Organised by the Institut Francais d’Ecosse, the competition invites pupils from primary and secondary schools to perform a short play in French. The piece may be an extract from a play, an adaptation from another literary text (novel, short story, poem, tale), or a work specially created for the occasion. There are three categories of entries: primary - P1-7; junior - S1-3; and senior -S4-6. This year, 47 groups from 38 schools throughout Scotland have enrolled -779 pupils altogether.

“Les Rencontres Theatrales” is not simply an oral exercise which requires the mastering of voice and body. The production side requires skills in visual arts, music and dance. Pupils must also work in a team.

The competition this year takes place in three venues: the Gordon Schools, Huntly (earlier this week, on March 7); Holyrood Secondary, Glasgow, on March 19; and the French Institute of Scotland, Edinburgh, on March 22 and 26.