performed by Alman and SUDS, in a pilot scheme to get more young people involved in theatre.

STUDENT TALENT: Grace Davie will have her play Scotland Afore Ye performed by Alman and SUDS, in a pilot scheme to get more young people involved in theatre.

“This is with the view to give young people experience within the small theatre to hopefully be able to attract others to theatre.

“Having younger people, aged in their 20s and 30s, is exactly what we need to put on a wider variety of plays.”

Scotland Afore Ye is a play written by Grace, who attends Trinity College in Dublin, and is inspired by the song The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond.

Performed ahead of Scotland Afore Ye is two short comedies, also written by Grace, and brought to life by members of the theatre group.

Producers of the show hope seeing a show written by and starring people aged 18-25 will attract more to the trade.

Patrick O’Connor, producer of Scotland Afore Ye, said: “The production signals a commitment by the Alman to foster young creative talent in Clackmannanshire.

“It is providing learning opportunities in acting, design of lighting and sound, set construction and backstage management.

"The young actors involved are brilliant - both funny and moving - and it's given the older members of Alman a real buzz to work with them.

SCREEN TEST: Young actors involved in Scotland Afore Ye take part in a dress rehearsal ahead of this weeks shows. Pictures provided by The Alman Theatre.

SCREEN TEST: Young actors involved in Scotland Afore Ye take part in a dress rehearsal ahead of this week's shows. Pictures provided by The Alman Theatre.

“Each role has a dedicated mentor, usually a long-standing Alman member, sharing their wealth of knowledge and expertise.”

The Alman Theatre also worked alongside pupils from New Struan School, an education facility for people with additional support needs in Alloa.

Gerry added: “We linked up with them and kids came over for three days and then at the end, they put on a wee performance.

“It was humbling to see just how much they took away from it, especially as we are committed to promoting live theatre within the Clackmannanshire area.”

Tickets to Scotland Afore Ye can be bought from ticketsource.co.uk/alman.