RCS – Page 2 – Widening Access to the Creative Industries

Stories and Spaces, Mull

Posted on 2nd February 20232nd February 2023 by Yvonne McLellan

Stories and Spaces, Mull

Fair Access x SYT x Mull Youth Theatre

Last weekend Fair Access at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland worked with 20 young people from Mull Youth Theatre and Scottish Youth Theatre on a collaborative performance project.

We used storytelling, photography, lighting & sound design and contemporary performance to create a beautiful installation together at An Tobar. 50 people visited our installation on the first day. An Tobar were so impressed with our collaborative work they invited us to leave it up in the space for others to see.

We feel so lucky to have worked with young people on Mull. The spirit of the place was very present – we were made so welcome, the young people were mightily generous and we went on amazing creative adventures in such a short space of time.

In the words of the participants:

“It has been nice learning new things and meeting people that love doing their job. I have enjoyed this because we don’t get this opportunity a lot”.

“I enjoyed meeting new and experienced people. I enjoyed learning new skills, especially on the tech side of things”.

Thank you to Mull Youth Theatre for being brilliant hosts – we sincerely hope to visit and make something exciting together again soon.

You can view more photos from the weekend on our Flickr.

Fair Access at the Scottish Parliament

Posted on 2nd February 20239th February 2023 by Yvonne McLellan

Universities Scotland Event at the Scottish Parliament

Featuring RCS, Fair Access and GMAC Partnership

The RCS Filmmaking and Fair Access teams represented RCS at Universities Scotland’s Scottish Parliament reception on Tuesday 31 January, where Higher Education institutions showcased their inspiring contributions to the economic transformation of Scotland.

RCS and Fair Access highlighted our partnership with GMAC Film and the way we work together to support people into the film and television industry.

The photograph includes Dayton Mungai, BA Actors student and Fair Access Ambassador, BA Filmmaking graduate Colleen Bell and Kieran Howe, who graduated from the former BA Digital Film and Television programme. They’re joined by members of RCS’s Fair Access team and BA Filmmaking programme, along with Professor Jeffrey Sharkey, RCS Principal, and Shirley-Anne Somerville, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills.

You can read more on the Universities Scotland website.

Fair Access Go North

Posted on 21st December 2022 by Yvonne McLellan

Fair Access Go North

Dingwall Academy and Eden Court Visit

Greoup of people in gym hall in drama session

Fair Access enjoyed a road trip to the Highlands, with Mark Stevenson and Ramesh Meyyappan from the BA Performance and graduate of that course Benedetta Zanetti. Our mission? We had several!

We were delighted to work at Dingwall Academy with 10 pupils, most of whom are deaf and others who are hearing but learning British Sign Language which is taught in the school. The group were almost all new to Drama but threw themselves into games and creating characters and scenes. We had a great morning and Ramesh told the group, ‘We really enjoyed working with you, it was really lovely. You’re really creative and playful and fun.’ Mark added, ‘Drama’s about being brave, standing up and trying something and I’m really impressed with what you did. For that kind of bravery, I want to commend all of you and during the morning I saw some beautiful moments.’

Group of young adults in a gym hall.

Whilst at Dingwall Academy we also spread the word about Fair Access to teachers including Art + Design, Woodwork, Technology, Dance, Music, Guidance and the senior management team.

Later in the afternoon we were at Eden Court, leading a deaf awareness training for fifteen staff members including Engagement, front-of-house and audience managers, restaurant and bar, box office, freelance arts facilitators, and National 5 Drama BSL interpreter. This session explored a range of topics including best terminology to use when speaking about users of BSL or deaf people, BSL signed and captioned performances at Eden Court, how to attract deaf audiences and the value of programming work by deaf artists. Everyone signed their name and learned key phrases in BSL relevant to their job area, such as, ‘do you know where your seats are?’ It was a great way to spend a Friday afternoon with a lot of laughter as well as learning.

The next day, we returned to Eden Court, which was buzzing with audiences and shoppers enjoying a Christmas craft market which spread over several floors of this lovely building. Instead of browsing, we were welcomed to a National 5 Drama class, comprised of pupils from several secondary schools in the Highlands, which don’t teach the subject. In the group were two talented pupils from Dingwall Academy, one deaf and both BSL users. Ramesh taught visual storytelling techniques and Mark shared ways to physicalise text. The aim was to provide new creative tools for devising and performing, and the group produced some very beautiful work. Fair Access is very excited to be working in the Highlands and developing such great partnerships with Eden Court Theatre and Dingwall Academy.

Get In Touch

If you would like further information or have any questions about Fair Access Outreach work, email: fairaccesshello@rcs.ac.uk

Get Into: Production (Ayr)

Posted on 4th August 2022 by Yvonne McLellan

GET INTO: PRODUCTION (AYR)

Open Day for 16+ and Twilight Session for Teachers

Girl holding a stick with glue dripping from it into pots.

Think the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is just about acting and music? Think again!

Come and find out about our incredibly versatile and hands-on undergraduate Production Programmes. There are two available streams: Production Arts and Design and Production Technology and Management.

Production is a vital part of any live event. Our aim is to train young people for a wide range of careers across theatre, TV, film, music concerts, live events and beyond.

Did you know?

Woodwork can lead to a career in Set Construction
Art & Design can lead to working as a Scenic Artist or Prop Maker
Fashion and Textiles can lead to being a Costume Maker
Physics and Computing can lead to careers in Lighting, Sound and Theatre Technology

Find out the pathways from school and college to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Explore our training. Take part in taster workshops. Meet our staff and students.

Event information:

Twilight Tour for
Teachers, Lecturers, DYW
Venue: The Gaiety, Ayr
Wednesday 14 September
4.30pm – 6.30pm

Open Day for those
aged 16+
Venue: The Gaiety, Ayr
Wednesday 5 October
9:45am – 11:45am

Get In Touch

If you require any further information or have any questions, email: fairaccesshello@rcs.ac.uk

Apply Now To Become A Fair Access Ambassador!

Posted on 18th May 202218th May 2022 by Yvonne McLellan

FAIR ACCESS AMBASSADOR PROGRAMME

September 2022 through to Summer 2023

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

Young people sitting chatting in student area

What is Fair Access?

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is an inclusive and diverse environment. We want to encourage as many people as possible, regardless of their background, to get involved with the performing and production arts. The Fair Access department at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland run two programmes – Transitions and WACI – alongside our Fair Access Outreach and Partnership programme. 📽 Watch more here.

The work of Fair Access Ambassadors

Our Ambassadors work alongside our staff to help promote and provide information on opportunities around entering into the performing and production arts and our Fair Access activities and events within their local schools and communities. In return, our Ambassadors gain experience within the arts sector, working with people, and developing teamwork and communication skills alongside bespoke training opportunities.

About you!

The Ambassador programme is aimed at those aged 16+ who are passionate about the performing and production arts. You will meet the WACI eligibility criteria or be a current Transitions student. Checking your emails regularly, having good knowledge in social media, clear communication skills and being comfortable in social situations are an advantage.

When will I need to be available?

Aside from normal Ambassador activities, you will be available to attend our Ambassador meetings either at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland or via Zoom:

▪️ Residential Weekend: 2 – 4 September
▪️ Meetings: 20 Nov 22, 18 Feb 23 and 17 Jun 23.

Sounds good, where / how do I sign up?

Our application form will ask you to fill in your personal details and write a short response to the following questions:

▪️ Why are the arts important?
▪️ How would you promote the arts within your community to young people?
▪️ Why and how would you commit to being a Fair Access Ambassador?

*Alternatively, you can attach a short video (2-3 mins) that answers the questions above.

Completing you application

To complete your application we ask that you provide a reference from someone you know who is involved in the arts. This can be a teacher, tutor, community practitioner etc.

Get in touch

If you require further information or have any questions, get in touch with the team at: fairaccesshello@rcs.ac.uk

Bridging Programme: Scenic Art

Posted on 17th May 202226th May 2022 by Yvonne McLellan

BRIDGING PROGRAMME: SCENIC ART

Start Date: September 2022

Do you enjoy art but think it’s not a proper job – think again! If you’re interested in art and in studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, join our Fair Access Bridging Programme in Scenic Art.

For those with skills in art/design, either from school, or as a hobby or as part of a community project, this is a practical part-time course that will teach you all about scenic art. There will be a mixture of 1:1 sessions, group work and practical hands-on RCS Production workshops.

This course is aimed at those aged 16+, with a passion for art who are either living in an SIMD1 postcode area or are care experienced or estranged or black, indigenous or person of colour.

Get In Touch

If you require any further information or have any questions, email: fairaccesshello@rcs.ac.uk

Get Into: Musical Theatre

Posted on 17th May 202217th May 2022 by Yvonne McLellan

GET INTO: MUSICAL THEATRE

Start Date: September 2022

Four people on stage in a musical, lifting arms in the air with sticks

Do you love watching musicals? Have an interest in singing, acting or dancing? Would you like to ‘get into’ Musical Theatre but not sure where to start?

If yes, these weekly sessions in Musical Theatre could be perfect for you! You don’t need prior experience and the sessions are free for those taking part.

Aimed at those aged 14+, the ‘Get Into: Musical Theatre’ programme will build on your interests and experiences. You will develop your confidence in acting, singing, dancing and musicianship, creating a skill set all relevant to Musical Theatre.

Get In Touch

If you require any further information or have any questions, email: fairaccesshello@rcs.ac.uk

WACI x RCS Summer School Scholarships

Posted on 3rd May 20223rd May 2022 by Yvonne McLellan

SUMMER SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS

Now Open for Application

WACI are delighted to announce that our scholarships for RCS Summer Schools are now open for applications.

Young people playing strings in an orchestra

Each WACI pupil can now apply for a fully-funded place on an RCS Summer School of their choice (subject to availability). Taking place throughout the summer holidays, these courses offer you the chance to try something new or develop your existing experience within your chosen art form.

Summer School Availability

There are a whole variety of summer schools to choose from in Dance, Drama, Music, Film and Production. Visit the RCS Summer Schools website here to see the selection of courses you can choose from. Some of the courses are very popular where spaces fill up quickly. We’ll be assessing applications as and when they come in, so get your application in as soon as you can to avoid being disappointed!

How to apply

1. If you haven’t already, firstly register with the WACI programme

2. Then, fill out the application form to let us know:

a little bit about you
why you would like to do the course you have chosen

If it would be easier, you can provide a voice recording or video statement in support of your application.

Deadline for applications

Monday 6 June

Get In Touch

If you require some help filling in your application or have any questions, get in touch with the team at: waci@rcs.ac.uk

Production Arts CLPD for Secondary Teachers

Posted on 7th April 20227th April 2022 by Yvonne McLellan

PRODUCTION ARTS CLPD FOR SECONDARY TEACHERS

Events throughout May 2022

Do you teach expressive arts? Need support in delivering production-focused skills for Nat 5 or Higher? Book onto our exciting CLPD sessions, delivered throughout May, aimed at developing your production arts skills.

Session 1: Lighting

When: 12 May, 4 – 6pm
Where: All Saints, 299 Ryehill Road, Glasgow G21 3EN

From a creative point of view, explore what makes an effective lighting design, how to achieve effective lighting with different types of equipment and how to use lights and equipment correctly. Led by Dave Evans, RCS Lighting Tutor.

Session 2: Set Design

When: 19 May, 4 – 6:30pm
Where: RCS Wallace Studios, 210 Garscube Road, Glasgow G4 9RR

Introducing the design and production process including basic ground plans, elevations, models and scene changes. Consider how to transform a space with a limited budget and lots of imagination. You’ll also be given the opportunity to explore the Design facilities at Wallace Studios. Led by Robin Peoples, Lecturer in Design at RCS.

Session 3: Costume

When: 26 May, 4 – 6pm (+ 6 – 7pm)
Where: RCS Wallace Studios, 210 Garscube Road, Glasgow G4 9RR

Introducing the costume design process, including costume drawings, costume plots and garment lists. Explore how to adapt everyday clothes into theatrical costumes on a budget. Also, from 6pm -7pm you can explore the Costume facilities at Wallace Studios and see design and lighting come together in practice within a performance space at RCS Renfrew Street. Led by Robin Peoples, Lecturer in Design at RCS.

Session 4: Make-Up

When: 31 May, 4 – 6pm
Where: Rosshall Academy, 131 Crookston Road, Glasgow G52 3PD

Discover how to design and apply character makeup, supplementing the use of theatrical makeup with high street-bought cosmetics to achieve particular effects. Understand what to be aware of in terms of using makeup tools and materials safely and hygienically. Led by Debbie Montgomery, Freelance Make-Up Artist.

To secure your place on any of the workshops available, please follow the booking link below:

Get In Touch

If you require any further information or have any questions, get in touch with Louise Brown at: l.brown5@rcs.ac.uk

In partnership with Glasgow City Council’s CREATE.

Announcing: Come and Try Online Festival 2022

Posted on 9th March 2022 by Yvonne McLellan

COME & TRY ONLINE FESTIVAL

Short Courses, Masterclasses and In Conversations, 5 – 15 April

WACI are delighted to announce that applications for our Come and Try Online Festival are now open!

Image mixed with photo and graphics and text. Schoolgirl on a stage looking at an ipad.

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

Taking place from 5 – 15 April, all of the workshops and Q&A sessions will take place on Zoom – and best of all, it’s all free!