Classical and Contemporary Text

As the programme is suitable for actors and directors with some experience, and hones existing professional practice and techniques, we aim to provide you with opportunities to showcase your skills.

Students from both the Acting and Directing strands work on staged productions, including a Shakespearean scene showcase at Shakespeare’s Globe, London, performances of a full Renaissance text in Glasgow, and performances of new specially commissioned works from Scotland’s most talented writers in partnership with Playwrights’ Studio, Scotland. These performances take place at professional venues in Glasgow and London.

Other opportunities include masterclasses with visiting professionals, and involvement in productions at the Òran Mór theatre and at the Bard in the Botanics festival, Glasgow. On The Verge, a festival at the Arches in Glasgow, is an optional production possibility in which new works created by students question and push the boundaries of the theatrical form in scratch presentations. Past productions have included devised performances, new writing, and solo performance based upon classical text, visual art, folktales, and our contemporary existence.

Throughout the year other professional opportunities may arise, such as work within your week-long placement. You will be encouraged to find placements that relate to your particular interests and aspirations. The list of companies that the students have undertaken placements with is impressive: Steppenwolf (Chicago), Red-Handed Theatre (Canada), Circle in the Square (New York),The RSC (Stratford), The Factory (London), Shared Experience, BBC Scotland, Dundee Rep, Citizens Theatre, Royal Lyceum Theatre (Edinburgh), Gridiron, Communicado, Vox Motus, Frantic Assembly and the National Theatre of Scotland.