St Andrews has been home to the Byre theatre since 1933. The Byre Theatre was established by local freelance journalist and playwright A.B. Paterson in a derelict cow-byre. It now operates from an attractive and modern building on Abbey Walk. A range of local, national and international productions are showcased at the Byre. It plays host to a huge variety of performances and festivals throughout the year, indcluding student work, music, comedy and poetry events. Check out what’s currently playing here: http://www.byretheatre.com/whats-on.php
St Andrews is also home to the Barron Theatre, a dedicated student theatre. It is located on North Street and houses a 60 seat black box studio theatre. Many student pieces are put on at the Barron throughout the academic year, and the venue is also available for hire by other groups. You can see upcoming events here: http://yourunion.net/barrontheatre/events
If you’re willing to venture a little further afield, there is a lot of world class theatre to be enjoyed. Dundee Rep is home to Scotland’s only full-time resident company of actors and contemporary dancers. Located in the centre of Dundee, it can be accessed on public transport from St Andrews. Visit their website for more information and to see what’s on: http://www.dundeereptheatre.co.uk/
Should you want to go even further to visit the Theatre, have a look at The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh at http://www.lyceum.org.uk/index.php, The Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh (Scotland’s new writing theatre) at http://www.traverse.co.uk/, or if you’re looking for touring shows and musicals, Edinburgh’s Playhouse: http://www.edinburghplayhouse.org.uk/index.asp?venueid=93. During August, much of Edinburgh is turned into a stage for the Edinburgh International Festival, and the vast Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world. To see what’s happening this August visit: http://www.edfringe.com/about-us.
If you aren’t content to sit in the auditorium, you could get in touch with the St Andrews Play Club - http://www.standrewsplayclub.org.uk/ - they welcome anyone over the age of 16 who is interested in getting involved in any part of productions. Alternatively, if you see yourself as more of a writer, have a look at the Byre writers - http://www.byretheatre.com/education-outreach-byre-writers.php - who meet on Saturday mornings and concentrate on drama scripts for theatre, film, radio or television. If you have children or young adults who want to get involved in theatre, the Byre Youth Theatre run 5 weekly classes during school term time for those between 3 and 18 years: http://www.byretheatre.com/education-outreach-byre-youth-theatre.php.