Category: Widening Access

WACI Scholarship: Online Summer Schools

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

Now open for applications

WACI are pleased to be offering fully-funded places for WACI pupils on one of the Summer Schools taking place here at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. 
Taking place throughout the summer school holidays these courses offer an opportunity for you to try something new, develop your existing experience and/or gain a more in-depth understanding in a variety of art forms.

Available Summer Schools 

There are a variety of summer schools to choose from in:
  • Dance
  • Drama
  • Film
  • Music
  • Production
Click here to have a look at the Short Courses Summer School’s programme to help you figure out which course is the right course for you. Some of the courses are very popular, and spaces will fill up quickly – we’ll be assessing applications as and when they come in, so get your application in as soon as possible to avoid being disappointed!

How to apply

All you need to do is fill out the application form below telling us:
  • a little bit about you
  • why you would like to do the course you’ve chosen 
If it would be easier, you can provide a voice recording or video statement in support of your application.

Apply now!

*Applications now closed*

#AnyoneCanBeWACI

Posted on by Michael Richardson

Our WACI Ambassadors are a group of young people aged 13 – 18 from schools all over the West of Scotland who have come together to encourage people their age to participate in the arts.

Young people have told us about some of the barriers they face in participating in the arts, including everything from lack of confidence, lack of opportunities and not being able to afford drama or dance classes.

Our WACI Ambassadors tell us that the types of messages they have received about studying arts subjects can be one of the hardest to overcome.

These messages include that it’s not ‘useful’ in ‘the real world.’ That music, dance, media studies and drama are ‘skive’ subjects. ‘You’ll only make money if you’re famous.’ ‘You need to get a real job.’

Instagram Takeover

From next week, our Ambassadors will be taking over our Instagram page to help spread the word!

They’ll be sharing their ‘day in the life’ on Instagram Stories, as well as interviews with people already working in the arts and creative industries, and encouraging artists to share their tips for overcoming the barriers they faced in getting into the industry.

How YOU can help!

Anyone can help by engaging with the social media takeover at @RCSWACI – liking, sharing and commenting on images and videos the young people share throughout May.

Teachers

Teachers can sign the pledge and share a picture to show that their school supports the arts!

To sign our pledge please post a selfie and write the pledge as your caption or in your story. You can also tag @RCSWACI and #AnyoneCanBeWACI to show your support.

Pledge: ‘We pledge to encourage, support, and respect all young people aspiring to study the performing and production arts’

Artists and teachers

Artists working in the creative industries – including teachers teaching creative subjects like music, drama, dance or media studies – can use the hashtag #AnyoneCanBeWACI to share their story on Instagram.

Post a photo or video with the caption ‘I’m a [dance/actor/musician/writer, whatever] #AnyoneCanBeWACI’ and share your story – how did you first get into your art form? What were some of the barriers you faced or messages you received and how did you overcome them? What’s one bit of advice you would give someone currently in secondary school who is considering a carrier in the arts?

Organisations

Like artists, organisations can use the hashtag #AnyoneCanBeWACI to share inspiring stories about people who have overcome barriers to work in the arts, as well as sharing any (free) opportunities to participate in the arts which might be available to young people in the West of Scotland.

Come and Try Online Festival

Posted on by Michael Richardson

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

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 6th – 15th April, all of the workshops and Q&A sessions will take place on Zoom – and best of all, it’s all FREE!

Who’s it for? 

Good news! Our IN CONVERSATION sessions are for anyone! All you need to do is sign up and we’ll send you a Zoom link on the day.

Our SHORT COURSES and MASTERCLASSES are open to secondary school age pupils who:

These sessions are also open to current Transitions students.

SHORT COURSES 

In these sessions, you’ll work with an experienced tutor over several sessions to make a scene, make a song or learn how to write a story for film.

Let’s Make a Scene with Robbie Gordon and Jack Nurse  
Tuesday 6th April, 
Thursday 8th April, 
Tuesday 13th April and 
Thursday 15th April  
10am – 12pm

Interested in drama, acting or making theatre? Always wanted to give it a go? Budding dramatists will work with theatre-makers Robbie Gordon and Jack Nurse to create, critique and collaborate on their own short, dramatic scenes as part of this short course.

Let’s Make Music with Sarah Hayes
Wednesday 7th April, 
Friday 9th April, 
Wednesday 14th April 
and Friday 16th April
10am – 12pm

Flautist, singer and keyboard player Sarah Hayes leads this short course exploring songwriting and making music. You’ll learn about generating ideas for words and music; ways in to collaboration and co-writing; and using software to create and record your own tracks. Sarah will also be offering one-to-one support and feedback on your own creations!

Storytelling for Film with Raisah Ahmed
Wednesday 14th April and Thursday  15th April
5 –7pm

Writer/director Raisah Ahmed leads this workshop on how to write for film. You’ll explore how to come up with new ideas, and learn about some of the tools you’ll need to tell visual stories on screen.

MASTERCLASSES

Musical Theatre with Stephen Mullan 


Tuesday 6th April
2.00 – 3.30pm

Warm up your vocal chords and put on your dancing shoes for this interactive musical theatre masterclass with actor/director Stephen Mullan.

Set Design with Meghan Grieve
Wednesday 7th April
2.00 – 3.30pm 


Find out all about designing sets for stage and screen with Meghan Grieve – we’ll send you a pack in the post and you’ll get to try your hand at making your own creations!

Technology and Management with Claire Hibberd
Thursday 8th April  
2.00 – 3.30pm 


Ever wondered how things work in the secret ‘backstage’ world of production? This masterclass will introduce you to some of the technology and expertise required to work in this exciting industry!

Costume Design with Meghan Grieve
2.00 – 3.30pm
Wednesday 14th April

Find out all about designing costumes for stage and screen with Meghan Grieve – we’ll send you a pack in the post and you’ll get to try your hand at making your own creations!    

Dance with Emma Jayne Park
Thursday 15th April
2.00 – 3.30pm 


Put on your dancing shoes for this dance masterclass with Emma Jayne Park.

IN CONVERSATION  

These creative conversations are open to anyone – hear from a range of different artists living in Scotland and working all over the world, and ask any burning questions you have about how to get started, how to keep going and how to make a living as an artist.

Making it Work with Cat Hepburn and Kevin P Gilday
Tuesday 6th April
4pm – 4.45pm  

Writers, performers and spoken word artists Cat Hepburn and Kevin P Gilday share their secrets to making their own work, working across multiple art forms and taking a show to the Edinburgh Fringe.

How to Make a Living as an Artist with Su-a Lee and Adam Kashmiry
Wednesday 7th April
4pm – 4.45pm  

Join musician Su-a Lee and actor Adam Kashmiry who will talk about how they got started, and how they make a living as artists.

Behind the Scenes with Claire Hibberd and Carla Feuerstein
Wednesday 14th April
4pm – 4.45pm 

Find out what goes on behind the scenes at a live show with sound engineer Carla Feuerstein and sound technician Claire Hibberd.

———————————————–

Bookings Now Closed

Audition and Interview Prep Workshops

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

WACI are delighted to offer a range of workshops in November and December for those who are thinking about applying to study at college, university or conservatoire:

Person singing words saying 'Singing Audition Prep'

Two people holding paper, smiling. Words saying 'Filmmaking Interview Prep'

You’re eligible if you live in the West of Scotland are one of the following:

  • attending a FOCUS West School
  • living in an SiMD1 postcode
  • are Care Experienced or Estranged

———————————-

Bookings are now closed

———————————-

#GetReady #FocusOnFutures

Watch Our Fair Access Expo Live Sessions!

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

The Fair Access Team would like to extend a warm thanks to everyone who virtually attended our recent Fair Access Expo.

It was a bit different this year –  however, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We’re glad so many of you found it useful. For those who couldn’t make it along on the day, our microsite contains a recording of the live sessions ready to watch back. 

Image of a website in various device screens.

Have you ever wanted to know more about Fair Access at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, including information on the Transitions and WACI Programmes? Are looking for advice in studying or working in the performing arts?

Why not head over to our microsite now to watch back our live sessions:

  • Meet The Teams, Transitions and WACI
  • Industry Interview, with Laura Waddell and Graeme Smilie
  • Student Life, a showcase and Q&A (Content Warning! Swearing)

You can also: 

  • watch pre-recorded videos from students and professionals 
  • hear from the Assistant Principal and Fair Access Manager at RCS
  • watch our Fair Access Virtual Band perform
  • find links to information on UCAS and UCAS Conservatoires, 
  • links to funding information from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)
  • direct links to our programme websites

Again, thanks to everyone from all the team!

Visit the Fair Access Expo microsite here:

🌐 rcs.ac.uk/fair-access-expo

Bookings Now Open: Fair Access Expo Online

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

WHEN: Sun 25 October 11am – 3:30pm

WHERE: Online via Zoom (Participants will be sent information via email)

We know how daunting it can be pursuing a career in the creative industries, especially when no one you know has done it before. The Fair Access Expo offers an opportunity for you and your family or carers to receive support and advice about the educational and professional journey you are about to embark on.

  •   Meet the WACI and Transitions teams 
  •   Hear from those in the Creative Industries
  •   Hear from our current students
  •   Get involved in our interactive workshop

If you are a Transitions students or WACI pupil, you with your family, friends or carers are warmly invited to our Fair Access Expo. All members of your household are encouraged to join in!

This is event is free to attend but booking is essential.

——————————————————————————————-

Booking Now Closed

——————————————————————————————-

Booking Deadline: Fri 23 October

If you have any question please feel free to contact us by emailing: WACI@rcs.ac.uk

Bookings Now Open: Focus on Applications

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

WACI are thrilled to announce the first round of Focus on Applications Workshops for 2020/21 are now open for bookings.

If you’re thinking about applying to study one of the following types of courses:

at college, university or conservative, this workshop is for you!

Join us for our workshops that will help you in:  

  • Choosing the right course for you 
  • Application tips 
  • Starting your personal statement 

These sessions are for S5 & S6 pupils with a focus on applying via UCAS Conservatoires, as well as other creative courses at college and/or university.   

When: Mon 31 Aug + Mon 7 Sep 
Location: Online  

Booking Deadline: Thu 27 Aug

Booking Now Closed

Book Now: The Storyteller by Harry Josephine Giles

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Fair Access Team are delighted to announce the launch of The Storyteller by Harry Josephine Giles.

Photo by Rich Dyson Anatomy XIII Company

The Storyteller is an interactive story about telling stories. 

When you play The Storyteller, you’ll make choices that change the story, and then start telling stories of your own.

Want to try it? Click here to visit The Storyteller.

Reading and telling the story will take 20 – 30 minutes.

The Storyteller was developed as part of the Limitless project, a partnership between the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the National Theatre of Scotland and National Autistic Society Scotland. The three organisations are currently working in collaboration with autistic artists to develop a framework for the engagement of autistic people in creative activity as artists, audiences and participants.

Workshop

On Wed 22 July from 6pm, Harry Josephine Giles will lead an interactive online workshop for autistic storytellers and potential storytellers. This is for anyone on the autistic spectrum, including people with earlier diagnoses such as PDD and Asperger’s, and including people who don’t have a formal diagnosis. Participants will make their way through The Storyteller, then take part in a discussion on the stories they came up with.

The workshop will be delivered via Microsoft Teams, and participants will be able to interact with the discussion via webcam, microphone or text.

Want to be part of the workshops?

Booking Now Closed

You will be sent an invite to the workshop on Microsoft Teams, and will be able to access via your browser. 

The workshop will be subtitled.

Harry Josephine Giles

Harry Josephine Giles is a writer and performer from Orkney, living in Leith. Their collection Tonguit (2015) was shortlisted for the Forward Prize for Best First Collection, and The Games (2018) for the Edwin Morgan Poetry Award and Saltire Prize for Best Collection. They were the 2009 BBC Scotland slam champion, founded Inky Fingers Spoken Word, and co-direct the performance platform Anatomy. Their theatre has toured globally, including Forest Fringe (UK), NTI (Latvia), Verb Festival (Aotearoa) and Teszt (Romania). Their performance What We Owe was picked by the Guardian’s best-of-the-Fringe 2013 roundup – in the “But Is It Art?” category. www.harryjosephine.com

Han Deacon

Han Deacon is an Irish queer creative living in Edinburgh. They make pictures and performances and like telling stories. Their work often focuses on queer and trans experiences, mental health, masculinity, and beauty.

www.handeacon.com

WACI Lockdown Picks 8

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

Welcome to the final week of WACI‘s favourite Lockdown Picks. Each week we’ve taken you through some of the best online resources in dance, drama, music, film and production. We hope you have found these helpful and enjoyable. 

Dance

A Visual History of Social Dance in 25 Moves

Why do we dance? African-American social dances started as a way for enslaved Africans to keep cultural traditions alive and retain a sense of inner freedom. They remain an affirmation of identity and independence. In this electric demonstration, packed with live performances, choreographer, educator and TED Fellow Camille A. Brown explores what happens when communities let loose and express themselves by dancing together.

Production

Punished Props

Punished props has over 600 tutorials on prop and costume making to explore and try out.

Music

Soundfly

Soundfly offers a range of both free and paid courses for a variety of contemporary musical topics for curious musicians. The topics are wide-ranging and key skills for today’s music maker.

Film

Let’s Make Films: Filmmaking on Mobile Devices

Have you ever wanted to make a short film but didn’t know where to start or think that you would have to buy expensive equipment to produce great video content? WACI‘s exciting online resource is a great place to learn how to create professional-quality videos with your mobile devices. We show you how to plan, create, edit and upload your videos.

Drama

Communities Task by Scottish Youth Theatre

Every Saturday, Scottish Youth Theatre share creative tasks that can be done in your own home on your own or with friends and family members digitally. These simple weekly tasks will run for the duration of isolation and quarantine with the aim to keep your devising and theatre-making skills flourishing.

That’s it for now as we start to prepare for the new school year. All our Lockdown Picks can be found in our News blog for you to search through. We’d love to hear what ones you have tried. Pop us a message or tag us on our social media profiles. Stay safe. Love Team WACI.