FacebookAn investigation has been launched into alleged fraudulent activity after one of Scotland’s top drama schools went into administration “out of the blue”.
Liquidators were appointed at the Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film and Television, which has been training actors, dancers, and musical theatre performers for two decades.
Around 20 staff members have lost their jobs at the school, and all students have also been affected.
STV News understands staff were left in the dark over the future of the school and told their wages would be paid late.
It is claimed staff collected personal belongings at the building, based in Livingston, on Thursday, with a notice of liquidators being appointed displayed.
The company’s website now directs to the liquidator’s statement, with the notice also posted on their social media channels.
A source told STV News: “I really feel for the staff and students as the liquidation is completely out of the blue.”
One parent of a first-year student said they received no communication and are “absolutely devastated” by the closure.
“We have had no communication and this has affected her badly as she was doing really well and loves her study,” they said.
The school offers a number of degrees ranging from Bachelors to Masters in fields including theatre acting, film and television, dance, and performance.
The institute began life as a full-time school called The MGA Academy of Performing Arts in 2005.
Police Scotland has confirmed a fraud investigation into the business was launched last week and is in its “early stages”.
A spokesperson from the force said: “On Sunday, May 11, 2025 we received a report of fraud involving a business in Livingston.
“Enquiries are at an early stage and ongoing.”
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