MA Musical Theatre (Performance) or (Musical Directing)

Performance

The performance pathway offers an intensive blend of high-level vocational education and creative opportunities for students. The programme requires a related degree and/or related performance experience and marries together project-based learning experiences with focused skills classes in acting, voice, singing and dance.

This is a high-contact programme which includes individual singing tutorials, rep sessions and project mentoring. As a Masters student, your practice will be underpinned by the RCS’ principles of Critical Artistry; ensuring that through practice-based research you will develop a deeper understanding of your craft, the industry and your place in the world as a creative artist.

You will work with our highly experienced programme staff as well as a number of visiting industry practitioners and creatives. Our diverse range of performance projects will provide opportunities for you to explore and share your practice within a wide array of settings. These will include in-depth work on acting projects, solo cabarets, new musical development and commercial performance skills.

A full season of work featuring our Masters students is produced at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe each year.

Musical Directing

Full fee waiver applies 

The Musical Directing pathway is designed to support the development of skills and creative thought for musicians with a passion for theatre. As a Masters student, you will study the musical landscape, engage in practice-based-research and explore your own potential as a contributor to the future of the art form.

The programme is closely linked with the industry and this ensures that you acquire the practical skills to support a sustained and varied career. Through specialised and focused conservatoire-level training, specific attention will be paid to:

• Keyboard skills
• Conducting skills
• Scoring and arranging techniques
• Vocal technique and repertoire coaching, Programming and Sound

These one-to-one classes are designed to build your skill and experience as a musical director in the varying areas relevant to the form. You will have the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects matched to your specific interests and goals. Projects could include:

• Musical Director, arranger and orchestrator of the RCS Christmas Concert
• Musical Director of our BA Musical Theatre Glasgow and London Showcases
• Musical Director on the development of new and commissioned work
• Assistant Musical Director across fully produced BA Musical Theatre and Actor Muso shows
• Musical Director of a Cabaret season, Musical Directing roles on a season of work produced for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

 

 

Choreography

Subject to validation

This choreography degree is the only one of its kind in the UK. Taught within a conservatoire environment, you will build on existing dance skills while developing your craft in choreography and movement direction. You will have the opportunity to work with students on projects and productions within both the BA and MA Musical Theatre programmes, as well as with staff and industry professionals on productions across the Conservatoire. This specialist and personalised training will include: This choreography degree is the only one of its kind in the UK. Taught within a conservatoire environment, you will build on existing dance skills while developing your craft in choreography and movement direction. You will have the opportunity to work with students on projects and productions within both the BA and MA Musical Theatre programmes, as well as with staff and industry professionals on productions across the Conservatoire. This specialist and personalised training will include:

• Skills-based modules to enable you to develop and refine your creative and technical choreography skills
• Exposure to a diverse range of stylistic material, to enhance versatility
• Project work and Industry connections
• Wide range of learning environments and opportunities, e.g shadowing industry professionals, assistant/associate choreographer roles, autonomous choreographic practice and working as part of the creative team on our Edinburgh Festival Fringe productions

Performance

• Skills classes in acting, voice, dance and performance
• 1-2-1 singing & rep sessions
• New musical development
• Acting scene studies – classical & contemporary text
• Musical Theatre scene studies and performance opportunities
• Public performances include Big Band concert in conjunction with the RCS Big Band, solo cabaret or devised performance and a full season of work produced at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe; including a fully produced main stage musical theatre production and the performances of two brand new musical works

Musical Directing

• Skills classes in keyboard skills, conducting and rehearsal techniques, scoring and arranging, keyboard programming and vocal technique
• Students will be mentored through a series of projects
• New musical development
• Assistant Musical Director and mentorship through three fully produced BA Musical Theatre shows including a book musical, a contemporary musical and an actor-musician project
• Fully produced public Big Band concert in conjunction with the RCS Big Band
• Musical Theatre scene study and performance
• Public performance of solo cabaret
• Full season of work produced at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe; including a fully produced main stage musical theatre production and performances of a brand new work developed through the course of the year

Choreography

Subject to validation

• Skills classes in choreography, movement direction and staging, dance technique, partnering, physical theatre and devised movement
• Students will be mentored through a series of choreographic projects, which may include New Musical Development, Book Musicals, Contemporary Musicals, Actor-Musicianship projects, Big Band Concerts and Edinburgh Fringe productions
• Choreographic/Movement Direction placements within other Dance & Drama programmes across the Conservatoire will also be supported

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

• Full year of intensive training, supported by an experienced team of in-house and external industry professionals
• Small class sizes with high contact time. One-to-one lessons in singing, repertoire and mentor sessions
• Programme design that prioritises experiential learning and self-determined pathways
• Collaborative and inter-disciplinary opportunities, such as can only be found within the particular conservatoire environment we provide
• New musical development with industry creatives and collaborative partners
• Full season of performances at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
• Regular contact with industry professionals and mentors
• Showcases in Glasgow and London
• New York Industry Week for North American students
• 94% of performance graduate respondents are in employment or further study (HESA, 2017/18)
• 100% of musical direction graduate responses are in employment or further study (HESA, 2017/18)

Head of MA Musical Theatre and Lecturer (Acting)

Jane Hensey

 

Teaching Staff

• Gordon Adams – Programme Coordinator, MA Musical Theatre Lecturer, Voice and Singing
• David Higham – Associate Head of BA Musical Theatre, Lecturer, Musical Direction
• Emily Reutlinger – Head of BA Musical Theatre, Lecturer, Artist in Development
• Ruth Mills – Lecturer, Dance
• Rowan MacGregor, Courtney Bailey Allan, Freya Jeffs, Dr Lucy Weir – Lecturers, Dance
• Jean Sangster – Head of Voice and the Centre for Voice in Performance
• Bill Wright, Hilary Jones, Melanie Drake – Lecturers, Voice
• Scott Harrison, Caroline Hurst, Arlene Rolph, Claire Thomas, Emma Trow, Marjory Watson –  Lecturers, Singing

 

 

Classes take place across the two Royal Conservatoire of Scotland buildings. Core classes take place in our purpose built dance studios and drama/voice rooms at either Renfrew Street or the award-winning Wallace Studios at Speirs Locks. Research, reflective practice and professional practice subjects are taught in a fully equipped student IT suite and supported by one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of performance materials for dance, drama, music, production and screen in the Whittaker Library.

The Wallace Studios at Speirs Locks has been developed to include eight purpose built multi-functional dance and drama rehearsal spaces which will be utilized 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, Cottiers Theatre, Tron Theatre and Scottish Youth Theatre.

Students have successfully auditioned for and worked with Dundee Theatre, MacRobert Arts Centre and The Citizens Theatre as part of their student placement programmes.

All of our training is geared towards preparing you for a sustainable and long lasting professional career. Graduates of the programme are working around the world; in London’s West End, on Broadway, on international tours, and for renowned companies including the National Theatre of Scotland.

Some recent graduates include:

Performance

• Eu Jin Hwang The King and I (National tour)
• George Arvidson Evita (West End) and Carousel (Pitlochry Festival Theatre)
• Rebecca Faulkenberry Rock of Ages, Spiderman and High School Musical (Broadway)
• Keisha Fraser Colour Purple and Book of Mormon (West End)
• Scott Garnham Les Misérables, I Can’t Sing (West End), Billy Elliot (national tour)
• Aaron Lee Lambert Shrek, Urinetown (West End), Sister Act (National tour)
• Tom Mackley Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (West End)
• John McLarnon We Will Rock You, The Commitments (West End), Apologia and Outlander

Musical Directing

• Alan Bukowiecki The Book of Mormon (Broadway), Chicago and Hair (US National tour)
• Andrea Grody The Band’s List (Broadway)
• James Simpson Lion King (Singapore), Aladdin (Australia)
• Amy Shackcloth Company (West End), Pinocchio and Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour (NTS and National Theatre), Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (UK and National tours)
• Claire McKenzie Award-winning composer and co-founder of Noisemaker
• Tamara Saringer Vanities the Musical, the Life (West End), Me and My Girl (Chichester Festival Theatre)

 

Testimonials

Christmas at the Conservatoire

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Legacy: A Mother’s Song

Legacy: Book of Names

Tuition fees for academic year 2020-21

• UK/EU Students – £13,764
• International (Non EU) – £21,612

Scottish/EU students

New Scottish and EU domiciled students may be eligible for a Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loan. All eligible students will be able to apply directly to Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for a non-means tested loan of up to £3,400. See the SAAS website for further details of the PSAS scheme.

Scottish domiciled postgraduate students on eligible courses can also apply for a Postgraduate Living Cost Loan up to £4,500 towards living expenses. This is in addition to the existing loan available towards the cost of their tuition fees.

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, as well as alternative funding sources and bursaries, is available on our Fees and Funding page. 

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 phone +44 (0)141 270 8281/ +44 (0)141 270 8223 for further information.

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

Applicants are normally expected to hold an appropriate undergraduate degree, or its overseas equivalent, in a subject area relevant to the demands of the programme.

 

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 £25 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 the UK, EU and International (non EU) is 31 March 2020. If you submit your application after this date, we cannot guarantee that you will be invited to audition.

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 2021, you must apply next year.

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland institution code is R58.

You will also require the following programme code to apply:

MA Musical Theatre (Performance): 703F

MA Musical Theatre (Musical Directing): 702F

Application fee

There is a UCAS Conservatoires application fee of £25. In addition to the application fee, each conservatoire charges an audition fee. For RCS, the audition 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 and RCS does not offer any fee waivers.

Audition fee

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

We recognise that auditioning and interviewing for conservatoires, drama and ballet schools can be costly. The audition fee charge allows us to offer a thorough and positive experience to all applicants and we encourage you 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.

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

Applicants are normally expected to hold an appropriate undergraduate degree, or its overseas equivalent, in a subject area relevant to the demands of the programme.

 

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

Applicants who apply on time (before 31 March) are invited by email, approximately three weeks before the audition date, to RCS to undertake an audition/interview. All auditions/interviews will take place at RCS in Glasgow unless you have chosen another location.

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 audition date, you should email us immediately stating the reason.

MA Musical Theatre auditions will take place from February to April.

 

Recorded audition

f you are auditioning via video recording, please read the following information before sending us your material. Prior to submitting a recorded audition, you must apply via UCAS Conservatoires. Recorded auditions can be easily submitted online using Acceptd.

You will need to create an account, but then you can easily upload the recordings you wish to be considered. Recordings will not be considered until a UCAS Conservatoires application has been submitted. Once you have completed the UCAS Conservatoires application, you should proceed to Acceptd to submit your video recording. We will only accept recordings submitted via Acceptd and will not accept any other format, i.e. DVDs. Recordings should arrive by the 31 March 2020.

MA Musical Theatre (Performance) audition recording:

Dance/movement

Please film yourself performing a short dance piece (one–three minutes) which may be jazz, ballet or contemporary based. This can be self-choreographed or by a teacher. This should demonstrate turns, jumps and floor work.

Singing

Please film yourself singing four songs accompanied by a pianist: two up-tempo and two ballads. Three of these songs should be musical theatre and one should be from another genre (e.g. pop, rock, blues, jazz).

Acting

For this section you should film yourself performing one Shakespeare monologue and one contemporary monologue. Each should have a maximum running time of two minutes.

Devised piece

Please film yourself performing a piece of your own devising lasting no longer than two minutes. This can include sections of text combined, an entirely original piece, a movement piece, a devised character piece or a devised/self- written song. The key for applicants is to ensure that the devised material expresses something significant for them with the panel examining both composition and performance.

Audition

Applicants are asked to prepare the following for their audition

MA Musical Theatre (Performance)

Dance/movement

The first element of the audition process is a dance call. No preparation is required for this section; applicants will be led through a group class/workshop on the day. Please wear fitted dance clothing for this part of the audition.

Singing

For this section, applicants are required to prepare four songs: two up-tempo and two ballads of varying stylistic demands

• music should be prepared clearly for the pianist and should be in the correct key
• no recorded backing will be permitted and you may not accompany yourself for this element of the audition
• three songs should be musical theatre and one should be from another genre (e.g. pop, rock, blues, jazz)
• it is unlikely that the panel will listen to all four complete songs; we will hear what we need to get an overall impression of range, technique and potential

Acting

For this section, applicants are required to prepare one Shakespeare monologue and one contemporary monologue to contrast.

Both should be between one–three minutes in length. Applicants are required to prepare and learn their monologues thoroughly in advance and ensure that they have an understanding of the entire play, not just the monologue, as the panel may ask you to discuss choices or respond to direction.

Devised piece

Applicants will be given two minutes to present a piece of their own devising; this can include sections of text combined, an entirely original piece, a movement piece, a devised character piece or a devised/self-written song. The key for applicants is to ensure that the devised material expresses something significant for them with the panel examining both composition and performance.

MA Musical Theatre (Musical Directing)

For the interview process, candidates should prepare the following:

Portfolio of work

Indicative content would be a CV, production reviews, past arrangements by the candidate, CD of recorded work etc. This material should be provided at least one week prior to the interview.

Set arrangement

This will be issued to the candidate with the email confirming interview date. Clear instructions will be given as to what is required and this arrangement may be discussed during the interview.

Workshop (condensed rehearsal)

Candidates will be asked to lead a 30-minute workshop to a group of Musical Theatre students which should include:

• a short warm-up
• elements of vocal technique
• the start point of teaching a section of ensemble repertoire of the candidate’s choosing
• elements of style and interpretation

Consultation lesson

The candidate will be given a 30-minute consultation piano lesson working through varying pieces of prepared repertoire.

This session will explore the range of keyboard skills and understanding of stylistic interpretation through a one-to-one workshop. Please bring a small selection of song accompaniments for this session. The following sections need no formal preparation:

Sight-reading

Candidates will be asked to accompany one or two solo singers. Sheet music will only be seen at the point of the interview.

Formal interview

We will be looking for clear communicators who have a strong sense of purpose and show the drive to succeed in a highly competitive industry.

International Auditions

Whilst most auditions take place at the Conservatoire in Glasgow, we do hold auditions internationally. If you wish to audition overseas, please visit our International site here for further information on that particular application process as well as details about the venue and date(s): https://international.rcs.ac.uk. Should you plan on auditioning overseas, we kindly ask that you submit your application at least one month in advance of the audition date. If you apply less than a month in advance, we cannot guarantee to audition you in person, and we may ask you to submit a recording instead.

If you select ‘RCS’ as the Audition Location on on your application, your audition will take place in Glasgow. We welcome recorded auditions from non-UK applicants. If you wish to audition by recording, please select ‘recording’. If you require further information about auditioning internationally, please email hello@rcs.ac.uk.

UK Auditions

We will also be holding auditions in London for BA Musical Theatre in February 2020.  Audition spaces are limited and are allocated on a first come, first served basis. For more information on our UK auditions, please e-mail our Admissions team at admissions@rcs.ac.uk.

 

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 2020, unless an earlier date is specified. If your conditions include obtaining IELTS (English Language test), you must meet this condition by 31 May 2020.

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
3 January 2020	31 January 2020
16 March 2020	14 April 2020
14 July 2020	30 July 2020
4 August 2020	8 September 2020
After 4 August 2020	22 September 2020

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