Category: Fair Access

Creative Conversations, Get Ready and Ambassadors

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 Recent Events and Activity 

Creative Conversations, Get Ready, and Ambassadors

☀️ As we approach the end of the academic year, we’ve had a busy time across our Fair Access departments.

🎙️ CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS

Panel of people talking to students

Last week we held two Creative Conversations. The first at St Margaret Mary’s Secondary School in Castlemilk. Actors Atta Yaqub and Martin Docherty and BA Musical Theatre student Star Penders spoke to Higher and NC5 pupils about their careers, obstacles and inspirations. Marty Docherty was once a St Margaret Mary’s pupil and is still a local Castlemilk lad.

Group of students sitting on the floor

The second was at Holyrood Secondary in Govanhill, this time with a musical focus. Musicians Michael John McCarthy, Ray Aggs and RCS masters student Dean Garrity talked to a group of pupils about the joys of musical collaboration, taking creative risks and why being in a band is such a good thing!

🎥 Filmmaker Seth Hardwick is making a short film on both events that we hope to share with you all.

🎓 GET READY

Two students doing a presentation

This week, Transitions held the first of two events for students, parents and carers in our Get Ready series.

Get Ready to Apply focused on information around personal statements, UCAS and interview skills. The Transitions team have been working away creating a brand new resource ‘Get Ready to Apply’ which can be accessed on our portal:

🌐 portal.rcs.ac.uk/tstudents

Students doing a presentation

Get Ready to Study, took place last night and we’d like to thank Ken Fairbrother, the RCS SU President and Transitions Alumni, for coming along and telling us more about what support, communities and opportunities there are available at RCS.

A huge thank you also to Gem and Charlotte for sharing their own experiences of being a new student, for giving lots of tips, advice and motivation. It was great to see you all there and please keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on.

⭐️ FAIR ACCESS AMBASSADORS

Lastly, the final meeting for session 2022.23 of our fabulous Fair Access ambassadors and Transitions alumni/student assistants took place this week. A chance to celebrate their amazing year and thank them for everything they’ve done to spread the word about Fair Access in their schools, colleges and communities. We’ve learned so much from them and had a great laugh at the same time! Thank you!

 Get In Touch 

If you would like to find out more about the work that Fair Access do, visit or website at rcs.ac.uk/fair-access, sign up for our newsletter via the website or if you have any questions or queries, email: fairaccesshello@rcs.ac.u

Get Into: Performing and Production Arts

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 Get Into: Performing and Production Arts 

Musical Theatre, Filmmaking, Production, Singing or Guitar

For ages 15+ Starting Autumn 2023

Young woman making stage props and words 'Get Into Performing and Production Arts'

Would you like to Get Into: Musical Theatre, Filmmaking, Guitar, Singing or Production Arts & Technology? Not sure where to begin? Our free ‘Get Into’ courses could be the perfect answer. 

We’re running five separate programmes in these artforms starting Autumn 2023.

These free weekly sessions will be a great opportunity to:

  • Build your confidence
  • Develop your skills in your chosen artform
  • Meet others who love the same thing as you

Bring your energy, enthusiasm and commitment! 

*BOOKING NOW CLOSED*

Please note: Fair Access will prioritise those facing barriers to accessing the arts such as those:

Get in touch and we can check your postcode for you. 

 Get In Touch 

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

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 

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

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

48-Hour Visual Storytelling Challenge

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 48-Hour Visual Storytelling Challenge 

Fair Access x Beacon Arts Centre x Megahertz Theatre Company

Two people in darkened room with light behind them creating large shadows on a wall

We were delighted to partner with the Beacon Arts Centre for the 48-Hour Visual Storytelling project, delivered by RCS and Megahertz Theatre Company. 

The weekend was aimed at young people from across Inverclyde. The group of young people who joined us were imaginative, creative and very brave. What they achieved in a short time was impressive and a testament to their artistic ability as well as the skills of Megahertz who worked with them.

Young woman wearing a costume

Megahertz brings a unique skill set, vision and creative process, which is the sum of the many parts of the company. The company is comprised of artists with different specialisms, and this meant the learning experience for participating young people was particularly rich. So, over the weekend we improvised, devised, explored lighting and shadow work, built incredible costumes and characters and created images suitable for a movie poster, which were then shot using the Beacon as a set. Themes included sci fi, gothic, alien life, horror and post apolcalyptic scenarios! Here are some comments showing what people enjoyed:

“I enjoyed creating our own character for the photoshoot. It was so unique, personalised and interesting!”

“I learned how to world-build with single images/movements”

“I enjoyed developing a costume and character together – this wasn’t like normal drama where you get given a character and then decide what they wear. It was interesting to develop a character around costume”

“I liked meeting new people and doing stuff I never thought I’d be comfortable doing.”

We loved working at the Beacon, which was really inspiring and exciting! The staff were great and helped Megahertz to shoot photographs in a range of atmospheric locations not accessible to the public. This included basement corridors, control rooms full of switches and by the huge loading dock doors.

Get In Touch!

If you’d like to find out more about how Fair Access can help you, get in touch by our email at: fairaccesshello@rca.ac.uk