<p>Still doing his due diligence. We will be making a final decision either way by the end of next week. We will keep the group posted.</p>
<p>After much review, my son has decided that classical training at RSAMD would suit him better. He has spoken to current students (who love it there)and professionals in the US that have encouraged him to pursue RSAMD. He spoke candidly with one of the top agents in Hollywood (his sister's contact) and his opinion was no question that pure classical acting training would be better at RSAMD. Keep you posted.</p>
<p>Best wishes to your son, tnactorsdad, on his exciting plans to attend RSAMD. Keep us updated about his adventures as it helps to have those with some experience at each program continue to participate on CC. </p>
<p>I'm happy for you that things worked out as they did with your boy.</p>
<p>Sooziet</p>
<p>My son spoke to FROZENCHOSENAK's son who thinks RSAMD is "awesome" Also they find out that he and my son have a mutual friend from Interlochen so a connection right off the bat! Thanks for the help.</p>
<p>I'm so glad that I was able to connect you and your son with that mom and her son! Her son once went to my D's theater camp but not at the same time as my D attended. But my niece who does theater and is the same age as her son, lives in Alaska and they were friends there through theater. My niece is now in a BFA in Acting program too.</p>
<p>After reading about RSAMD, I passed the information on to a friend of the family whose daughter is currently pursuing musical theatre. She loves MT, but feels as if she would be better suited in an acting program, perhaps abroad. Her main concern was how many times an applicant is allowed to audition (like Juilliard's three time rule). She is seriously considering transferring, but in case she was to be rejected, she would like to try again for graduate school, etc. Does anyone know if RSAMD has any kind of limit to the amount of times one can audition? She has searched the website to no avail, and I thought that I would try my luck here and get back to her.
Thanks.</p>
<p>Email the school as they have been very open and helpful when we had questions before, during, and after our son's acceptance. You might reach out to Kate Woods (RSAMD) who could get you the proper answer or direct you to the right person.</p>
<p>I'm sorry it has been so long since I posted...I would be happy to respond to any questions about RSAMD in Glagow, Scotland. Our son is halfway through his three year BA Acting program and LOVES it! He attended Interlochen Arts Academy and auditioned there. His acceptance came before many of his American schools (CMU, waitlisted). He has been very impressed with the training in accents, voice, singing, dance, microphone work, performance (stage), camera, fencing, movement, etc. He has found the program to be enriched by guest artists from London (Nadine George) and France (Francois LeCoq-LeCoq School) as well as master classes (Richard Attenbourgh, James McEvoy, Robbie Coltrane-Comedian & played Hagrid in the Harry Potter series). There are usually only 5 Americans accepted yearly and each class of 20-24 students are from all ages (many UK students attend other specialized acting program to qualify for acceptance). RSAMD acting program takes a mix of International students and builds on their existing skill level, rather than "molding or remaking them" into their image, unlike typical four year acting programs in the US, which our son is learning from his former classmates at Interlochen. Glasgow has put a lot of money into the ARTS with museums, art galleries and five major theatres. There are 5 universities in the city and numerous film students from RSAMD and Glasgow University audition Royal Scottish actors for their media work. He knew of no limit to the number of times a student could audition, In fact, he has a classmate who auditioned 5 times and is now in a BBC series coming out this year.</p>
<p>Our son just returned for the Holidays and feels that RSAMD is giving him a great training. He came home ten pounds lighter and very much in shape (movement and fencing) not to mention they walk everywhere. After listening to him talk about his experiences confirms that this is the "right" place for him. The course work is challenging and exciting.
Note:
It takes an independent young adult to live half way around the world, matriculate into a new culture, cook their own meals and train hard. If you have a special student they should consider auditioning fro RSAMD.</p>
<p>TNACTORSDAD
Does the TN mean Tennessee? If so, Ty says your son is an amazing cook. He cooked marinated chicken, balsamic/soy asparagus on a bed of mushrooms and rice....he has been over at his flat cooking. Yes, the Scottish experience is incredible! The classic training ours has received seems outstanding...</p>
<p>Yes, one in the same. They have all bonded well and are having a blast in Glasgow. He really appreciates Ty making him feel welcome. This break goes by fast! Enjoy the Holidays.</p>
<p>Have you had a chance to visit Glasgow and see the campus. We were very impressed with the vibrant city with museums, gallaries, shopping (second only to London), theatres, 5 universities, etc. We spent 4 days in London (acting friend's apartment) at the Royal Arsenal overlooking the Themes and London skyline, a day in Dublin to see Trinity College (I would certainly go back) and used our s apartment as a home base in Glasgow. We took a Highlands tour to Loch Lomand and Loch Ness and traveled by the castle where "Monarch of the Glen" was filmed (several RSAMD alum are in it). WE love the series from Netflix and are now watching "House of Elliot". His experience in Europe has certainly broadened our travel and enrichment. RSAMD alums visit often...</p>
<p>Hi, I was just wanting to ask anyone who would have some answers for me?
You see I'm sixteen and from Scotland and in a few years time after getting my highers and that, I'm wanting to go to the RSAMD.
The problem is, I don't know what I want to do in life after school and am wondering if going to the RSAMD is a reasonable choice. I love acting with a passion and I really want to publish it as a career but could anyone tell me if I would be wasting my time and just dreaming a dream?
Thanks.</p>
<p>Only choosing acting as a profession if there is absolutely nothing else that makes you even remotely happy. DON'T do it because you "enjoy it" (then do am dram) and because you don't know what else to do after school.</p>
<p>The shopping is 'officially' second to London, I'm pretty sure it's surpassed by Birmingham and Manchester (we don't have a Krispy Kremes, though apparently there are plans...).
If you can afford to, don't live in the student halls. Seriously.
Museums and galleries? Come on, let's be frank, there's a few - Kelvingrove is about the only one worth a visit. Glasgow is the poorest City in Britain, you may have enjoyed the Monarch of the Glen set, it's not a joke, it can be a very hairy place to live. Sectarianism isn't a buzz word, it happens a lot (I'm fortunate enough to live across the street from Walter Smith's pub... sigh). If you want a list of places NOT to send your kids to live I'd be more than happy to help....</p>
<p>Glasgow's real plus sides -
You can't walk down any main streets without someone trying to talk to you (usually for money but they are ((mostly)) friendly). The busking scene is pretty cool (and sometimes funny) too. TGi Fridays... I'm struggling, but I guess it's cause I live in there....
It's seriously cheaper to live here than London. The subway has about 13 stops and just goes round in circles, so you can't really get lost (this is relevant as RSAMD is right next to Cowcaddens).</p>
<p>But the RSAMD, is, for me, it's only saving grace, so roll it on, as long as your kids stay safe they'll love it. Any chance of living in your gaff while I study over there?! Why is it we're never happy with what we have!</p>
<p>To clear up a few RSAMD points unlimited auditions, no guaranteed Visa. Showcases in London have gone down with roaring success most years... James McAvoy got fag rage when he visited recently... apparently he couldn't shake people off long enough to roll one and get outside! The CTP course may have been axed but as far as I know at least 3 new BAs in Musical Theatre,Ballet and DFTV are being introduced this year - the money isn't short, it was abused (one opera going ... i can't remember the exact figure but at least tens of thousands over budget)... And Jane, please stop reaping your own special brand of negativity on the potential acting world! We know you haven't made it yet, already!</p>
<p>JH</p>
<p>The comment I made is one echoed and stated by many professional actors and people in the industry (and by many on these boards), so assigning it to me as "my own special brand of negativity" shows if anything, that you are misinformed or possibly uninformed. You are confusing negativity with realism James. We are officially dealing with the highest number of people entering the business per year ever. If you don't believe me ask Equity or Spotlight for facts and numbers. Many agents are closing shop as it's too tough out there to make enough commission for them to even break even mainly due to the reality TV influx (I personally know of three in the past two months) and the amount of time you now get to be seen for a private audition for a lead in a West End musical is - 3 minutes. That's right, my last West End audition time was 10:27am, I did 16 bars and the next person was in at 10:30. It used to be 2 songs and a little chat with the panel when I first left drama school but now there simply isn't enough time for that if they want to see as many people as possible in the little time they have. There are no second chances. Auditions for fringe productions that pay no wage at all are now as competitive as some West End productions of plays and musicals. Most of my friends that are recent drama school graduates sometimes can't even get seen for fringe (unpaid work) without an agent when this used to be the starting ground for many in order to even get one. I could go on with other examples and facts but hmm....I might seem negative. </p>
<p>"Making it" as you call it, nowadays is equivalent to being able to survive solely on performance related work (which equates to about 10% of all UK Equity members at any given time), never mind anything further. In that sense, the large majority of professional actors with good amounts of experience over the years in this country - have not "made it" and have second, sometimes third jobs to keep them afloat. Including some of those currently engaged in succesful West End productions. If you don't believe me, I suggest you read the Equity forum or spend some time talking to actors in the canteen at the Actors Centre in London (or any Actors Centre for that matter) or indeed chat to some of the major agents who have been in the game since the 60's and are closely noting the extreme changes that have affected this industry in the past few years. </p>
<p>The only way to deal with this profession I have found is to look the facts squarely in the eye and know exactly what you are getting yourself into. It's easy to get lost in the creative and "exciting" part of it all but in the end you have to be your own business above anything else to stay in the game and work past that first or second job you got from the drama school showcase. This is a lesson I personally wish I had learnt much, much sooner so I feel the need to pass it on to others now. Having a personal and funnily enough, negative dig at me, won't help anyone on this board, least of all yourself James so why are you doing it?</p>
<p>JIJane, I have been meaning to tell you how very helpful you are to the readers of this forum, offering specifics when asked about the advisability of certain pieces and listing alternatives that may not be as overdone. This seems like a good time to say thank you for your willingness to help. I would never have described you as negative.</p>
<p>Thank you. :)</p>
<p>I see that this a post for RSAMD/RCS, mostly their acting or MT programs, but has anyone heard about their Contemporary Performance Practice Program? Any insight would be much appreciated. Much Thanks.</p>
<p>Re: the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland -aka Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama</p>
<p>Could someone, anyone, tell me about the RSAMD theater program- in Scotland? We have a strong interest in it but don’t know much at all. Has anyone visited the school?
David Tennant is my son’s idol- he and James McAvoy I just read are graduates.</p>