<p>Connections, my D is a 3rd year student at RCS and her training has been similar in content to your S’s at LAMDA, I think.</p>
<p>The RCS program (and LAMDA, too, if I am not mistaken) focuses on “The Artist in Development”. They believe each student is unique and they nurture their strengths and interests while supporting the areas that can be improved. Below is her training in a nutshell: </p>
<p>First year at RCS focused on Acting, Music, Dance and Voice/Singing + Instrumental Studies. Students also signed up for a choice module/class (exploring an area outside the MT discipline) which could be in acting, production, dance, digital film & television or in music. They also had collaborative projects and were placed in groups of students from other disciplines. My D and classmates had practical experience, too: They performed for a televised BBCTV charity event “Children In Need”, performed in the RCS Christmas Cabaret, worked with the RCS drama students and the BBC to create a short film, and either performed in the spring main stage show, “Carousel”, or performed an original musical theater piece created by the first year students. RCS also offered Master Classes featuring industry professionals from several different disciplines. </p>
<p>Her second year focused on refining skills from year one and added in collaborative instrumental labs, songwriting, producing and budgeting, acting for media, musical theatre scenes and an opportunity for public performances of devised musical theatre work. RCS also offered a one week drama Master Class for the 2nd year MT students with an actor currently appearing in Game of Thrones. Practical performance the second year: Workshopped “Brigadoon” for the National Theatre of Scotland, performed in the RCS Christmas Cabaret, performed in either Betty Blue Eyes, A Man of No Importance, or Legally Blonde. During breaks, the conservatoire also funds student projects. One of the MT students and one of the Drama students hosted a talk radio show and many students write and direct their own plays, musicals, or concerts during the breaks.</p>
<p>This year is my D’s final year. The focus this year is on their profiles, marketing, audition techniques and developing industry connections. They have two main stage musicals (Our House & West Side Story) and one actor-muso show (Godspell). All 3rd year students perform in all 3 shows - usually a combination of leads and supporting cast (but there are a few that are straight supporting cast.) They will all have showcases in Glasgow + London & American students will have a NYC showcase on March 23, 2015 just days after West Side Story closes.</p>
<p>I am not aware of any US Program which replicates the UK approach, but my D really liked many U.S. programs as well (and NYU was on her list, soozievt). RCS was the only UK school my D researched and auditioned for. There are many excellent UK programs, though, like LAMDA & Guildhall, etc. - so if interested in studying abroad, do research all the great options. </p>