BA Musical Theatre

This undergraduate Musical Theatre programme is for exceptionally talented students who are dedicated to developing their skills in acting, singing, dance and music. We are looking for the next cohort of students who want to train with us alongside industry professionals, and who aspire towards a career in the competitive musical theatre industry.

Quadruple strand

Now more than ever, artists who can showcase musicianship as an integrated part of their acting, singing, and dancing are in demand both creatively and commercially.
This programme is distinctive in that it offers conservatoire-level tuition in acting, singing, dance and music. We want to work with the most talented and committed actors, so we ask that students are multi- disciplined in the performing arts.

Perform

Your education here will centre on performance and you will have numerous opportunities to perform on stage both within RCS and at external venues around Scotland. During your final year, you will participate in fully- produced musicals, including an actor-musician show, as well as perform in a final showcase to invited industry guests in Glasgow and London. North American students will also take part in a New York industry week. Our aim is that you will graduate from this programme as a confident, versatile artist ready to work in the profession.

Collaborate

RCS is the only conservatoire in Europe to offer programmes in dance, drama, music, production and film. We encourage collaboration between all art forms, therefore as a musical theatre student here, you could regularly work with your peers to create new and engaging work. Opportunities for collaboration include Options modules and the annual Bridge Week festival, where students can come together from across the conservatoire to bid for project money to create new pieces of performance. You may also have the opportunity to collaborate and learn from industry
during your studies, benefiting from the Royal Conservatoire’s close relationships with Scotland’s national artistic companies. Our graduates consistently gain industry representation and continue to work across the arts and entertainment sectors. Graduates can currently be seen performing in the West End, on Broadway, in national and international tours, with national companies, regional theatres, and in a variety of television and film projects.

You can follow our Musical Theatre department on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Year 1 

This is a skills focused-year as you work to identify areas of development and train intensively towards excellence in acting, music, dance and voice. Underpinning this is a strong focus on self-understanding as you develop a practice of creativity through performance classes and practical workshops. You will also investigate the potential of cross-programme collaboration and broaden your knowledge of musical theatre history through practice-based research.

Year 2 

This year bridges the skills work and creative practices of year one with a focus on skills synthesis. Skills classes are complemented with project-based work; musical theatre scene study and new writing projects. You will begin to engage with professional practice, developing industry awareness and considering your potential as an artist within that industry. Research, practical seminars and a range of visiting artists support you in broadening your perspective and developing your skills in a range of performance contexts.

You will have the opportunity to choose modules of study specific to your interests, needs and artistic development. These are cross-conservatoire modules, known internally as ‘Options’ allowing meaningful collaboration with students from other artistic disciplines.

Year 3

The final year is designed to offer performance experiences reflective of industry standards. This year provides the bridge between training and the profession. Skills classes and seminars are focused on industry engagement including audition techniques, self-employed business management and professional practice activities. A season of fully-staged productions culminates in an actor-musician performance and industry showcases in Glasgow and London.

Keep up to date with the Musical Theatre course on Twitter and Instagram.

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is in the World Top 10 for performing arts education 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020 (QS World Rankings) 

• 100% of RCS Musical Theatre graduate respondents are in employment or further study (HESA, 2017/18)
• Intensive musical theatre training with actor-musician specialism
• Industry showcases in Glasgow and London
• New York Industry Events for North American students
• Excellent staff-student ratio
• A high level of one-to-one contact including lessons in singing, repertoire and instruments
• Excellent industry connections
• Experienced staff, who continue to work professionally as creatives. performers and leaders in their field
• Learn in a unique conservatoire environment alongside musicians, dancers, actors, filmmakers and production students
• Public performances in state-of-the-art facilities and external venues

Through your studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland you will receive support and guidance from varying staff, external specialists and industry professionals. The staff tutors and their team will manage your day-to-day skills base development while external directors and musical directors will work with you in performance classes and project work. Each student will also meet many visiting practitioners in order to support network opportunities and contacts with industry professionals.

Head of BA Musical Theatre

Emily Reutlinger

David Higham
Associate Head of BA Musical Theatre

• Jane Hensey Head of MA Musical Theatre & Lecturer (Acting)
• Gordon Adams Coordinator of MA Musical Theatre and Lecturer (Voice)
• Jean Sangster Lecturer and Head of Voice
• Ruth Mills Lecturer (Dance)
• Andrew Panton – Visiting Professor

Singing Lecturers 

• Marjory Watson
• Scott Harrison
• Caroline Hurst
• Arlene Rolph
• Claire Thomas
• Emma Trow

Dance Lecturers 

• Rowan MacGregor
• Courtney Bailey Allan
• Megan Peasgood
• Dr Lucy Weir
• Alan Greig
• Giullia Montalbano
• Sarah Wilkie

Voice Lecturers

• Hilary Jones
• Bill Wright
• Mel Drake

Music Lecturers 

• Laura McIntosh
• Andrew Nunn
• Matthew Brown

Visiting Industry Professionals

• Ken Alexander
• Gordon Barr
• John Barrowman
• Simon Beck
• James Brining
• Andy Charles
• Ali Craig
• Joe Douglas
• Barbara Dickson
• David Grindrod
• Dominic Hill
• Philip Howard
• Dougie Irvine
• Jemima Levick
• Matthew Malthouse
• David Marsden
• Pete Woollard

Classes take place across the two campuses of Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. During the programme students can expect to work in our performance spaces — Athenaeum Theatre, Stevenson Concert Hall, Chandler Studio and Alexander Gibson Opera Studio. Core classes take place in our purpose built dance studios and drama/voice rooms at either Renfrew Street or The Wallace Studios at Speirs Locks. Research, reflective practice and professional practice subjects are taught in a fully-equipped student IT suite and supported by a vast array of reference material, sheet music and CD/DVDs in our RCS library.

The Wallace Studios have recently been developed to include 8 purpose-built multi functional dance and rehearsal spaces and the programme will utilise these for all major productions — allowing a fully integrated professional rehearsal process with onsite production and technical team involvement. External venues used by the programme have included Oran Mor, Dundee Rep Theatre, Tron Theatre, Scottish Youth Theatre, West and Cottiers Theatre.

Graduates are working in London’s West End, regional theatres, film and television productions and with major companies including the National Theatre of Scotland, Citizens Theatre, Dundee Rep and the BBC. Following showcase, the majority of our students are signed by agents from the UK and overseas.

Recent graduate successes include:

• Hannah Visocchi (Class of 2019) – Peter Gynt, National Theatre
• Duncan Shelton (Class of 2019) – Harry Potter & the Cursed Child, West End
• Lydia White (Class of 2018) – Hanna, Amazon
• Meg Forgan (Class of 2018) – The Last Witch (UK Tour)
• Pia Hagen (Class of 2018) – Trainspotting (Off-Broadway)
• Chiara Sparkes (Class of 2018) – Glasgow Girls (UK Tour)
• Barney Wilkinson (Class of 2017) – Bat Out of Hell (West End), Sunset Boulevard (UK Tour) 
• Liam Vincent-Kilbride (Class of 2017) – Son of a Preacher Man/Honk, UK tour
• Julian Capolei (Class of 2017) – Aladdin (West End)
• Euan Bennet (Class of 2016) – Sunshine on Leith (UK Tour)
• Christopher Marshall (Class of 2016) –  West Side Story (BBC), Mamma Mia (West End)
• Katie Barnett (Class of 2016) – Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour (West End)
• Will Kinnon (Class of 2016) – Cilla (UK tour)
• Michelle Chantelle Hopewell (Class of 2015) – Aladdin, Matilda (West End)
• Tom Milligan (Class of 2015) – Jack Ryan 2 (Amazon),  Slaves of Solitude, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (West End)
• Kara Swinney (Class of 2015) – Glasgow Girls (National Theatre of Scotland)
• Christina Gordon (Class of 2015) – Glory on Earth (Lyceum Theatre)
• Rachael McAllister – Son of a Preacher Man, UK tour
• Scott Gilmour – Actor & Co-director of Noisemaker Productions

Testimonials

Scott Gilmour — Actor & Co-director of Noisemaker Productions

“I began my training in 2009 as part of the first intake of students on the BA Musical Theatre programme.

As a student, RCS provides exceptional training, resources and guidance but, above that, it grants opportunity and freedom to forge a path of your own when you come to graduate. It’s this factor that made my training so integral to the career I have today.

Since leaving RCS, I have worked as an actor across the UK with companies such as National Theatre of Scotland, The Roundhouse, The Royal Lyceum, Oran Mor, Splendid Productions and Chichester Festival Theatre.

In my final year, I began writing with composer Claire McKenzie. Our first piece, FreakShow, was developed through RCS and The Arches and went on to win the Scottish Daily Mail Drama Award 2013. Claire and I formed new writing company, Noisemaker, and have continued to create our own work, including Forest Boy (winner of the S&S Award for Best New Musical).

As a student, I was allowed to develop as an actor, and as a writer, and now that is what I do.

RCS supports its students and graduates alike and I am grateful to the time I spent here. It encourages you to hone strengths and challenge weaknesses, develop versatility and, ultimately, that you will never stop learning to grow as an artist.”

Andrew Fraser — Actor

“I trained at RCS from 2009-2012 and was privileged to be part of the first BA Musical Theatre programme. I chose RCS as my place of study because of the passion of the tutors, the time and energy that was given to each of us as individuals and the encouragement given to create, discover and enhance our full self as performers and actors.

Since my graduation my work includes: Touring Britain, America and Asia with the National Theatre of Scotland’s Black Watch; various workshops with National Theatre Scotland; Oran Mor’s Play pie and a Pint; and The Macrobert Theatre company.

RCS provides students with a safe, constructive and encouraging environment. Which enabled me to work on the attributes I already had and encouraged me to discover and play with new ideas and ways of working. Then apply these new skills to my work, in order to build a set which served me in great stead moving into the professional world.

As actors, we never stop learning, but RCS provided me with three years of variety, of growth and of challenges, which gave me time to develop and create a strong foundation, that is mouldable and adaptable to all jobs and lets me keep on learning without taking a step back.”

Sophie Reid — Actor

“I am a very greedy creative and I have always known that I wanted to work in as many areas of the industry as possible. This is what appealed to me about RCS. To be in a place where all artistry is represented and where collaboration and individuality is encouraged and nurtured is a very special thing and something I feel very grateful to have been a part of. From day one we were told this was not a “break you down to build you up experience” but a place to build and develop what you already have and extend it! I am happy to say that my creative greed is being satisfied as a result. I am now working in TV/Film: Gary: Tank Commander, Game of Thrones, I also regularly gig with my own music and am working on an EP. I am currently First Cover to ‘Girl’ in the West End actor/musician musical Once. I am very ambitious and RCS has played a huge hand in fueling the confidence I needed to believe that such ambition is possible, not to mention completely achievable.”

Lawrence Robb — Actor

“My story with RCS began in 2009 where myself and thirteen others, were part of the first cohort of the new BA Musical Theatre program.

RCS provides some of the best training you can find world-wide, its resources and lecturers are at the top of their game and as a young professional it is a flawless sanctuary to prepare you for the outside world in whatever path you choose. You are taught to hone your skills in a beautiful city whilst having the freedom and explore on your own, becoming whatever you want to be during your program. All this has been fundamental in getting me where I am today.

Since leaving I have worked as both as an actor and a singer working with companies such as the National Theatre of Scotland and Sonia Friedman Productions working in venues varying from Stirling Castle to The Harold Pinter Theatre in London.

I was fortunate enough to perform with Rod Stewart featuring Michael Bublé at his Christmas Show in 2012, months after graduating. I had been fortunate on acquiring representation from a well established and influential agent and so meetings on exciting projects were common. In July 2013 I acquired my first professional job and West End debut in the Harold Pinter Theatre; a revival of Jez Butterworth’s hugely acclaimed and first piece Mojo in a cast that no recent graduate should be allowed to say they have worked with. Working with a director like Ian Rickson and a cast with Rupert Grint, Ben Whishaw and Colin Morgan (also an RCS graduate), my training in everything from professional etiquette to how a rehearsal space is run would have been significantly harder to achieve had it not been for my time at RCS. It allowed me to develop my skills as an actor with the added benefit of singing and dance which is essentially what I do in my professional life now.

The support throughout my last couple of years was priceless. RCS is like no other place you will study at, and you will be treated like the young professional you deserve to be. You will make life-long friends and keep artistic contacts long after you graduate.

City of Angels

Assassins

Pippin

Batboy

Tuition fees for academic year 2020-21

• Scottish/EU Students – £1,820
• Rest of UK (RUK) Students – £9,250
• International (Non EU) – £17,685

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 92020, 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, the Scottish Government are still considering the position for Irish students. Further information will be provided as soon as we can.

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.

With the safety of our students, applicants and staff as our priority, all BA Musical Theatre 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 –

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

Preparation for audition

The audition process considers the four key elements of our programme: exploring skills in acting, singing, dance and musicality. Importance is weighted equally in these four areas and we will be looking for a strong ability in three and trainable potential in all four, although it should be noted that the panel will look for the ways in which creativity, connection, and authenticity inform all four disciplines.

Please prepare the following portfolio of recordings for your BA Musical Theatre Audition.

We ask that you give your name and programme clearly to the camera before each section. After that, please don’t feel that you need to perform to the camera through any section of the recordings. The first recording should include a brief overview of your background and why you are interested in studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Please do not worry about the quality of the recording – recordings on a phone/ipad are absolutely acceptable. Please record each section separately and when uploading each section, please clearly title each section.

Please complete all sections, we cannot consider your audition portfolio if all sections are not uploaded and submitted.

Singing

You should prepare three songs for your audition portfolio. These should showcase your vocal range and your ability to use your skills to explore different styles common to Musical Theatre repertoire. You should include two contrasting MT songs, and one song not from a musical (this may be pop, rock, blues, gospel, jazz, folk etc). We understand that working with an accompanist may be challenging and therefore we ask that, if possible, you look to use a piano/backing track for one song (YouTube is a great source for this), and the other 2 can be a cappella.

Within this material the panel will look for:

• Evidence of vocal technique including flexibility, intonation, pitch and musicality
• The ability to communicate intention, emotion, and character through song
• The ability to make stylistic choices appropriate to Musical Theatre repertoire

Acting 

You should prepare and film two pieces for your audition portfolio, each no longer than two minutes in length:

• 1 contemporary monologue
• 1 piece of heightened text (spoken word, poetry, Shakespeare, Greek, etc.) This piece may be in a language other than English.

Please prepare and learn these carefully and make sure your work is supported by a good understanding of the entire play, not just your monologue. You may be asked to talk about your choices later in the process.

During this material the panel will look for:

• The ability to bring a character to life with believable thoughts, feelings and actions which are appropriate to the chosen text
• The ability to engage an audience through verbal and non-verbal communication
• The ability to work with both naturalistic and non-naturalistic styles
• The ability to work with heightened language and/or circumstances, as inspired by the text

Dance/Movement

Via the video below, you will be led through a set of tasks that comprise your dance audition, which includes elements of jazz, ballet and contemporary styles. We ask that, to the best of your ability, you learn and replicate the warm-up sequences and combination.  We would recommend you use a safe space to work through this process and look to film the combination as clearly as possible. The short video can be viewed here – https://youtu.be/uK4mo6-kuRo.

Within this material the panel will look for:

• The ability to use the body as a means of expression
• Evidence of technique, style and the physical fitness to cope with the intensive demands of the programme
• The ability to synthesise and re-create choreography.

Music

If you play an instrument, please prepare a short piece or section of music (no more than 2 mins) demonstrating your musicality. If you do not play an instrument, please tell us about any experiences you have had with music and how this influences your work as an actor, singer and dancer.

Within this material the panel will look for:

• Elements of potential in musicality, including the ability to communicate through music without voice
• Evidence of skill and level of accomplishment on your chosen instrument (or multiple instruments)
• If you do not currently play an instrument, we would encourage you to work towards demonstrating an attempt at a simple skill. For example, you could demonstrate: a basic melody/chord sequence on piano, guitar, or ukulele.

The Workshop Recall Audition

Applicants who proceed past the recorded portfolio stage will be invited to attend a workshop recall audition in person.

This will be a full day audition and will involve both group and individual sessions led by faculty including ensemble exercises, some review of the singing, instrumental, and acting pieces prepared for the first round, a creative task, and a short interview . If you play, please bring your instrument with you where possible (piano can be provided) and prepare all materials from your recorded portfolio. Several elements of the day will be recorded.

Original Piece

We would also like you to devise, prepare and share an original piece which tells a story you feel a strong connection to, incorporating text, dance/movement, singing and music. This can be created using whatever methods you like and we’ll leave it up to you to decide the story, structure, style and content – Be Imaginative. This piece should last for a maximum of 3 minutes. Sound support will be available should you wish to include some recorded sound or music, though these should be supporting elements, keeping the emphasis on your live performance.

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

	UCAS Conservatoires Application Deadline	Audition Recording Deadline
Scottish and rest of UK (RUK)	15 January 2021	31 Janaury 2021
EU and International	31 March 2021	31 March 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 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 Musical Theatre: 202F — 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 Musical Theatre 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
Scottish and rest of UK (RUK)	15 January 2021	31 January 2021
EU and International	31 March 2021	31 March 20201

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

If you are successfully recalled, you will be invited to a workshop recall audition at the Conservatoire.

If you are unable to attend the recall in person, alternative arrangemenst can be made.

 

Audition

With the safety of our students, applicants and staff as our priority, all BA Musical Theatre 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
Scottish and rest of UK (RUK)	15 Janaury 2021	31 January 2021
EU and International	31 March 2021	31 March 2021

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

Preparation for audition

The audition process considers the four key elements of our programme: exploring skills in acting, singing, dance and musicality. Importance is weighted equally in these four areas and we will be looking for a strong ability in three and trainable potential in all four, although it should be noted that the panel will look for the ways in which creativity, connection, and authenticity inform all four disciplines.

Please prepare the following portfolio of recordings for your BA Musical Theatre Audition.

We ask that you give your name and programme clearly to the camera before each section. After that, please don’t feel that you need to perform to the camera through any section of the recordings. The first recording should include a brief overview of your background and why you are interested in studying at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Please do not worry about the quality of the recording – recordings on a phone/ipad are absolutely acceptable. Please record each section separately and when uploading each section, please clearly title each section.

Please complete all sections, we cannot consider your audition portfolio if all sections are not uploaded and submitted.

Singing

You should prepare three songs for your audition portfolio. These should showcase your vocal range and your ability to use your skills to explore different styles common to Musical Theatre repertoire. You should include two contrasting MT songs, and one song not from a musical (this may be pop, rock, blues, gospel, jazz, folk etc). We understand that working with an accompanist may be challenging and therefore we ask that, if possible, you look to use a piano/backing track for one song (YouTube is a great source for this), and the other 2 can be a cappella.

Within this material the panel will look for:

• Evidence of vocal technique including flexibility, intonation, pitch and musicality
• The ability to communicate intention, emotion, and character through song
• The ability to make stylistic choices appropriate to Musical Theatre repertoire

Acting 

You should prepare and film two pieces for your audition portfolio, each no longer than two minutes in length:

• 1 contemporary monologue
• 1 piece of heightened text (spoken word, poetry, Shakespeare, Greek, etc.) This piece may be in a language other than English.

Please prepare and learn these carefully and make sure your work is supported by a good understanding of the entire play, not just your monologue. You may be asked to talk about your choices later in the process.

During this material the panel will look for:

• The ability to bring a character to life with believable thoughts, feelings and actions which are appropriate to the chosen text
• The ability to engage an audience through verbal and non-verbal communication
• The ability to work with both naturalistic and non-naturalistic styles
• The ability to work with heightened language and/or circumstances, as inspired by the text

Dance/Movement

Via the video below, you will be led through a set of tasks that comprise your dance audition, which includes elements of jazz, ballet and contemporary styles. We ask that, to the best of your ability, you learn and replicate the warm-up sequences and combination.  We would recommend you use a safe space to work through this process and look to film the combination as clearly as possible. The short video can be viewed here – https://youtu.be/uK4mo6-kuRo.

Within this material the panel will look for:

• The ability to use the body as a means of expression
• Evidence of technique, style and the physical fitness to cope with the intensive demands of the programme
• The ability to synthesise and re-create choreography.

Music

If you play an instrument, please prepare a short piece or section of music (no more than 2 mins) demonstrating your musicality. If you do not play an instrument, please tell us about any experiences you have had with music and how this influences your work as an actor, singer and dancer.

Within this material the panel will look for:

• Elements of potential in musicality, including the ability to communicate through music without voice
• Evidence of skill and level of accomplishment on your chosen instrument (or multiple instruments)
• If you do not currently play an instrument, we would encourage you to work towards demonstrating an attempt at a simple skill. For example, you could demonstrate: a basic melody/chord sequence on piano, guitar, or ukulele.

The Workshop Recall Audition

Applicants who proceed past the recorded portfolio stage will be invited to attend a workshop recall audition in person.

This will be a full day audition and will involve both group and individual sessions led by faculty including ensemble exercises, some review of the singing, instrumental, and acting pieces prepared for the first round, a creative task, and a short interview . If you play, please bring your instrument with you where possible (piano can be provided) and prepare all materials from your recorded portfolio. Several elements of the day will be recorded.

Original Piece

We would also like you to devise, prepare and share an original piece which tells a story you feel a strong connection to, incorporating text, dance/movement, singing and music. This can be created using whatever methods you like and we’ll leave it up to you to decide the story, structure, style and content – Be Imaginative. This piece should last for a maximum of 3 minutes. Sound support will be available should you wish to include some recorded sound or music, though these should be supporting elements, keeping the emphasis on your live performance.

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