Barstow Theatre Returns to Scotland's Fringe

The theatre department last toured a show in 2022, "Motor Court 103" by Claire Redick '22, performing at both the KC Fringe Festival and the Edinburgh Festival. This will be its fourth trip to the festival through the American High School Theatre Festival (AHSTF) program. This international travel opportunity is open to students in the classes 2026-2030. 

AHSTF makes it possible for performing arts students to showcase their talents and skills on an international stage. AHSTF runs in conjunction with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest performing arts festival, held every August in Edinburgh, Scotland. Each year, thousands of actors, dancers, directors, writers, producers, and other artisans, along with thousands of arts lovers, visit Edinburgh to take in the festival. Barstow students will experience the Festival Fringe as both performers and audience members.

Students may participate as a member of the theatre troupe or technical crew. Participating students may be eligible to receive 0.5 performing arts credits and three undergraduate college credits available through George Mason University. Other educational opportunities include a performing arts college fair at the University of Edinburgh and optional theatre workshops in London and Edinburgh. 

Available roles include playwright, student director, co-director and assistant director, cast, crew, KC Fringe liaison and marketing support.

Plans for this exciting international travel opportunity are well underway. Director of Theatre Bob Kohler recently traveled to Edinburgh to scout out theatre venues, see shows and talk to technical professionals. Rehearsals will take place July 6-21, 2026, followed by performances in the KC Fringe Festival July 22-31 and travel to the United Kingdom and Edinburgh Aug. 1-15.  

Here is an overview of the trip:

• After departing for the United Kingdom, explore the city of London with a guided  panoramic bus tour. See some of the city’s most famous sites and attend a theatre production in London’s West End. 
• Then, it’s on to Scotland for a ten-day stay, full of fun performances and exploration. In Scotland, Barstow's troupe will perform four times. 
• Other activities include a Ceilidh (KAY-lee), a traditional Gaelic gathering and dance with a professional band, and the amazing Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a dynamic event in which military bands from four continents perform on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.