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Introduction
Welcome to Production at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Production consists of both the BA Production Arts and Design and the BA Production Technology and Management programmes. Production students will work very closely with each other in the classroom and on RCS productions.
Ros Maddison is Head of Production and has been leading the department since 2002, before which she taught stage management. Prior to this, she worked as a freelance stage manager across Scotland. Ros has been External Examiner for a variety of other institutions including RADA and Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts and the National Academy of Dramatic Art in Dublin. She became a Fellow of the Royal Conservatoire in 2012.
The Production Arts and Design programme has been designed to create a high-level conservatoire learning environment for aspiring scenic artists, prop makers, stage carpenters, costume makers, and set and costume designers. You will learn in an environment where your technical knowledge is as important as your creativity and individuality.
You will be accepted based on your profile in one particular area, taken from the five subjects on offer (scenic art, set construction, costume construction, prop-making, and set/costume design). You will follow an individually-negotiated pathway based on a major and minor study to ensure a quality learning experience and afford you the opportunity to engage with the broad and diverse range of performance programmes.
The opportunity to work with film-makers, dancers, musicians and actors is unique and the facilities in which we do this are second to none. The Wallace Studios at Speirs Locks has purpose-built production workshops and design studios and the Renfrew Street building houses five public performance spaces including a fully-equipped proscenium arch theatre and a black box studio theatre. The combination of professional venues, extensive workshops, construction spaces, design studios and the latest stage and workshop technologies provide a fantastic learning environment.
As our standards are rooted in industry practice we have exceptionally strong links with professional partners from across the UK and beyond. We have very close relationships with the key Scottish national companies, such as Scottish Opera, the National Theatre of Scotland and Scottish Ballet as well as the majority of regional theatres such as the Citizens Theatre, Glasgow, Pitlochry Festival Theatre and the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh. We work closely with industry to ensure the expertise you acquire is current, competitive and of the highest professional standard.
Class of 2020 Production Showcase
Discover the work of our recent graduates in our online Production Showcase.
If you have an employment opportunity in any of the following areas please contact Ros at r.maddison@rcs.ac.uk with full details and she will be happy to share this information with the relevant students:
- Stage management
- Lighting
- Sound
- Stage technology
- Prop making
- Scenic art
- Costume construction
- Scenery construction
- Set/costume design
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Programme structure
Students on this programme are interviewed and accepted based on their profile in one particular area of study taken from the five subjects on offer (scenic art, set construction, costume construction, prop making and set/costume design). This subject becomes their major study and is the basis for their pathway through the programme and potential employment opportunities after graduation.
Year One
You will experience all areas of the theatre production process as well as build initial skills and knowledge in your major subject. You will receive a broad-based introduction to the production environment and the standard practices both in production arts and design and also in its sister programme production technology and management. In the five core subjects, the design process is examined through a range of projects, workshop rotations and collaborative projects culminating in the choice of a minor subject to complement your major study pathway. You will also investigate the collaborative nature of production and performance and have the opportunity to work with year one students from across RCS.
Year Two
You will consolidate your skills and knowledge and be introduced to more advanced approaches and techniques including Personal and Professional Development skills. Production Arts students engage with practice-based work on RCS productions as part of a collaborative team with students from third year. Processes, skills and techniques are gathered, as well as the opportunity to observe senior students in managerial positions. Design students explore the design process from concept to final presentation through personal projects and begin the process of designing for a fully realised production.
Year Three
Each student negotiates their individual pathway in third year to take advantage of the available production roles, personal projects, options modules and work placement opportunities. The
placement ensures you are making contacts with industry practitioners and potential employers. A showcase of work is exhibited at the end of the year and a range of potential employers are invited to view your work.Assessment
Most work is assessed through staff observations of your practice but reflection underpins the approach to assessment, and reflective journals and summary statements form a key component of assessment in Personal and Professional Development modules. There is a strong emphasis on the assessment of process including working with others. Students in levels two and three engage in portfolio building as an element of professional development planning, specifically designed to aid their self-promotion, and transition into the workplace.
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Why choose us?
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is in the World Top 10 for performing arts education 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020 (QS World Rankings)
- Only degree of its kind in Scotland
- 100% of graduate respondents are in employment or full-time study (HESA, 16/17)
- Industry placement and final year showcase
- Workshops and masterclasses with distinguished visiting professionals
- Invaluable industry partnerships including National Theatre of Scotland, National Theatre, Royal Opera House, Scottish Ballet, Citizens Theatre, Royal Lyceum Theatre, Disney Cruise Lines, Pitlochry Festival Theatre, The Envelope Room, Society of British Theatre Designers and Scottish Opera
- Purpose-built production workshops, design studios and five public performance spaces
- Study abroad opportunities in Europe, Australia, California and Hong Kong
- Continuing student success on major TV shows such as Peaky Blinders, Game of Thrones, Outlander, Downton Abbey and The Crown and on major films such as The Outlaw King and with major artists such as Beyoncé.
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Teaching staff
Ros Maddison
Head of Production- Gary Fry Lecturer in Scenic Art
- Zander Lee Lecturer in Scenery Construction
- Martin Mallorie Lecturer in Props Construction
- Christine Murphy Lecturer in Costume Construction
- Robin Peoples Lecturer in Design
The BA Production Technology and Management Programme team deliver a range of sessions on your programme especially throughout year one. Also led by the Head of Production, the team consists of four dedicated lecturers and four tutors.
- Steve Macluskie – Lecturer in Stage Technology
- Susan May Hawley – Lecturer in Stage Management
- Christoph Wagner – Lecturer in Lighting
- Claire Hibberd – Lecturer in Sound Technology
- Sam Burt – Stage Management Tutor
- Barry McCall – Sound Tutor
- Dave Evans – Lighting Tutor
- Malcolm Stephens – Stage Supervisor (Tutor)
Central Production Unit (CPU)
The Central Production Unit consists of tutors who mentor and supervise students in the production arts workshops including tuition and tutorial support. There are also three Production Managers in the CPU who will be your line managers on production work but who are also there to support your learning. The CPU is separate to the School of Drama, Dance, Production and Film and supports all RCS productions as required.
CPU Staff
- Lynfryn Mackenzie – Head of Technical Production
- Kevin Murray – Production Manager
- Colin Bell – Production Manager
- Gillian Affleck – Costume Tutor
- Gill McLeod – Costume Tutor
- Linda Logan – Costume Tutor
- Lynne McGinley – Costume Tutor (PT)
- Anna Antczak – Costume Tutor (PT)
- Simon Cook – Workshop Manager
- Matt Doolan – Construction Tutor
- Astrella Oldham – Props Tutor
- Merlin Currie – Props Tutor
- Rhonda Barclay – Production Support Assistant (Stores)
Venues Team Technicians
The Venues Team provide technical support in RCS venues and offer advice and guidance in production practice. They work independently to the School of Drama, Dance, Production and Film and have responsibility for all RCS internal venues. The team is led by:
Kevin Robertson – Resident Stage Manager
The Programme also has administration support from the AAS staff:
Kirstin Halliday– Programme Support Administrator (Production & Film)
Visiting Staff and Practitioners
Design students are sometimes mentored by a professional designer as well as full-time staff in order to make contacts and reap the benefit of advice straight from the industry. In addition to this, the department works with a range of professional practitioners in order to support RCS productions. These include; designers, scenic artists, prop makers, costume makers and carpenters.
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Facilities
In addition to being an academic institution, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is Scotland’s busiest performing arts venues. Its outstanding and well-equipped performance facilities provide a rich resource for the community, and are regularly hired for public presentations by local and national performing arts companies for dance and drama productions as well as for music concerts and recitals. This makes RCS a hub for performing arts activities in Glasgow and provides a stimulating contribution to Production students’ learning environment.
The Wallace Studios at Speirs Locks are excellent, fully equipped design and workshop spaces where both production work and student practical training occur. These facilities are second to none and include three props workshops, a paint shop with full-sized paint frame and motorised bridge, a fully equipped machine shop and construction workshop with welding bay, ample costume construction workshops with considerable wardrobe stock stores and a design studio for set/costume design students.
The award-winning facilities and equipment have been acknowledged as sector-leading both nationally and internationally and RCS has an established track record for providing the highest quality education in the Technical and Production Arts.
The Renfrew Street building houses a variety of sophisticated, state-of-the-art venues, which were purpose-built to accommodate different types of performance genre and production styles to varying audience sizes.
The New Athenaeum Theatre is the largest performance venue with small intimate 344 seats in comparison to its full size (16m x12m) stage. It boasts manual and counterweight flying with a 15m working height and two different types of automation show control by Stage Technologies and Kinesys. The forestage is hydraulic and lowers to form a large orchestra pit which can accommodate up to 30 musicians.
The Chandler Studio is a 13m x 13m space which has a retractable bleacher style seating bank for 114. The seating can be retracted allowing for a flexible, adaptable space. The Studio is often used for smaller scale, more intimate and experimental theatre work, but is nevertheless fully equipped with lighting and sound equipment.
The Alexander Gibson Opera School houses rehearsal and coaching rooms and a relatively adaptable performance space for small-scale drama projects, opera scenes, music recitals and concerts.
Students may also work in external spaces and venues such as the Citizens Theatre, the Theatre Royal in Glasgow, the Kings Theatre and the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh and the Criterion in London.
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Graduate destinations
Recent graduate destinations include Assistant Carpenter (Royal Lyceum & Pitlochry Festival Theatre), Assistant Scenic Artist (Royal Opera House, Royal Lyceum, Citizens Theatre & Pitlochry Festival Theatre), Art Department (BBC), Principal Costumes (Game of Thrones) Costume Intern (Scottish Opera, Outlander), Costume Assistant (Cirque du Soleil) plus design roles with the BBC and National Theatre of Scotland.
- Jack Sheehan (Class of 2019) Romeo and Juliet, Designer, The Stockwell Playhouse – Action to the World Theatre Co; V + 15 Designer, Nevertheless Theatre Co-VAULTS Festival; Aladdin and the Feast of Wonders, Production Assistant, VAULTS Immersive; Battersea Arts Centre, Lighting Operator, Macbeth online, Designer, Action to the World Theatre Co
- Debbie Jenkins (Class of 2018) River City, Art Department Trainee
- Meghan Grieve (Class of 2018) Be Still My Beating Heart, BBC Scotland – SFTN, Art Dept Trainee; Our Ladies, BBC Scotland – SFTN, Art Dept Trainee; All Over the Place: UK Pt 1, CBBC, Art Dept Trainee; All Over the Place: UK Pt 2, CBBC, Assistant Art Director; SCUZZ, SFTN, Production Designer; Screen Skills Art Dept Trainee 2020-21
- Nicole Green (Class of 2018) Props Assistant Scottish Opera
- Siiri Korhonen (Class of 2017), Royal Television Society Scotland, Student Television Craft Award for Production Design 2018. Outlander, Season 5, Costume Trainee Programme. BBC World productions, Vigil mini-series, Costume Trainee
- Alisa Kalyanova (Class of 2017) Designing for Opera North Education Department, Catherine Wheels Theatre Co, Tron Mayfest, Opera Bohemia
- Basia Binkowska (Class of 2016) Linbury Design winner
- Emma Green (Class of 2016) Costume PA Tom and Jerry Movie, Warner Bros Studios, Leavesden
- Connor Gallagher (Class of 2015) Carpenter, Scottish Opera
- Jade McNaughton (Class of 2015) Principal Costumes, Game of Thrones
- Zoe Roy (Class of 2015), props intern, Outlander
- Kenneth MacLeod (Class of 2015) Guest Designer: Eden Court Theatre, Cunard Line, Dundee Rep, National Youth Ballet, MacRobert Arts Centre
- Cara Roxburgh (Class of 2014), BAFTA Scotland New Talent Design Award 2016, Gilly Slater (Class of 2017) The Bayreuth Scholarship, Richard Wagner Stipendienstiftung 2017
- Sophie Martin (Class of 2013) Hamilton, Victoria Palace Theatre, Wardrobe Assistant; Opera Holland Park, Wardrobe Deputy
- Marian Colquhoun (Class of 2005) Head of Props, Scottish Opera
- Lyndsay Sinnamon (Class of 2006) Head Scenic Artist, Outlander
- Louie Whitemore (Class of 2005) Set and Costume Designer, work includes Royal Opera House and Sadler’s Wells. Associate Director of Jermyn Street Theatre.
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Images and video
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Fees and scholarships
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 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, 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.
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Entry 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 6.5 (with no component below 5.5) is required.
Direct Entry
Applications for direct entry beyond Year 1 will be considered on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with the Royal Conservatoire’s Recognition of Prior (Experiential) Learning policy. If you wish to apply for direct entry, please mark the point of entry on UCAS Conservatoires application as 2 or 3.
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.
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How to Apply
- Apply via UCAS conservatoires
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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 all on time undergraduate applications from Scotland and the rest of the UK is 31March 2021. If you submit your application after this date, we cannot guarantee that you will be invited to audition.
The closing date for EU and International applications is 31 March 2021. If you do consider to submit a late application, please contact admissions@rcs.ac.uk in the first instance to check we are accepting late applications. Late applications will be considered on a case by case basis.
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 Production Arts and Design: 203F
- Application fee
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There is a UCAS Conservatoires application fee of £26. In addition to the application fee, each conservatoire charges an audition/interview assessment administration fee. For RCS, the audition/interview 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/Interview Assessment Administration fee
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland charges an audition/interview assessment administration fee of £65 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
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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
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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 6.5 (with no component below 5.5) is required.
Direct Entry
Applications for direct entry beyond Year 1 will be considered on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with the Royal Conservatoire’s Recognition of Prior (Experiential) Learning policy. If you wish to apply for direct entry, please mark the point of entry on UCAS Conservatoires application as 2 or 3.
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
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Applicants who apply on time (Scottish and rest of UK (RUK) – 31 March 2021, EU and International – 31 March 2021) are invited to an interview by email, approximately three weeks before. With the safety of our students, applicants and staff as our priority, all interviews will take place online.
Please note that RCS is only obliged to offer one audition/interview date per application. Alternative dates will only be provided (subject to availability) in exceptional circumstances. If you are unable to make your allocated interview date, you should email us immediately stating the reason.
BA Production Arts and Design interviews will take place from December to May.
- Audition
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You will be required to identify your chosen major study subject at the point of application and your interview will be tailored to this choice. The five major subjects are;
Props Construction
Scenic Art
Costume Construction
Scenery Construction
Set & Costume Design
Your interview will involve an online conversation with two staff members from the Programme. (approx. 30/45 minutes)
As well as being invited to discuss any work you have to show us, you will be asked a number of questions about your academic record, previous and most recent experiences and your interests and hobbies.
The aim of the interview
The interview process is designed to ensure that you have every opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to and experience of theatre and the performing arts. The interview also allows for the panel to satisfy themselves that you have the potential to develop the relevant skills and qualities necessary to succeed both on a degree-level programme and ultimately in a highly competitive profession. This could include:
- Creative skills
- Technical skills
- Analytical and reflective skills
- Communication skills
- Collaborative skills
- An ability to work independently
- Professional standards
In order to assess these skills, the interview panel will invite you to discuss your response to a number of predefined tasks. Therefore, prior to attending the interview, you should ensure you have responded to these three exercises, otherwise we will not be able to interview you.
- “About You” questionnaire (completed online via Acceptd)
- Creative Technical Response project (See below)
- Production / Performance presentation (See below)
Please be aware that you MUST send us visual references (i.e. any images, drawings or written work you are providing as part of the tasks or as other evidence of suitability for the programme) A MINIMUM OF THREE WORKING DAYS in advance of the interview so that the panel can properly interrogate them. You will be required to digitise this work and upload to ‘acceptd’.
Creative Technical Response Project
As part of the interview process we require you to choose one of the following plays.
- Waiting for Godot – Samuel Beckett
- Fences – August Wilson
- Macbeth – William Shakespeare
- A View from the Bridge – Arthur Miller
- Blood and Ice – Liz Lochhead
- What the Butler Saw – Joe Orton
- ‘Master Harold’….and the Boys – Athol Fugard
- Translations – Brian Friel
- Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off – Liz Lochhead
- The Dumb Waiter – Harold Pinter
Source a copy of the script and study it with a view to communicating how you would address the production elements of this play relevant to your chosen major study subject (You do not necessarily need to cover the whole play).
Assessment of this project is based on your ability to apply yourself to a given task and your ability to discuss and demonstrate practical and creative solutions to the production challenges.
What you need to do
You should consider this task in relation to your identified major study subject and the design and/or practical staging challenges raised by the script for that area.
- Set and Costume Design applicants should provide physical evidence of design solutions by means of a model box, costume designs and other related drawings. This should be accompanied by evidence of your ideas and the development of your designs.
Production Arts applicants are not required to design original pieces and may prefer to research previous productions to facilitate their task.
- Scenic construction applicants should consider the potential set building and possible methods / materials of construction.
- Scenic art applicants should consider the paint finishes they want to achieve and how they might do this
- Props construction applicants should consider any potential for prop makes and how they might create these.
- Costume construction applicants should consider the potential costume designs and how they might be made.
Production/Performance Presentation
You are asked to attend a performance of a production of your choice and be able to discuss your observations of this production with the panel. Ideally this should be a live production but, if this is not possible, a recorded or streamed stage production can be used.
This should be a recent professional production if at all possible but must not be one you have worked on. This may be an opportunity to challenge yourself by choosing a type of performance or venue that you have not experienced before. Remember we want to hear you talk about this so feel free to use notes to help you but don’t write an essay to read out.
You should endeavour to give a clear account of the production elements such as the overall set & costume design, staging, costume, props, lighting, sound and stage technology to the interview panel. Whilst an overview of the directing or performances is sometimes useful, this is not what we want you to focus on.
Remember that, as a member of the audience, your opinion is valid and should be used to comment on the overall effect of the production and whether there was any specific element that you personally liked or disliked. You may also be asked to comment on how you would have approached certain elements differently, given the chance.
It is often helpful to provide supplementary evidence of your visit such as publicity material or personal notes and sketches to illustrate a point.
Alongside these tasks, each candidate is viewed as an individual and a holistic view is taken of your unique mix of qualities. In consequence the panel will be most interested to see any evidence of interests or experience to-date. Due to time restrictions, the panel will wish to see quality rather than quantity so pick examples of your work that best illustrate your suitability for the programme. As well as evidence of the set tasks your portfolio of work may take any form you feel is appropriate and could include;
- Prompt books, setting lists, props lists, scene breakdowns, running lists
- Cue sheets, colour calls, lighting plans, patch sheets
- Photographs of previous work
- Models (3D renderings, images etc)
- Technical drawings and ground plans
- Audio/video files
- Other relevant production documentation
What happens after the interview?
No panel decision on the outcome of your interview will be offered at the end of the session. You will be informed via UCAS Conservatoires as soon as possible afterwards, this can take up to six weeks.
If you would like to discuss any matters relating to the programme or interview procedures please feel free to contact Ros Maddison, Head of Production, at r.maddison@rcs.ac.uk
We want you to do well so please try and relax during the interview process and do your best to show us just how good you are.
- Following your audition
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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
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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
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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.