BA Acting

The three year BA Acting Programme at RCS is one of the best professional actor training programmes in the UK. We accept 24 students with outstanding potential and commitment who are dedicated to a performing career from over 1,800 applicants each year. Graduates of the programme have progressed to work extensively in the industry and alumni includes household names such as Amy Conachan, Laura Donnelly, Sam Heughan, Katie Leung, Richard Madden and James McAvoy.

Specialist education
Over the three-year programme you will work intensively with our expert teaching staff on developing your skills in acting, voice and movement to equip you for a career in film, television and theatre.

Our movement specialists are trained in Lecoq technique, and will help you acquire some of the best movement for actors in UK actor training, facilitating everything from stagecraft to understanding techniques used in CGI and green screen. You will be working with the Centre for Voice in Performance (the national centre of excellence for teaching, practice, and research) using techniques developed by voice expert Nadine George.

We are the only UK conservatoire that offers training in all performance disciplines and you will have the opportunity to collaborate with your peers, formally and informally, in dance, music, production, and film. As an acting student you will have the opportunity to collaborate on film projects with students from the Film department.

Industry partnerships
Our unrivalled professional connections result in numerous work opportunities for our students. Collaborative professional partnerships include the BBC, the National Theatre of Scotland, and the Citizens Theatre.

In your final year you are actively encouraged to seek professional work. As well as aiming to give you a full practical training, our goal is to prepare you for a long and successful career. We focus on developing you as a creative artist, giving you a sound grounding to continue that development throughout your working life. You will undertake professional development modules, ensuring that you graduate as a truly entrepreneurial industry-ready actor, with all the contacts you need, and a great deal of professional experience.

As a student you will also be invited to participate in several national competitions including the Spotlight Showcase, The Sam Wanamaker Festival, The BBC Carleton Hobbs Radio Drama Award, Sir John Gielgud Bursary, and The Laurence Olivier Bursary, all of which have been awarded to BA Acting students.

International opportunities
You will have the opportunity to participate in our European and International activities. Recently these have included performances at the European Young Theatre at the Festival Dei Due Mondi, Spoleto (Italy), the International Festival of Theatre Schools SETKÁNÍ/ENCOUNTER in Brno (Czech Republic) and the World Theatre Games in St Petersburg (Russia). You can take advantage of our participation in the Erasmus scheme and our exchange agreements with Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania (USA) and Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). In addition we are a member of the European Union of Theatre Schools and Academies (E:UTSA) which provides numerous possibilities for student-led work to be shared with our European partners.

Our BA Acting Showcase, held in both Glasgow and London is very highly regarded in the industry, and attended by agents, casting directors and potential employers. Additionally, North American students are offered an industry week in New York.

Interested?

You can also follow the BA Acting course on Twitter.

Year one

You will be introduced to the three disciplines of Acting, Voice and Movement. In Acting you will explore inner life, observed behaviour, relationships and text. In Voice, you will be introduced to Nadine George voice work, and explore accents, dialects and your singing voice. In Movement, you will develop your physical technique through Lecoq-based classes, dance and acrobatics. You will also have classes in Shakespeare, screen and radio technique.

Year two

You will explore Shakespeare further through public performance and by delivering workshops in schools. You will continue to develop your screen and radio technique, and explore new approaches to theatre-making and new writing. Second year students are given the opportunity to collaborate with peers to explore new and devised work in the On the Verge festival. A series of workshops will allow you to extend your movement skills in physical theatre, and introduce you to verbatim theatre and new writing. You will also take part in professional practice classes to develop the essential skills required for the acting industry.

Year three

You will perform to public audiences in a variety of genres including modern adaptations of classic plays, contemporary texts and family shows, as well as participating in radio and screen projects. You will have the opportunity to perform in industry showcases to an audience of employers, casting directors and agents. Through the course of your final year, you will develop your employability and entrepreneurial skills, equipping you to manage your career as a professional actor.

• 85% of graduates secured agent representation within one month of graduation in 2019
• Industry showcases in Glasgow and London
• New York Industry Week for North American students
• Excellent staff-student ratio
• Small class sizes with 12 students per class
• Specialist voice training based on the work of Nadine George
• Specialist movement training based on the work of Jacques Lecoq
• Recent masterclasses include Mercy Ojelade, Giles Havergal CBE, Paola Rizza, Anne Bérélowitch, Finn den Hertog and Vicky Manderson
• International exchange opportunities include programmes with the Paris Conservatoire, Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
• International performing opportunities; students have recently performed in festivals in Spoleto (Italy), Rome, Paris, St Petersburg and Brno (Czech Republic)
• Opportunity to participate in the Sam Wannamaker Festival at the Globe Theatre, the BBC Carleton Hobbs Radio competition and Royal Shakespeare Company workshops

Joyce Deans
Head of BA Acting

Ali de Souza
Associate Head of Acting and Lecturer (Acting)

• Katya Kamotskaia Lecturer (Acting)
• Lucien MacDougall Lecturer (Movement)
• Benedicte Seierup Lecturer (Movement)
• Vanessa Coffey Lecturer (Professional Practice)
• Jean Sangster Head of Voice
• Hilary Jones Lecturer (Voice)
• Bill Wright Lecturer (Voice)
• Melanie Drake Lecturer (Voice)

Visiting Staff

Regular visiting lecturers and industry professionals include:

Mark Stevenson (Acting)
John Kazek (Acting)
Lucianne McEvoy (Acting)
Kerry McLellan (Dance)
Andrew MacGregor (Shakespeare for Schools)
David Hayman Jr (Screen Acting)
Kenny Glenaan (Screen Acting)
Laura Donnelly (Professional Practice)
Simone Pereira Hind (Professional Practice)
Sophie Holden (Professional Practice)
Raymond Short (Stage Combat)

Visiting directors include

Sara Brodie
Peter Collins
Debbie Hannan
Finn den Hertog
Guy Hollands
Matthew Lenton
Becky Hope Palmer
Mark Thomson
Meghan Tyler

Masterclasses and International Workshops include

Paola Rizza (Lecoq School)
Nadine George (Voice Centre International)
Giles Havergal (Shakespeare)
Dominic Hill (Shakespeare)
Mercy Ojelade (Shakespeare and New Writing)

BA Acting students will rehearse and perform in our well-equipped rehearsal spaces, the New Athenaeum Theatre (main stage), the Chandler Studio Theatre, and our recording studios.

You will also have the opportunity to rehearse in our modern spaces at The Wallace Studios at Speirs Locks.

Other facilities include first-class IT provision and the Whittaker Library, where you’ll find endless scripts, DVDs, books, and recordings; it’s one of the most comprehensive collections of performance materials in the world.

Our graduates work in all aspects of the performance industry, primarily as professional actors in theatre, film, television and radio. Many household names have studied with us including James McAvoy, Sam Heughan, Katie Leung,  Alexandra Silber, Mark Bonnar, Emun Elliott, Laura Donnelly, John Hannah, Richard Madden, Colin Morgan, Pearl Appleby, Daniela Nardini, Crystal Clark, Jack Lowden, Amy Conachan, Robert Carlyle, Michelle Gomez, Billy Boyd and Ncuti Gatwa.

You can see our graduates and alumni perform at The Royal National Theatre London, National Theatre of Scotland, Royal Shakespeare Company, The Globe, London West End, Broadway, Citizens Theatre Glasgow, Tron Theatre Glasgow, Òran Mór Glasgow, Arches Theatre Glasgow, Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Dundee Rep, Birds of Paradise Theatre Co., Vanishing Point Theatre Company, Traverse Theatre Edinburgh, Headlong Theatre Company, The Almeida London, The Gate London, The Royal Court London, Arcola Theatre Company London, The Young Vic London.

BBC (Radio and Screen), Netflix, Channel 4, ITV, STV, and film production companies are also regular employers of our graduates.

Acting graduates are also found in a range of other influential roles in the industry, working as agents, directors, casting directors, writers, producers and educators.

The Speculator

The Bacchae

The Comedy Of Errors

Hamlet

Tuition fees for academic year 2021-22

• Scottish Students – £1,820
• Rest of UK (RUK) Students – £9,250
• International Students (Including EU) – £18,393

From the next academic year (21/22) all EU students commencing study in Scotland will pay fees at the International rate.

Scottish students

The Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) will pay tuition fees for all eligible full-time Scottish-based and other non-UK undergraduate EU students, who are studying in Scotland at degree level for the first time. Students should apply to SAAS for payment of tuition fees even if they are not applying for any other means of support. Eligible students can also apply for student loans through SAAS. For further advice and to check eligibility contact SAAS directly on 0300 555 0505 or visit the SAAS website.

Rest of UK students

Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland studying in Scotland will be eligible for the same funding/loan package that they would benefit from if they attended an institution in their home country. For further advice please visit student finance England , student financeWales , or student finance Northern Ireland as appropriate.

EU Students

The Royal Conservatoire is resolutely international in outlook and we celebrate and are enriched by the diversity of our community of students and staff. Students from across the globe are -welcome and valued members of the RCS community and we continue to welcome applicants from across the EU and throughout the world.

Q: What is the fee situation for EU students?

A: On July 9 2020, Scotland’s Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, Richard Lochhead announced changes to the fee regime for EU students studying in Scotland. From next academic year (21/22) all EU students commencing study in Scotland will pay fees at the International rate.

Q: I’m an EU student looking to start my studies in 2021-22. How does this impact me?

A: From next academic year (21/22) all EU students commencing study in Scotland will pay fees at the International rate.

Only EU nationals who are ‘settled’ or ‘pre-settled’ in the UK will remain eligible to apply for home tuition fees providing they meet the residency conditions.

Other EU nationals and associated groups, starting a course of study in academic year 2021-22 or later, are not eligible to apply to SAAS for tuition fee support.

Because of a long-standing agreement between the UK and Republic of Ireland, new students from the Republic of Ireland starting their studies in 2021-22 will be eligible to pay the rest of UK (RUK) fee and will be able to access a tuition fee loan from SAAS.

Please also see the SAAS website for more information.

Scholarships

Any potential student who auditions for a place at the Royal Conservatoire will automatically be considered for a scholarship. They are awarded on a combination of talent, potential and financial need. More information about Scholarships is available on our Fees and Funding page.

Sources of external funding

For more information about alternative funding sources, including external scholarships and bursaries, please visit Fees and Funding.

The Conservatoire’s International and Student Experience team are available to advise and assist applicants and current students in respect of queries about funding your studies at the Conservatoire. Please email or telephone +44 (0)141 270 8281/ +44 (0)141 270 8223 for further information.

Cost of Living and Associated Programme Costs 

Investing in your future is important and you need to consider the cost of your tuition as well as the cost of living during your studies. In addition to tuition fees, it is estimated that you will need between £10,000 and £12,000 per year to live in Glasgow, plus programme costs. Associated programme costs can be found here.

Our admissions processes are designed to be fair, transparent and efficient. The audition/interview approach serves the dual nature of allowing the panel to assess first-hand an applicant’s suitability for their chosen programme and it also affords the applicant the opportunity to gain a deeper insight into the nature of that programme and the opportunities offered by the RCS.

In arriving at its recommendation, the audition/interview panel will take account of all aspects of the applicant’s profile i.e.:

• Performance at audition/interview
• Commitment to the particular programme
• Potential to benefit from the programme
• Academic qualifications
• Personal statement
• Performance qualifications
• Performance/practical experience
• References
• Contextualised data

General Academic entrance requirements

• Scottish Highers — 3 passes (grade C or above)
• A Levels — 2 passes
• International Baccalaureate — minimum score of 24 with 3 subjects at Higher Level
• Recognised equivalences (EU and International Entry Requirements)

We welcome the Scottish Baccalaureate and will accept combinations of Highers and Advanced Highers.

We offer a flexible approach to students taking Higher over more than one academic year and/or who achieve their qualifications in more than one sitting.

Language of Study

The language of study is English. Applicants who first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. We accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Level 7.5 (with a score of 7.5 in speaking) is required.

Non-standard Entry

We welcome applications from individuals whose academic qualifications or English language qualifications do not match (in terms of equivalence) or fall short of the normal entrance requirements, where specified*. Having satisfied the Audition Panel that they meet the selection criteria and demonstrated that they have the capacity to pursue the proposed course of study, such applicants will be considered through examination of contextualised data provided in accordance with the Non-Standard Entry Policy. The appropriate Head of Department/ Programme will make a case in support of the applicant for consideration by the Directors of the Schools and Convener of the Quality and Standards Committee.

*Note that UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) imposes minimum English Language qualifications in respect of international (non-EU) applicants who require a Tier 4 Visa to study in the UK.

Mature Students

RCS welcomes applications from mature students, i.e. students over the age of 21 at entry to the programme. Whilst the selection procedures will still be applied, consideration will be given to appropriate artistic experience not normally expected in school leavers, which is deemed to compensate for any lack of traditional entrance qualifications. Successful mature applicants, as for all other applicants, must convince auditioning panels that they have the ability and potential to cope with the demands of the programme. Their progress, especially in the early stages of the programme, will be closely monitored and appropriate advice and support given.

Apply via UCAS conservatoires

Applications are made through UCAS Conservatoires website. The UCAS Conservatoires application system is separate from the main UCAS undergraduate application system. If you wish to apply to conservatoires and universities within UCAS, you will need to register for both services.

There is a UCAS application fee of £26 to register to use UCAS Conservatoires.

To begin a new UCAS Conservatoires application, you will need to register. You can read the UCAS Conservatoires’ advice on completing the UCAS Conservatoires application.

If you need assistance with your application, you can contact UCAS Conservatoires team by telephoning (Monday to Friday, 8.30 — 18.00). Phone 0371 468 0470 from within the UK or +44 330 3330 232 if you are calling from overseas.

Application deadline date

The closing date for on time BA Acting applications for UK is 29 January 2021. The closing date for applications from EU and International is 29 January 2021. If you submit your application after this date, we cannot guarantee that your audition recording will be reviewed by the audition panel. If you do want to submit a late application, you must contact admissions@rcs.ac.uk in the first instance to check we are accepting late applications.

We do not offer deferred entry. If you wish to commence in 2022, you must apply next year.

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland institution code is R58.

You will also require the following programme code to apply:

BA Acting: W410 — Drama Performance

Application fee

There is a UCAS Conservatoires application fee of £26. In addition to the application fee, each conservatoire charges an audition assessment administration fee. For RCS, the audition assessment administration fee is £55 per programme applied for. Fees are not refundable. The fees are paid via the UCAS Conservatoires website and not directly to RCS.

Audition Assessment Administration fee

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland charges an audition assessment administration fee of £55 per course.

We recognise that auditioning and interviewing for conservatoires, drama and ballet schools can be costly. The audition assessment administration fee charge allows us to offer a thorough and positive experience to all applicants and we encourage you to get in touch to ask the panel questions and find out more about the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to see if it is the best place for you.

We are committed to ensuring fair access to a conservatoire education for students who have the talent and potential to benefit from it, regardless of their background. In support of this, audition fee waivers are offered to applicants whom financial hardship may be a barrier to auditioning. Please see the audition fee waivers document for more information

References

It is your responsibility to ask two separate referees to write references and ensure that these are sent to RCS.

The references must be written by two different people and we will not accept references from family, other relatives or close friends. You can submit your UCAS Conservatoires application form and send your references at a later date, but they must be received prior to your audition date.

UCAS Conservatoires provides reference forms for you to download and send to your referees for completion.

Entrance requirements

Our admissions processes are designed to be fair, transparent and efficient. The audition/interview approach serves the dual nature of allowing the panel to assess first-hand an applicant’s suitability for their chosen programme and it also affords the applicant the opportunity to gain a deeper insight into the nature of that programme and the opportunities offered by the RCS.

In arriving at its recommendation, the audition/interview panel will take account of all aspects of the applicant’s profile i.e.:

• Performance at audition/interview
• Commitment to the particular programme
• Potential to benefit from the programme
• Academic qualifications
• Personal statement
• Performance qualifications
• Performance/practical experience
• References
• Contextualised data

General Academic entrance requirements

• Scottish Highers — 3 passes (grade C or above)
• A Levels — 2 passes
• International Baccalaureate — minimum score of 24 with 3 subjects at Higher Level
• Recognised equivalences (EU and International Entry Requirements)

We welcome the Scottish Baccalaureate and will accept combinations of Highers and Advanced Highers.

We offer a flexible approach to students taking Higher over more than one academic year and/or who achieve their qualifications in more than one sitting.

Language of Study

The language of study is English. Applicants who first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. We accept the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Level 7.5 (with a score of 7.5 in speaking) is required.

 

Non-standard Entry

We welcome applications from individuals whose academic qualifications or English language qualifications do not match (in terms of equivalence) or fall short of the normal entrance requirements, where specified*. Having satisfied the Audition Panel that they meet the selection criteria and demonstrated that they have the capacity to pursue the proposed course of study, such applicants will be considered through examination of contextualised data provided in accordance with the Non-Standard Entry Policy. The appropriate Head of Department/ Programme will make a case in support of the applicant for consideration by the Directors of the Schools and Convener of the Quality and Standards Committee.

*Note that UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) imposes minimum English Language qualifications in respect of international (non-EU) applicants who require a Tier 4 Visa to study in the UK.

Mature Students

RCS welcomes applications from mature students, i.e. students over the age of 21 at entry to the programme. Whilst the selection procedures will still be applied, consideration will be given to appropriate artistic experience not normally expected in school leavers, which is deemed to compensate for any lack of traditional entrance qualifications. Successful mature applicants, as for all other applicants, must convince auditioning panels that they have the ability and potential to cope with the demands of the programme. Their progress, especially in the early stages of the programme, will be closely monitored and appropriate advice and support given.

Selection process

With the safety of our students, applicants and staff as our priority, all BA Acting first round auditions will take place via audition recording.

The deadline dates to apply and submit your audition recording can be found in the table below –

	UCAS Conservatoires Application Deadline	Audition Recording Deadline
BA Acting Applicants UK	29 January 2021	31 January 2021
BA Acting Applicants EU and International	29 January 2021	31 January 2021

Once you submit your UCAS Conservatoires application, please then upload your audition recording to Acceptd – https://app.getacceptd.com/rcs.

If you submit your application after this date, we cannot guarantee that your audition recording will be reviewed by the audition panel.

If you are successfully recalled to the second round, you will be invited to an online audition where you will perform your two monologues and a short interview will follow.

If you are successfully recalled to the third round, you will be invited to an online audition. The details of what to prepare for the third round will be emailed to you.

If you are successfully recalled to the final round, you will be invited to an online audition with the Head of Acting and the Associate Head of Acting.

 

Audition

Acting Auditions

Audition Process

1^st Round Audition

For the 1^st round audition, please prepare the following for your audition recording –

• Personal Statement (straight to camera)

This should include a brief overview of your background and why you are interested in studying this programme at the Conservatoire and should be no longer than 2 minutes.

• Two Contrasting Speeches

You will be asked to prepare two contrasting speeches for your audition recording. One of these can be from a play by William Shakespeare, preferably in verse, and the other a contrasting contemporary* piece of your own choice, but you can also choose two contemporary* speeches.

Each speech should be no less than one minute and no more than three minutes.  When you are preparing your speeches please time them carefully.

Read plenty of plays in order to find the best speeches for you.  The panel may ask you about the play as well as the monologue you have chosen to perform.

Try to find a character with whom you identify — s/he does not have to be like you but you should be able to empathise with the thoughts, feelings and actions implied by the text.  The panel wants to see you bring a character to life, not necessarily demonstrate great originality of choice.

Take plenty of time to prepare.  Read the whole play a number of times.  Learn the words perfectly and rehearse the pieces thoroughly.  Do not change your mind at the last minute and try to prepare a new choice without adequate preparation time.

As you prepare, consider carefully what kind of person the character is, what they want to achieve, and how they go about getting what they want. Why do they say those particular words at that moment — how do they want to change the attitude or behaviour of the listener?  What kind of tactics do they use?

* The Contemporary Monologue

It is safe to consider anything written in the latter half of the twentieth century onwards to be contemporary.  However, even a period play written in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century if it has been adapted by a living author is considered as contemporary. So for example Tom Stoppard’s adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s Three Sisters or Zinnie Harris’ adaptation of Strindberg’s Miss Julie would both be fine. A good rule is if the author is alive, or could theoretically still be alive if they died young (e.g. Sarah Kane) then you can consider the work as contemporary. Of course finding a speech from a relatively new work (e.g. from the last ten years or so) gives us some indication of your knowledge, understanding and passion for theatre today, so the more recent the work, the better

Please upload your audition recordings to Acceptd by 31st of January 2021. If you submit your application after this date, we cannot guarantee that your audition recording will be reviewed by the audition panel.

Recording your audition can be a daunting experience, please watch our videos below to assist you:

 

Second Round Auditions

If you are successfully recalled to the second round, you will be invited to an online audition where you will perform your two monologues and a short interview will follow.

Third Round Auditions

If you are successfully recalled to the third round, you will be invited to an online audition. The details of what to prepare for the third round will be emailed to you.

Final Round Auditions

If you are successfully recalled to the final round, you will be invited to an online audition with the Head of Acting and the Associate Head of Acting.

 

 

Following your audition

All decisions will be posted on UCAS Conservatoires following your audition via UCAS Conservatoires Track,  (you will need your username and password). You will also receive notification from UCAS Conservatoires when decisions on all your choices are available.

Please see below for an explanation of UCAS Conservatoires codes:

Guaranteed Unconditional (GU) RCS is satisfied from the information you have given, that you have already met the conditions for entry. Unless your application and/or qualification are subsequently shown to be fraudulent, a guaranteed unconditional offer is binding.

Guaranteed Conditional (GC) RCS has made the offer subject to you meeting certain conditions such as examination results. Conditions can be viewed via UCAS Conservatoires Track. Unless your application and/or qualifications are subsequently shown to be fraudulent, the offer is binding if you accept the offer and meet the conditions. You must meet the conditions of the offer by 31 August 2021, unless an earlier date is specified. If your conditions include obtaining IELTS (English Language test), you must meet this condition by 31 May 2021.

Reserve Unconditional (VU) RCS is satisfied from the information you have given, that you have already met the conditions for entry and you have been offered a place on our reserve pool.

Reserve Conditional (VC) RCS has offered a place on its reserve pool subject to you meeting certain conditions such as examination results. Conditions can be viewed via UCAS Conservatoires Track.

Unsuccessful (R) RCS does not wish to offer you any type of a place.

Replying to offers

As soon as a decision is made, UCAS Conservatoires will let you know. You must reply online via UCAS Conservatoires Track. Your reply date is displayed on Track. If you do not reply by the date given, your offers will be declined automatically. The reply date may be different to other applicants as it is based on when you receive your last decision.

Last decision by	Your reply date is
4 January 2021	1 February 2021
16 March 2021	13 April 2021
15 May 2021	1 June 2021
13 July 2021	29 July 2021
4 August 2021	8 September 2021
After 4 August 2021	22 September 2021

Please see the UCAS Conservatoires website for more information on replying to offers. If you make an application through UCAS Conservatoires, UCAS or UCAS Teacher Training, you cannot hold more than one confirmed place. A confirmed place in UCAS Conservatoires is a guaranteed unconditional offer as your first choice (GU1) and in UCAS and UCAS Teacher Training it is an unconditional firm (UF) place. If you receive more than one confirmed place, UCAS will ask you to accept one offer and withdraw from any others.

Policy

We have a number of policies and statements which you should read when applying to study at the Royal Conservatoire.

Please select the links below to read each policy.

• Feedback policy
• Equality and diversity
• Applicants with disabilities
• Guidance for applicants with criminal convictions
• Admissions policy

View our graduating students on our BA Acting Class of 2021 page.