Performance

• The performance pathway is an intensive blend of high-level vocational education and creative opportunities for students who already have a related degree and/or performing experience.
• As well as practical performance learning, we’ll equip you with skills, knowledge and contacts for your professional career. The programme is closely linked with the industry, and has been developed with professional input, ensuring you acquire the practical skills that employers are looking for. You will have a high degree of one-to-one contact time, including individual voice and singing tutorials with some of the finest singing teachers in the UK, as well as conservatoire level training in acting, dance and music.
• During the MA Musical Theatre programme you will work on a new musical development and a public performance of a solo cabaret or devised performance. You will also spend a full season performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe; including a fully produced main stage musical theatre production (previous productions include Jerry Springer the Opera, Spring Awakening, The Addams Family and Avenue Q) and the performance of a new work.

Musical Directing

• The musical directing pathway is designed to support the development of skill base and the exploration of creative thought for the musician with a passion for theatre. Through specialised conservatoire training, specific attention will be paid to grounding your keyboard and conducting skills, to exploring scoring and arranging, keyboard programming and vocal technique, all with a view to building the depth of process needed in the varying environments relevant to musical theatre. As well as practical performance training, we’ll support you in the development of skills, knowledge, and contacts for your professional career as an imaginative and versatile artist.
• You will collaborate with your peers on the BA and MA Musical Theatre (Performance) programmes, gaining valuable production and performance experience in a range of contexts and environments including Big Band, Cabaret, New Musical Development and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. You will have a project mentor who will support and feedback on each project in consultation with your industry mentor who will also guide you through your Industry placement.
• During the MA Musical Theatre programme you will work on the development of new work in conjunction with writers and a creative team. You will be Assistant Musical Director on some fully-produced BA Musical Theatre shows including a book musical, a contemporary musical and an actor-musician project. You will also have the opportunity to be Musical Director of a public concert series with the RCS Big Band and take on a variety of creative roles on a season of work produced at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

A full fee waiver applies for the Musical Directing pathway.

 

Performance

• New musical development
• Skills classes in dance, voice, acting and performance
• Intimate scene study
• Fully produced performance of a public Big Band concert in conjunction with the RCS Big Band
• Musical Theatre scene study and performance
• Public performance of solo cabaret or devised performance
• Full season of work produced at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe; including a fully produced main stage musical theatre production (previous productions include Jerry Springer the Opera, Spring Awakening, Company and Avenue Q) and the performances of a brand new work (previous productions include the award-winning Wasted Love, Freak Show, Forest Boy and Rocket Science)

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

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is in the World Top 5 for performing arts education

• Industry showcases in Glasgow, London with a New York showcase for North American students
• Excellent industry connections
• Excellent staff-student ratio
• Staff members are active, multi-disciplinary artists
• Regular masterclasses and workshops with industry professionals including producers, directors, casting directors, agents and performers (recent visitors include John Barrowman, James Brining, David Grindrod, Jemima Levick, Barbara Dickson and Dominic Hill)
• Past students have had opportunity to take on roles as musical directors and directors for external corporate work; assisted guest creatives on Edinburgh Fringe productions; presented their own song or composition material; and produced their own work at the Edinburgh Fringe
• 97% of postgraduate respondents from the School of Drama are in employment or further study (HESA, 15/16)

 

Teaching Staff

Andrew Panton – Visiting Professor

David Higham – Lecturer (Musical Direction)

Eve Jamieson – Lecturer (Acting)

Classes take place across the two Royal Conservatoire of Scotland buildings. During the programme students can expect to work in all of our performance spaces including; the New Athenaeum Theatre, the Stevenson Concert Hall, the Chandler Studio and the Alexander Gibson Opera Studio. 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:

Performers

• Rebecca Faulkenberry – Rock of Ages, Spiderman and High School Musical (Broadway)
• Scott Garnham – Les Misérables and I Can’t Sing (West End)
• Aaron Lee Lambert – Sister Act, Shrek and Urinetown (West End)
• Keisha Fraser – Colour Purple and Book of Mormon (West End)
• John McLarnon – We Will Rock You and The Commitments (West End)
• Robbie Towns – Legally Blonde and Transatlantic (West End)

Musical Directors

• Alan Bukowiecki – Book of Mormon, Chicago and Hair (US national tour)
• Amy Shackcloth – Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour, Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (UK national tour)
• Tamara Saringer – Vanities the Musical (West End)
• James Simpson – Lion King (Singapore), Aladdin (Australia)
• Sarah De Tute – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (UK national tour)
• Claire McKenzie – Award-winning composer and founder of Noisemaker music theatre company
• Andrea Grody – Venice and Love Labour Lost (New York)
• Lindsey Miller – Fame (UK National Tour)

Testimonials

Into the Woods

Atlantic: A Scottish Story

 

Atlantic: America and the Great War

 

Tuition fees for academic year 2018-19

• UK/EU Students – £12,471
• International (Non EU) – £19,581

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.

 

 

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.

Recordings

If 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 before uploading 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. Please check individual requirements above for what to prepare for your audition.

Audition preparation

We also offer musical theatre audition preparation courses through our Centre for Lifelong Learning. There are four courses to choose from:

• Musical Theatre Audition: Monologues
• Musical Theatre Audition: Song
• Musical Theatre Audition: Dance
• Musical Theatre Audition: Mock Audition

 

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 2019. 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 2020, 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.

Where we audition

Whilst most auditions take place at the Conservatoire, we do hold some auditions internationally. If you wish to audition at any of the locations below, please 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’, your audition will be 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 in the locations below, please email hello@rcs.ac.uk.

Audition Locations

Where	When
New York	January 2019
Chicago	February 2019
Toronto	date to be confirmed

London Auditions

We also hold auditions in London for MA Musical Theatre (Performance) (date to be confirmed). To audition at these locations, you must apply via UCAS Conservatoires by 15 December 2019.  Audition spaces are limited and are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

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 2019.

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.

 

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 2019, unless an earlier date is specified. If your conditions include obtaining IELTS (English Language test), you must meet this condition by 31 May 2019.

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 2019	30 January 2019
16 March 2019	16 April 2019
16 July 2019	30 July 2019
6 August 2019	9 September 2019
After 6 August 2019	25 September 2019

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