Author: Yvonne McLellan

Performance Making Taster Workshops

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 PERFORMANCE MAKING WORKSHOPS 

at the Traverse in Edinburgh and RCS in Glasgow

Two young people standingwith their back to each other, touching with a foot

In partnership with Dr Vania Gala, Head of the new Performance Making BA, Fair Access has been running taster workshops at the Traverse Theatre and at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. 

At both venues, we had a brilliant turnout of creative people, willing to move, collaborate and explore new ways of working together:


‘I loved being creative, moving and the energy in the room’ 


 ‘It felt so good to move’ 


 ‘I enjoyed the positive way we connected to each other and to our own bodies, and thinking about movement in a different way…I had a lot of fun!’ 


 ‘Learning that there are resources out there that encourage new theatre being created was so useful’ 


 Our session at RCS was run in partnership with Scottish Youth Theatre and Creative Director Rikki Payne brought a group of young artists from Dunoon to take part and also couldn’t resist joining in himself! The session was co-led by Lucy Cash who teaches on the new degree programme.

Apply Now to Become a Fair Access Ambassador

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 FAIR ACCESS AMBASSADOR PROGRAMME 

September 2023 through to Summer 2024

⭐️ Applications are now open for our Fair Access Ambassador programme ⭐️

A line of young people standing in a park

Are you passionate about the performing and production arts?  Are you the kind of person who’s happy to talk to other people about this?! Would you like to make new friends with similar interests? Want to develop your skills in communication, organisation and leadership? 

If so, apply to be a Fair Access Ambassador! You’ll work alongside us to shout out about why Fair Access matters and promote opportunities for people to get involved in the arts. 

What our current Ambassadors say… 

‘People were lovely, work was fun and engaging. I was nervous but now I feel totally comfortable with my fellow ambassadors and the work we need to do.’   

‘I now have knowledge about different artforms, teambuilding skills and leadership.’  

‘I feel more confident and feel I’ve never bonded with people faster in my life!’   

What will you do? 

Two young people holding a poster and smiling A young woman holding a postcard to her face Young man standing in front of a company banner with a table of materials
  • Promote Fair Access activity in your school and/or community 
  • Encourage other people to get involved 
  • Support your fellow Ambassadors 
  • Represent the RCS and Fair Access at events. 
  • Develop, and participate in Fair Access campaigns 
  • Attend four Fair Access Ambassador meetings and training sessions over the year  

What do you get in return? 

Young people leading workshop

  • New friends with similar interests 
  • Training for your Ambassador role  
  • Leadership, teamwork and communication skills 
  • Increased confidence 
  • The opportunity to inspire others 
  • Experience that will enhance your CV 
  • Reimbursed travel costs 
  • A lot of fun and plenty of free pizza! 

About you. You’ll be:  

  • Age 16+ by September 2023 
  • A current Transitions student or meet our eligibility criteria (live at an SIMD20 postcode, be care experienced or estranged. Check your postcode here) 
  • Full of enthusiasm for the arts
  • Committed to helping others engage with us
  • Able to travel to RCS for meetings or attend via Zoom 

How to Apply:

Step One – Please fill out the following short application form:

Step Two – Send us a reference once you have submitted your application. This can be from a teacher, tutor, or someone you know who is involved in the arts. Ask your chosen person to complete the following form:

 

Get in Touch

Any questions, get in touch with us on: fairaccesshello@rcs.ac.uk 

We look forward to receiving your application!

Fair Access Expo 2023

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 Fair Access Behind the Scenes EXPO 

Focus on Film, Production Arts and Technology

Monday 5 June, 10 – 3pm

Civic House, 26 Civic Street, Glasgow G4 9RH

Three young adults playing with lighting cans
©RCS-Robbie McFadzean

Are you aged 15+ and interested in Film and/or Production Arts or Technology as a career? Do you teach or support someone who is interested in what happens behind the scenes? Then the Fair Access EXPO is for you!

This Fair Access EXPO is an exciting all-day event designed to get you up close behind the scenes of a performance with experts on hand to help you try out a range of skills. The day ends with a performance that you will have helped put together.

During the day, you will have a chance to:

  • Make and paint a set
  • Design and operate light and sound
  • Work with filmmakers and multimedia artists
  • Choose costumes for performers
  • Meet a range of creative professionals
  • Find out about opportunities in Film and Production that might be available
  • And much, much, more including a free breakfast and lunch!

Come and have a go, meet other young people who like the same things you do, and be part of our creative team.

Places are strictly limited so sign up today!

A group of young people trying out a filming camera in a classroom A young person with headphones round his neck and wearing a traffic cone on his head Three young people trying out a filming camera in a hallway

Please note: Fair Access will prioritise those facing barriers to accessing the arts such as those living in an SIMD20 postcode (you can check this on our website), are estranged or care experienced, or identifying as Black, Indigenous or a Person of Colour (living in an SIMD20 or SIMD40 postcode).

Please let us know the eligibility criteria which best describes you or the group you are booking for when you apply. If none of these criteria apply to you, please feel free to register and a member of staff will get in touch.

 How to get in touch 

If you would like to find out more or have a query or questions, get in touch with the team at: fairaccesshello@rcs.ac.uk 

Recharge Your Theatre Practice, Season Two!

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 Recharge Your Theatre Practice 

Career Long Professional Learning for

N5, Higher and Advanced Higher Teachers

A woman on stage in costume, reading from an old blotted bit of paper

Build your skills in Directing Monologues for Auditions and Practical Lighting. Join us at RCS and All Saints Secondary School Glasgow for workshops to refresh your creative practice and share new ways of working!

Directing Monologues and Audition Techniques

Practical Lighting Skills
When: Wednesday 10 May, 4 – 6pm
Where: RCS, Wallace Studios		 When: Thursday 18 May, 4 – 6pm
Where: All Saints Secondary School
Led by: Liz Carruthers, Director

Find out what a typical drama school audition process looks like from Liz Carruthers, who sits regularly on audition panels for the RCS, both in Scotland and internationally. Discover how you can best prepare your pupils or students, including choosing and working on suitable monologues, responding well to re-direction in the audition and being best prepared for the interview.  Liz will also discuss managing auditionee expectations and having a good plan B if not successful the first time, which is very common! 

 Led by: Christoph Wagner, Lecturer in Lighting RCS 

Explore what makes an effective lighting design and how to achieve this with equipment typically found in a secondary school drama studio. This hands-on session will also look at how to use lights and equipment correctly. Using short scenes as stimulus, we’ll consider how to light key moments and document this with plans, notes and cue sheets. With lots of opportunities for questions, to troubleshoot challenges with teaching lighting in school, and sharing solutions.

‘Super helpful and I have lots of ideas to take back to school! Thank you’ 

‘Really inspiring and enjoyable – I wish we had more opportunities like this’

 Contact Us 

If you have any questions or queries, get in touch with the team on: fairaccesshello@rcs.ac.uk

Get Into: Production (Inverness)

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 Get Into: Production (Inverness) 

RCS & Fair Access at Eden Court Theatre

Man with long hair standing on a stage in an empty theatre 
‘Get Into: Production’ at Eden Court recently saw 30 young people try their hand at Lighting, Sound and Set and Costume Design. Working in performance spaces all over the theatre, led by RCS Production staff and the brilliant technical staff from Eden Court, those attending found out about careers they never knew existed and how Fair Access can create training pathways towards these careers. This is a great partnership with Eden Court which we hope to develop to reach more young people in the Highlands and Islands. 


 ‘Thanks for putting on such a fantastic workshop. My pupils absolutely loved it and we really hope that you come back!’ Catriona Rutherford Inverness Royal Academy 
 


 ‘A really super day for all and a nice variety of interests and favourite workshops. A real success!’ Morag Russell, Engagement Programme Coordinator Eden Court 
 

 Apply Now 

If you are interested in getting involved in production, register now for WACI, to gain access to a host of free workshops, short courses, performance trips and help in applying to FE/HE courses or apply for Transitions if you are intersted in studying Production at RCS and gain access to a suite of learning and support in getting you ready. What are you waiting for?

 Contact Us 

If you’d like to learn more about our ‘Get Into’ series’, contact: fairaccesshello@rcs.ac.uk

CPP Open Workshop (RCS)

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 Contemporary Performance Practice 

 Open Workshop 

Saturday 29 April, 12 – 2pm at RCS

Two people sitting on individual fitness trampolines

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland invites you to a creative, playful workshop to get a taste of Contemporary Performance Practice in action! If you’re interested in drama, performance, movement, dance, choreography or community arts, this session is for you.
 
The workshop is supported by Scottish Youth Theatre, a young theatre makers’ development organisation.
 
At RCS, Contemporary Performance Practice brings together performance-makers, educators, advocates and active citizens who challenge norms, break down barriers and aspire to transform the world around them.

It’s a programme for the curious and creative, who want to become collaborative and socially engaged artists. Scottish Youth Theatre supports young artists to reach their full creative potential and aspire to courses like Contemporary Performance Practice. Join us to find out more! 

Event Details

Date: Saturday 29 April
Time: 12 – 2pm
Where: The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, 100 Renfrew St, Glasgow G2 3DB
Who: Anyone aged 15+ with no upper age limit

Get in Touch

If you have any questions or queries about this event, please get in touch with the team at: fairaccesshello@rcs.ac.uk

BEd Music Bridging Programme 2023

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 So You Want To Be A Music Teacher? 

Join our BEd Music Bringing Programme, starting this September!

Young woman with violin pointing to a class powerpoint

Are you interested in studying music teaching at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland? This Fair Access BEd Bridging Programme here at RCS aims to enhance the educational context of music teaching and get you ready to apply.

The Bridging Programme is a great opportunity to:

  • explore the skills and qualities of a good teacher
  • learn about educational policy and the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE)
  • develop vocal leadership skills 
  • be offered optional activities such as piano accompaniment, music technology or composition
  • receive your music tuition from the RCS Junior Conservatoire

In addition, you’ll gain valuable experience before applying for the BEd and meet like-minded peers.

This free course is aimed at those aged 16+, who are either:

Ticket button for registering

Contact Us

If you would like to find out more or discuss any queries you may have, contact the team on: fairacccesshello@rcs.ac.uk

Come and Try Festival 2023

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 Come & Try Festival 2023 

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, 4 April – 12 April

A group of young people posing in their disciplines

Widening Access to the Creative Industries (WACI) is delighted to announce that applications for our Come and Try Festival are now open!

Whether you’ve got loads of experience already or you want to try something for the first time, the Come and Try Festival is for you! It’s a great way to get your creativity flowing, work with experienced artists and meet other people with the same interests as you.

Throughout the Easter holidays the festival takes place at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland – and best of all, it’s all free to attend! 

Festival Programme:

Set the Scene &
A Taste of Shakespeare
Tuesday 4 April, 10am-5pm

Explore Your Artform
Wednesday 5 April, 10am-4pm

Woodwind Performance Techniques
Thursday 6 April, 10am-4pm

Let’s Get Technical
Friday 7 April, 10am-4pm

Let’s Get Acting
Tuesday 11 April, 10am-4pm

Storytelling Through Sound and Screen
Wednesday 12 April, 10am-4pm

Who is it for?

The festival is open to all secondary school-age pupils. Priority places will be given to pupils who:  

  • attend a FOCUS West School  
  • live in an SiMD1 postcode  
  • Care Experienced or Estranged  
  • Black, Indigenous, or a Person Of Colour 
  • Seeking Asylum or Refugee  

The festival is also open to: Transitions students, Aspire North Students, Leaps Students, Lift Off Students 

Contact Us

If you require any information or have any questions about any of our activities and events, contact the team at: waci@rcs.ac.uk

So You Want To Be A Music Teacher?

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 So You Want To Be A Music Teacher? 

Open Evening for Young People and Info Sessions for Teachers

Young woman pointing to sheet music next to a student saying 'So you want to be a music teachers'?

Fair Access is excited to announce two new sessions for those looking for more information about the training that is available to those interested in music teaching:

BEd (Music) Online Open Evening for Young People

Where: Online
When: Tue 28 March
Time: 5:00pm – 6:30pm

Want to find out what it would be like to study music teaching? This online open evening is a great opportunity to:

  • find out about our BEd (Music) programme from the people who teach it
  • interact with other young people interested in music
  • meet some of the current students and ask them all your questions
  • find out how Fair Access can support you in applying and studying at RCS

BEd (Music) In-Person Information Session for Music teachers

Where: City Halls, Glasgow
When: Mon 22 May
Time: 3:30pm – 4:30pm

Join us as Mairi Warren, Music teacher and lecturer on the BEd programme, talks about how RCS and Fair Access build the music teachers of tomorrow! In this session you can hear about:

  • what your pupils can be doing now to get ready to apply
  • how Fair Access can support eligible pupils via our free Bridging Programme
  • hear from current students on the BEd

 Get In Touch 

If you have any questions or queries, email: fairaccesshello@rcs.ac.uk

Connecting the Dots

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 Connecting the Dots 

Pathways to Genuine Inclusion & Diversity in Film

Young woman standing at a beach on a lovely clear night at sunset holding a film camera.

Please join us to celebrate the important work being done in the film access sector to break down barriers and create points of access to the screen sector for people from marginalised and under-represented communities.

We will explore why this work is so important to the industry if it’s going to reach its sought-after inclusion and diversity targets. There will be a short panel discussion with programme participants and alumni from GMAC Film, Screen Education Edinburgh, Fair Access at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Portal Arts and Film Access Scotland followed by a networking reception.

When: Friday 10 March, 1pm – 3pm
Where: Citizen M Clubroom, 60 Renfrew Street, Glasgow, G2 3BW RSVP 

Get in Touch

If you have any questions or queries about this event, please get in touch with the RCS Events Team on events@rcs.ac.uk