Important Information
Please contact hello@rcs.ac.uk for further information on our next intake for this programme. Direct entry will also be considered to the current cohort.
The BA Performance in British Sign Language and English is an undergraduate degree that teaches students to be both actors and makers of work.
If you identify as D/deaf or hard of hearing, and want to perform or create work on stage and screen, we want to meet you. You should be keen, curious and ready to work. Our students use BSL and/or spoken English. It is your choice. We look at how to create performance through both of these languages.
Choose to study with us and be part of a unique programme which is breaking down barriers in the industry and opening up theatre to new audiences. You are welcome to come and meet the team and observe our classes in advance of applying.
During the three year programme, you will benefit from the distinctive environment of RCS and study a rich blend of performance modules.
This course is designed around the learning and teaching needs of deaf performers and is the only course of its kind in Europe. The programme has been developed in association with Solar Bear Theatre Company with input from a range of theatre, education and deaf professionals.
The working languages of the programme are British Sign Language (BSL) and spoken English. You will have fully-qualified BSL interpreters in class and in rehearsal.
The small class size ensures you will have the opportunity to work closely with our teaching staff and visiting professionals. You will also benefit from our many collaborative and professional partnerships including Solar Bear and National Theatre of Scotland.
You will develop skills in acting, movement, dance, signing on stage, improvisation and puppetry as well as explore highly visual and physical performance styles. We will teach you the skills you need to prepare you for a career in film, television, theatre and more.
We are holding free online workshops for anyone interested in this degree programme. Please contact hello@rcs.ac.uk to find out more.
The programme only recruits for students every 3 years and the next cohort is due to start in September 2025. Direct entry will also be considered to the current cohort.
In association with:
This is a foundation year where you learn skills.
You study acting — exploring character and situation. You also develop your understanding of acting for camera. Devising classes teach you how to make original theatre based on your own ideas. In the register and text module you learn to develop your signing and/or vocal skills. Movement classes develop an understanding of how you use your body in an expressive and creative manner. Visual theatre classes explore a range of performance ideas from a D/deaf perspective.
You will also have an opportunity to collaborate with students from across the conservatoire.
This is a project-based year where you apply your skills in public performance. The first performance is script-based and allows you to develop your acting skills through a full rehearsal and production process. The Outreach module gives students the opportunity to create and deliver workshops to schools and community groups.
The On the Verge festival is a chance to create and perform your own pieces of devised work. In Script to Screen, you learn to generate and write ideas for short films to be made in your final year. Second year is also the beginning of Professional Preparation classes which start to get you thinking about working in the industry after graduation.
In your final year you will put the two strands of acting and performance-making together. The curriculum includes three public performances, one of which will be a touring co-production with an industry partner and also a professional showcase to agents and casting directors. You will use your skills to create innovative performances across our two working languages. Also, students’ short films are developed, filmed and screened.
We also encourage students to work professionally where invited to do so. You will continue to develop your professional practice, employability and business skills so that, when you graduate, you are well equipped to manage your career as a professional performer.
The BA Performance in BSL and English Department are offering free Zoom workshops for students wishing to apply for next year or for future years. For more information on these and how to join, please contact our team at hello@rcs.ac.uk or via Whatsapp video message on +44 (0) 7961 773 630.
A selection of photos from The Coat, The Assumption, Last Woman Left, Scavengers and Love and Information.