News

Fair Access Focus Group: Care Experienced and Estranged Students

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 Fair Access Focus Group 

 Care Experienced & Estranged Student 

Wed 4 October 2023 & Wed 7 February 2024, 6 – 7:30pm

A group of people chatting round a table
©RCS-Robbie McFadzean

You are warmly invited to come along to our Fair Access Focus Group for Care Experienced and Estranged Students here at RCS. This focus group is run by Jesse Paul, the Head of Fair Access and is designed to give you the opportunity to contribute your ideas about how RCS should support care experienced and estranged students. Members of the RCS and Transitions staff will be in attendance to hear your views so that we can best understand ways to support you.

Dates for the diaries:
Book now to secure your place on the Focus Groups taking place from 6pm on:

  • Wednesday 4 October 2023
  • Wednesday 7 February 2024

 Click Here for the Booking Page 

Future reminders:
Keep details of this Focus Group in your calendar or diaries but you can also check the dates at any time on our online calendar.

Got questions?
You can get in touch with Jesse at: j.paul@rcs.ac.uk

Fair Access Focus Group: BIPOC

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 Fair Access BIPOC Focus Group 

Wed 20 September 2023 & Wed 24 January 2024, 6 – 7:30pm

©RCS-Robbie McFadzean

You are warmly invited to come along to our Fair Access BIPOC Focus Group sessions here at RCS.

What it’s for:

We look forward to having a discussion with you all to help us gather experiences and talk about how we might improve what we offer to our students. At the Focus Group, you will have a chance to contribute ideas about how RCS should support BIPOC students. The sessions will be run by our Head of Fair Access and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion team. 

Dates for the diaries:
Book now to secure your place on the Focus Groups taking place from 6pm on:

  • Wednesday 20 September 2023
  • Wednesday 24 January 2024

  Click Here for the Booking Page  

Location
Both Focus Groups will take place in the Renfrew Street Building

Got questions?
You can get in touch with Jesse Paul, Head of Fair Access at: j.paul@rcs.ac.uk

Future reminders:
Add these events to your calendar or diaries but you can also check the dates at any time on our online calendar.

Focus on Applications: Music

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 Focus on Applications for Music 

Tuesday 29 & Thursday 31 August

Young woman playing the trombone on stage

Want to discover more about applying to and studying music? Then our Focus on Applications for Music sessions are for you.

These two free sessions will be a great chance to:

  • Learn about studying music at a college, university or conservatoire
  • Gain an understanding of the application process
  • Get top tips on how to write your personal statement

These sessions focus on applying via UCAS and UCAS Conservatoires, as well as applying for a creative course at any college and/or university.

When: 29 & 31 August, 5-7pm
Where: Online (via Zoom)
Who is it for: Eligible S5 and S6 pupils who are looking to apply to study music in further or higher education

 BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE ON OUR FORM 

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

  • living in an SIMD20 postcode and/or
  • care experienced or estranged and/or
  • identifying as Black, Indigenous or a Person of Colour (living at an SIMD20 or 40 postcode).

You can check your postcode here or if you contact the team we can check for you.

 Contact Us 

If you have any questions or any issues with filling out the form, please get in touch at: waci@rcs.ac.uk

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

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