BA Performance
for Deaf and HoH actors
The only degree course for deaf and hard of hearing performers in the UK. Prepares you for a career in the creative industries.
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Overview
Do you identify as deaf or hard of hearing?
Do you want to perform or create work on stage and screen?
Are you keen, curious and ready to work?
We want to meet you!
We train students to become both actors and theatre- and film-makers.
We will teach you the skills you need to prepare you for a career in film, television, theatre and more.
This is a practical course. You will develop skills in acting, movement, devising, signing on stage, improvisation and puppetry. We explore highly visual and physical performance styles, short-film-making and workshop-leading.
This course is designed around the learning needs of deaf performers and is the only one like it in Europe.
The working languages of the programme are British Sign Language (BSL) and spoken English. It is your choice. You will have fully-qualified BSL interpreters in classes and in rehearsal.
The small class size means you work closely with our teaching staff and visiting professionals.
You will also benefit from our many professional partnerships including Solar Bear and National Theatre of Scotland.
If you are interested, you can visit us or get a taste of classes free online.
Please contact hello@rcs.ac.uk to find out more. You can also contact us via WhatsApp to arrange a videocall on +44 7961773630.
The programme recruits students every 3 years and the next group is due to start in September 2025. Direct entry will also be considered to the current group.
The important details
UK Applicant Deadline:
31 January 2025
International (including EU) Applicant Deadline:
31 January 2025
Apply:
Directly to RCS
Audition Fee:
N/A
Application Fee:
N/A
Please note
this course is subject to validation
Why Study BA Performance at RCS?
By studying BA Performance (for Deaf and HoH Actors), you will be studying in a World Top 10 Institution for Performing Arts.
The only degree of its kind in Europe
The majority of core staff on the programme use BSL
There are interpreters provided in every class
Small class size means more personalised support
Work with students from across the different courses in RCS
Industry showcases in both Glasgow and London
80% of graduates in 2018 went straight into professional work upon graduation
Jenny Sealey MBE is the programme patron
Meet the Staff
Additional Staff
Our department regularly welcomes visiting artists and masterclass hosts.
- Jenny Sealey
- Nadia Nadarajah
- Paula Garfield
- Lu Kemp
- Ruxy Cantir
- Gavin Glover
- Lewis Hetherington
- Jennifer Bates
- Sanjay Lago
- Chisato Minamimura
- Simon McCallum
- Jairus Obayomi
- Joan Cleville
Professional Partners
We have professional working relationships with many industry partners including: Deafinitely Theatre, National Theatre of Scotland, Graeae, BBC Scotland, Birds of Paradise.
Two of our main partners are:
Solar Bear
The programme has been developed in association with Solar Bear Theatre Company with input from a range of theatre, education and deaf professionals. We maintain a strong relationship with them.
Solar Bear is now a co-Deaf and Hearing-led company. Their Deaf Youth Theatre is a training ground for potential BA Performance students of the future. They also provide valuable post-graduation work opportunities through mentoring and supported development of theatre work.
In addition, Solar Bear is leading on practical research into Deaf film-making, working with English text in rehearsal and best practice when working with BSL users in creative settings.
Glasgow Film
We also have a partnership with Glasgow Film through their innovative screening strand: Visible Cinema through which our students choose, present and discuss Deaf-led films with audiences.
Graduate Destinations
Graduates from first 2 cohorts (Graduation years 2018/2021) are busy working in a variety of settings and roles: actors, directors, writers, workshop leaders, consultants, BSL performers, producers.
As is the aim of the programme, they are demonstrating the ability to maintain and thrive with a portfolio career: as actors, makers of work and more broadly.
They are also changing the landscape of performance locally, nationally and internationally, raising the profile of Deaf performance and bringing it to a wider audience.
Below are a few examples of their recent work:
- Craig McCulloch has recently taken on the role of Trainee CEO of Solar Bear Theatre Company in Glasgow co-running the company with Jennifer Bates. He still runs their Deaf Youth Theatre with fellow graduate Amy Murray. This is a training ground for future Deaf performers and from where a number of our students and graduates began their journey. Our students and graduates continue to work with this innovative theatre company, who were instrumental in helping to set up the course.
- Most recently graduates created a touring show based on 3 separate pieces of visual theatre.
- Edinburgh Deaf Festival celebrated its 2nd year, this time curated and produced by graduate Jamie Rea. Featuring a number of graduates of the course, the festival is now part of the Festival scene in Edinburgh running alongside and partnering with the Fringe. Audiences for shows are a healthy mix of Deaf and hearing, while the festival also serves to give greater access to the other festivals to Deaf theatre-goers.
- Jamie also developed and co-stars in a short film directed by Glasgow multi-hypenate, Cora Bisset. ‘The Singer’ has recently been screened at the BFI in London.
- Graduate of both BA Performance and MA CCT, Benedetta Zanetti has written and directed her first short film, ‘Look at Me‘ which featured one of our current students, Yuki Neoh alongside other RCS alumni. This film has recently been selected for the Glasgow International Short Film festival.
- 3 graduates toured in the game-changing Ramps on the Moon production of ‘Much Ado About Nothing‘. The organisation is a collaboration of 6 UK theatres creating annual productions that feature Deaf and Disabled actors in mainstage shows.
- Graduate Amy Murray featured in the Netflix series Witcher: Blood Origin‘ which premiered at Christmas last year. Watch her talk on the red carpet about the importance of Diversity in high-profile TV and film.
- Graduate Irina Vartopeanu has recently appeared in Jellyfish’s The Jungle Book. Afterwards she joined the cast of Disciples with Stellar Quines in Edinburgh.
Programme Structure
This is a foundation year where you learn skills. You study:
Acting — exploring character and situation from a script. You also develop your understanding of acting for camera.
New Work/devising classes teach you how to make original theatre based on your own ideas.
In the Register and Text module you learn to develop your signing and/or vocal skills. Movement classes develop an understanding of how you use your body in an expressive and creative manner.
Visual theatre classes explore a range of performance ideas from a deaf and hard of hearing perspective.
You will also have an opportunity to collaborate with students from across the conservatoire.
This is a project-based year where you apply your skills in new contexts.
The first is a public performance – you work from a script and allows you to develop your acting skills through a full rehearsal and production process.
The Outreach module gives students the opportunity to create and deliver workshops to schools and community groups.
The Off Kilter festival is a chance to create and perform your own pieces of devised work alongside students from other courses.
In Script to Screen, you learn to generate and write ideas for short films to be made in your final year.
Second year is also the beginning of Professional Preparation classes which start to get you thinking about working in the industry after graduation.
In your final year you will put the two strands of acting and performance-making together. The curriculum includes three public performances:
One is a co-production with another theatre company.
The second is a professional showcase to agents and casting directors.
The last is a devised or adapted piece of theatre where you will use your skills to create work across our two working languages.
Also, students’ short films are developed, filmed and screened.
We also encourage students to work professionally if invited to do so.
You will continue to develop your professional practice, employability and business skills so that, when you graduate, you are well equipped to manage your career as a professional performer.
Thinking About Applying?
The BA Performance (for Deaf and HoH Actors) Department are offering free Zoom workshops for students wishing to apply for next year or for future years. For more information on these and how to join, please contact our team at hello@rcs.ac.uk.
How to Apply
Apply Direct to RCS
Applications for BA Performance are made directly to RCS. The application process follows three stages:
- Application Form
- Audition Videos Submission
- Live Audition
You can find more information on our BA Performance Guide for Applicants and BA Performance Audition Process documents.
Applications should be made by 29 January 2025 for the start of the programme in September 2025. Applications can be returned to hello@rcs.ac.uk or by post to Admissions, RCS, 100 Renfrew St, Glasgow, G2 3DB.
Application/Audition fees
Application/Audition fees have been waived for all applicants to this programme.
Audition Information
We are currently reviewing the audition information for this programme. Details will be available here soon.
Recall Auditions
Following submitting your audition recordings, you may be invited to a recall audition day. This will involve group workshops led by staff from the programme and an interview which could happen either online or in-person depending on your location and preference. We may ask you to perform your Acting/and or Devised piece (the piece you recorded) live and we might re-work it with you. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions about studying and life at the Conservatoire.
References
You must ask two separate referees to supply references and ensure that these are sent to the Conservatoire. References can be supplied in either written English or BSL.
The references must come from two different people and we will not accept references from family, other relatives or close friends. Please send the forms to your referees to complete and return to RCS either via post: Admissions Office, RCS, 100 Renfrew Street, Glasgow, G2 3DB or via e-mail: references@rcs.ac.uk
Questions?
If you have any questions about applying to this programme, the audition process, or if you need help completing your application, please contact our team at hello@rcs.ac.uk.
To make an appointment for a video call with the departmental team, please email Head of Programme Mark Stevenson: M.Stevenson@rcs.ac.uk
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
You need to audition to be accepted on to the course. Details below.
There are no formal academic entrance requirements for this programme. Applicants will be asked to:
- Compose a personal statement explaining their background, motivation and experience either in written English or filmed BSL;
- Supply references. References can be supplied in either English or BSL.
All applicants must show 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 help given.
Language of Study
Our two working languages are BSL and/or English. If your native language is different, you must be prepared to learn either of these languages so you can study here easily. Your performance application videos can be in your native language.
For international students we can offer BSL classes before you arrive. For information, please contact our team at hello@rcs.ac.uk.
Direct entry
Applications for direct entry into Year 2 will be considered on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with the Royal Conservatoire’s Recognition of Prior (Experiential) Learning policy.
Fees & Funding
Tuition fees
For academic year 2024/25:
- Scotland: £1,820
- RUK: £9,250
- International: £27,968
Please note these fees are subject to change.
Funding & Scholarships
You can find out about the funding and scholarships available for studying at RCS by visiting our dedicated page:
Cost of Living & Programme Costs
In addition to tuition fees, it is estimated that you will need between £11,200 and £15,300 per year to live in Glasgow, plus programme costs. Much will depend on your lifestyle and whether your course runs for three or four terms.
Undergraduate Programmes within the School of Drama, Dance, Production and Film have a range of associated costs related to the specific activities required and advised by the programme team. In order to ensure fairness and parity of experience in relation to certain core programme activities a one-off payment to cover a proportion of necessary costs is required of the student at matriculation. You can find these costs in the pdf below:
More from BA Performance
Why RCS?
We are the only place in Europe where you can study all of the performing arts on the one campus. There is a distinctive creative energy at RCS and you’ll be made to feel part of our inclusive and diverse environment from the very beginning of your studies.
Our graduates are resourceful, highly employable and members of a dynamic community of artists who make a significant impact across the globe.
At RCS, students develop not just their art but their power to use it.
World Top Ten
We were voted one of the world’s Top Ten destinations to study the performing arts (QS Rankings) in 2024, the eighth time we have been placed in the top ten since the ranking was established in 2016.
Perform & Collaborate
Our curriculum is built around performance and collaboration and we hold professional partnerships with all of Scotland’s National Companies. Join forces across artforms and be part of the 500+ performances we give each year.
Outstanding Alumni
Our graduates are employed across the world and we take pride in the impact they have on their art forms. We’ll equip you with the skills to thrive as a professional and join their ranks.
Learn from the Best
More than 1,000 lecturers, tutors, artists, technicians, co-ordinators and support staff work at RCS across all our art forms. Study with some of the finest educators and performing and production artists in the UK.
A Campus Built for You
Our facilities are world-class. From rehearsal rooms and recording studios to our five professional performance venues, we have a campus to showcase and develop emerging artists to the highest standards.