MA Classical and Contemporary Text (Acting) or (Directing)

The degree in Classical and Contemporary Text from the Royal Conservatoire is an intensive full year course. It’s for actors and directors with some experience who want to take their skills to the next level and become better practitioners. The two programme strands, Acting and Directing, focus on two strands of theatre - Classical (Shakespeare and Renaissance) and Contemporary (new writing), with the cohort effectively working as an ensemble company.

Acting and Directing students are supported and encouraged to work with each other, developing a thorough understanding of professional practice. You will benefit from opportunities to learn, experiment, and collaborate in a packed schedule of projects, performances, and rehearsals. When you graduate, you’ll have gained real practical experience of working in the profession, as well as all-important contacts and the skills to underpin your future career.

You’ll benefit from our unrivalled professional connections, which will see you networking with a who’s who of Scottish theatre. The highlights of the programme include a full month working at Shakespeare’s Globe in London, and time spent working on brand new work with some of Scotland’s most talented writers in our collaboration with Playwrights’ Studio Scotland. These works are performed in professional venues in Glasgow and London.

My most cherished experiences from the MACCT course relate to the movement work we undertook.  Working with Shakespeare’s Globe professional movement coach Glynn MacDonald was a highlight. We also had the opportunity to work with Mark Saunders and Lucien McDonald on Lecoq and Laban techniques, participated in workshops with Angela DeCastro (clowning), Adrian Howells (physicality), and Faroque Khan (text through movement), and also had a chance to practice the Alexander technique. Utilizing these movement techniques has really enriched what I consider my “ daily practice” and all of this continues to inform any initial character work I undertake.

Vanessa Coffey - MA CCT 2010


MACCT at Shakespeare's Globe

Behind the scenes during our intensive month-long residency at the Globe.

New Works

An insight into New Works written by professional playwrights for our MA CCT programme.