The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film and Television, based in Livingston, has closed its doors immediately after calling in liquidators.
The institution has been training actors, dancers, and crew since 2005.
Around 20 staff members are believed to lost their jobs following the school’s closure, with all students having also been affected.
Katie McLachlan, practitioner at insolvency firm Middlebrooks, confirmed the winding up petition had been granted by Livingston Sheriff Court.
She added: “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, and we are in communications with the relevant education bodies with regards to this.”
It has been reported that staff were told about the future of the school and have also been told their wages would be paid late.
Staff collected their personal belongings at the building late last week, according to reports.
The institute began life as a full-time school called The MGA Academy of Performing Arts and went on to offer a number of degrees ranging from bachelor’s to masters in fields including theatre acting, film and television, dance, and performance. It underwent a “pivotal” rebrand into its current incarnation just last year.
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The school’s website now directs to the liquidator’s statement, with the notice also posted on its social media channels.
The liquidation comes following a petition to wind up was presented to the Sheriff Court at Livingston on March 28, 2025, and granted on May 6.
Following the news of the closure, The National reported that Nardone’s Academy of Performing Arts said they are extending their applications for the students affected.
The institute, which runs similar courses, said it would fast-track students to ensure they have an education to go to in September.
Based in the former MGA Academy building in Edinburgh, the firm said it is hosting a staff recruitment day on Tuesday in a bid to help those affected by the Scottish Institute’s closure.
“We are very sad to hear about the sudden closure of The Scottish Institute. This news is difficult for everyone, especially for the students and staff. Our hearts go out to each person affected by this situation, especially for the staff and students we personally know,” a spokesperson told the paper.
