James McAvoy is the latest star to host a masterclass for the Edinburgh Youth Theatre

Iconic Scottish movie star James McAvoy is the latest talent to lend his skills to aid the Edinburgh Youth Theatre as it struggles through lockdown.

Each month, Artistic Director and renowned Scottish actor, Shauna Macdonald, hosts a conversation with a different guest, who shares their experiences with a rapt audience.

Shauna explained: “When Covid hit, our income disappeared overnight.

James McAvoy hosted a masterclass to support Edinburgh Youth Theatre.

"We felt a huge responsibility to our young people to keep going to ensure that we were a reliable part of their lives that we had a responsibility and opportunity to help them through a potentially scary part of their lives.

"We also felt a huge responsibility to our incredible freelance staff who rely on us for income.”

McAvoy, patron of Edinburgh Youth Theatre, recently donated £10,000 to launch the James McAvoy Bursary scheme which took the place of the Pay What You Can Scheme until EYT could get back on it's feet.

The EYT survives on parent fees and micro grants plus other fundraising, and although is in the process of becoming a charity, it currently relies on the previously named Pay What You Can Scheme for its continued existence.

McAvoy delighted fans and aspiring actors on Monday night with his masterclass, and will be followed by a line of equally prestigious guests including author Irvine Welsh, director John McPhail and actor, writer and producer Moyo Akandé.

James McAvoy commented:“Youth theatre was the spark that ignited a passion for drama in me, and as well as being the place I met Shauna it helped build in me a confidence that many children from low income household lack.

"So many aspects of the performance industry and arts education already feel like the preserve of the privileged so I believe it is vital that enriching learning opportunities like Edinburgh Youth Theatre should be accessible to all.”

All of the masterclasses are BSL interpreted and tickets are by donation to remove financial barriers.

So far, the EYT has raised over £17000 through these 90 minute classes and still have six more guests to go.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, all theatres and venues are closed.

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