Jobs lost and students in limbo after Scots drama school collapses 'out of the blue'

Dozens of jobs have been lost and students left in limbo after one of Scotland’s top drama schools went into administration “out of the blue”.

Liquidators have been 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.

Katie McClachan, insolvency practitioner from Middlebrooks Business Recovery and Advice in Edinburgh, has been appointed as interim liquidator.

A statement read: “As a result, the company has ceased to trade with immediate effect.

“The priority at this time is supporting the employees and students who have been displaced as a result of the liquidation.”

It comes following a petition to wind up was presented to the Sheriff Court at Livingston on March 28, 2025, and granted on May 6.

Bath Spa University, which partners with the school, said a student protection plan had been put in place.

A spokesperson said: “Bath Spa University is aware that one of our partners, The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film and TV, has ceased trading with immediate effect.

“Our priority at this time is for the welfare of our applicants and students who were studying at this institution for a Bath Spa University degree.

“In line with our regulatory requirements, we have acted swiftly to implement a Student Protection Plan, which is the procedure a university has in place in case of a campus or institution closure.

“We appreciate this is a very difficult time for students and staff affected by the news. We are in ongoing communication with our students to offer support and guidance, and we are in contact with the liquidators to find a timely and appropriate resolution to this situation.

“We are working as quickly as we can to ascertain all the facts, in order that we can present our students with their future options and next steps.”

The university said students are to receive a further update on Tuesday, May 13.

The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film and Television has been contacted for comment.