Widening Access to the Creative Industries – affectionately known as WACI – is run by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on behalf of the FOCUS West schools programme.
We offer a wide variety of fully-funded opportunities for those in the West Coast of Scotland who are:
- living in a SIMD1 postcode and/or
- care experienced
- estranged from parents or carers
- are a young carer
- are a refugee or seeking asylum
- are Black, Indigenous, (and) People of Colour
We support pupils in their journey to study the performing and production arts at college, university or conservatoire level.
What are the performing and production arts?
- Music: performance, teaching, sound production and business
- Dance: contemporary, street, jazz, ballet, hip hop
- Drama: acting, stage, screen and musical theatre
- Filmmaking: writing, editing, producing, directing, camera, sound operation
- Theatre Production: lighting, sound, set, props, costume, make-up artistry, stage management
What We Offer
Activities that pupils can apply to take part in if interested in exploring a discipline. As part of our ‘Come & Try’ programme, these are based at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, via Zoom or an external venue, all outwith school hours:
- Short Courses
- Music, Film and Theatre Trips
- Mentoring
- Fair Access Expo
- Summer School Scholarships
- Masterclasses
- Meet The Maker
Again at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland outwith school hours for those who are ready to take their study further as part of our ‘Getting Ready’ programme:
On this website, there is information regarding all of our activities, areas of study in the performance and production arts, information on routes of progression alongside career options and other valuable information.
Who Can Take Part
Pupils don’t have to be taking part in performance or production classes at school to take part. Sometimes schools don’t have the resources to offer classes such as Drama. And a love for woodwork, art or costume making is just as at home in the production arts. We provide a space for pupils to try things out and learn about areas that they might never have known existed.
All pupils need is enthusiasm and to be either studying at a participating school, living in an SiMD1 postcode or who are care experienced or estranged.
You can find out if we work with your school here and can find out more on how to register or book a place here.
Additional Offers
Pupils are entitled to a 50% discount off the cost of any course in the Short Courses department at the Royal Conservatoire. Teachers are also eligible to a 25% discount for any short courses taken as part of their CPD.
Contact Us
We are always happy to hear of your experiences, feedback and answer any questions you may have so please don’t hesitate to contact us on:
Follow Us
You can also follow us and like our pages on social media to keep up to date with our latest opportunities.
