RSAMD freezes leading course as part of drive to save £600,000
A leading theatrical course at Scotland's most prestigious performing arts academy is taking no new students for the next academic year, The Herald can reveal.
The multi-disciplinary course in Contemporary Performance Practice (CPP) at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow will not have a first-year intake in 2008/2009.
Yesterday, the cash-strapped academy admitted that recruitment to the cutting-edge, four-year degree has been "put on hold" as part of the "change process" at the conservatoire.
The RSAMD said that there was "no threat to the course" but staff and former pupils of the CPP, which has been running for 11 years, fear that its days could now be numbered.
As a result of the freeze, places for 12 new first-year students will not be filled.
The cancellation comes a day after it was revealed that the RSAMD's student opera production of Eugene Onegin could have a cost over-run of £100,000. Last month, The Herald disclosed staff at the academy are facing job cuts as part of moves to save £600,000.
The CPP course, led by Deborah Richardson-Webb, is designed to teach young actors innovative and ground-breaking ways of working in the realm of "performance art".
It especially encourages outreach, educational and community-based work, as well as teaching students to set up their own practice, and work as experimental solo artists working with image, action, sound and text, as well as within traditional theatre remits.
Johnny McKnight, an actor who set up a theatre company after attending the course, said that if the course is removed its affect would be "devastating". He said the course's emphasis on working in outreach and community work makes it unique.
"I never would have had the career I have if I had not taken that course," he said. "The course stresses what a lot of theatre companies are now placing a lot of emphasis on: education work, working with communities, in participation, and working with people who would never usually consider going to see theatre.
"This sends out the message that the RSAMD is not so interested in such educational work as the high end, money-making arts, like music."
Alumni of the course include Kate Stannard, who has attracted glowing reviews for her experimental work, as well as McKnight and Julie Brown, who founded the Random Accomplice theatre company.
A spokeswoman for the RSAMD said: "The quality of the student learning experience is of paramount importance to us and we continually look across our entire provision to ensure we remain at the vanguard of conservatoire education worldwide. As part of the change process and continuous improvement at the academy we have decided to put a hold on student recruitment for this programme for one year.
"This decision is based upon sound business planning and educational expertise.
"We remain committed to providing a range of programmes across the academic spectrum and delivering excellence in drama and music education in Scotland remains a priority."
The academy is undergoing a period of considerable financial change, and is offering a voluntary severance scheme to its 300 full-time staff.
John Wallace, principal, has said that long-term financial problems have been caused by the underfunding by the Scottish Funding Council.
Drama students only attract around £7000 in funding from the SFC, compared to £13,000 for music students - whereas academies in England receive £12,000 for drama students.
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Posted by: Los Angeles, Edinburgh on 2:31am Sat 9 Feb 08
[quote]The multi-disciplinary course in Contemporary Performance Practice (CPP) at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow will not have a first-year intake in 2008/2009.[/quote] [quote]The RSAMD said that there was "no threat to the course" but staff and former pupils of the CPP, which has been running for 11 years, fear that its days could now be numbered.[/quote] [quote]He said the course's emphasis on working in [bold]outreach[/bold] and community work makes it unique.[/quote] A great shame if it is to end.
I hope the academy authorities and staff are making representation to the minister of education.
But only the other day I was musing over the pleasant demise ages ago of cringeworthy names like "outreach" - a social work hangover.
The multi-disciplinary course in Contemporary Performance Practice (CPP) at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow will not have a first-year intake in 2008/2009.
The RSAMD said that there was "no threat to the course" but staff and former pupils of the CPP, which has been running for 11 years, fear that its days could now be numbered.
He said the course's emphasis on working in outreach and community work makes it unique.
A great shame if it is to end.
I hope the academy authorities and staff are making representation to the minister of education.
But only the other day I was musing over the pleasant demise ages ago of cringeworthy names like "outreach" - a social work hangover.
Posted by: RSAMDstudent, Glasgow on 1:25pm Sat 9 Feb 08
We don't like the term 'outreach' either.
I just posted this on the other story about the opera. But think that it goes well here to.
[quote]"Many wonder what the academy is turning into by endorsing exorbitant overspends in opera while it is announcing job cuts and cuts to other courses."[/quote]
It's come out now that the Contemporary Performance Practice course's intake for next year is being cut. So at the same time as the scandalous overspending in opera they are cutting the social inclusion course.
[quote]"significant irony"[/quote]
Often seen by many to be the most elitist and inaccessible of artforms Opera once again is taking money away from socially engaged practices that actually affect normal people's lives.
The students know there's been things going on at RSAMD, and I think that those in CPP would have preferred to have been officially told about the cuts in their course by the Principal or Deputy Principal and not through the press.
CPP is the only course of its kind in Europe. I know because I chose to come here and visited other institutions. As far as I know opera is available at other conservatoires and so it is CPP that makes RSAMD unique by using the arts to promote social inclusion, change and participation.
CPP has changed my life and made me realise the power and importance of performance, and the difference it can make to people's lives. I just don't understand why The Academy doesn't value our work in the same way it does opera. When we have budgets we stick to them - all £50 of it! Part of learning how to be an artist is learning how to work within means! Throwing more money at it doesn't mean that quality increases. And no amount can replace ingenuity.
For those that are interested we are working on a commission from the British Red Cross at the moment creating a new show for primary and secondary school pupils on the impact of asylum seekers in their communities. In other years people are working with Theatre Nemo, Suspect Culture and Graeae, Random Accomplice, Junction 25 there's even someone doing Dramatherapy in New Zealand! Fourth years are also making degree shows at Tramway to be performed in our festival "Into the New" 18, 19, 20 March.
I still don’t understand why we aren’t recruiting next year. Is it too late to change The Academy’s mind?
Finally, we are used to making a lot happen with very little. Next time try giving us £100,000 and see what we’d do with it.
We don't like the term 'outreach' either.
I just posted this on the other story about the opera. But think that it goes well here to.
"Many wonder what the academy is turning into by endorsing exorbitant overspends in opera while it is announcing job cuts and cuts to other courses."
It's come out now that the Contemporary Performance Practice course's intake for next year is being cut. So at the same time as the scandalous overspending in opera they are cutting the social inclusion course.
"significant irony"
Often seen by many to be the most elitist and inaccessible of artforms Opera once again is taking money away from socially engaged practices that actually affect normal people's lives.
The students know there's been things going on at RSAMD, and I think that those in CPP would have preferred to have been officially told about the cuts in their course by the Principal or Deputy Principal and not through the press.
CPP is the only course of its kind in Europe. I know because I chose to come here and visited other institutions. As far as I know opera is available at other conservatoires and so it is CPP that makes RSAMD unique by using the arts to promote social inclusion, change and participation.
CPP has changed my life and made me realise the power and importance of performance, and the difference it can make to people's lives. I just don't understand why The Academy doesn't value our work in the same way it does opera. When we have budgets we stick to them - all £50 of it! Part of learning how to be an artist is learning how to work within means! Throwing more money at it doesn't mean that quality increases. And no amount can replace ingenuity.
For those that are interested we are working on a commission from the British Red Cross at the moment creating a new show for primary and secondary school pupils on the impact of asylum seekers in their communities. In other years people are working with Theatre Nemo, Suspect Culture and Graeae, Random Accomplice, Junction 25 there's even someone doing Dramatherapy in New Zealand! Fourth years are also making degree shows at Tramway to be performed in our festival "Into the New" 18, 19, 20 March.
I still don’t understand why we aren’t recruiting next year. Is it too late to change The Academy’s mind?
Finally, we are used to making a lot happen with very little. Next time try giving us £100,000 and see what we’d do with it.
Posted by: Kate E., Puri, Odissa, India on 1:29pm Sat 9 Feb 08
Yet another victim in our increasingly commodity driven educational systems. This is a shocking and sad bit of news.
I recieved my MDra (Acting) from the RSAMD in 2000. When chosing an institution for my Masters I looked at Yale, NYU and RADA - all very good programs in their own right. The determining factor for me- with the MDra course (which has since also been axed) was that I felt it was a course that would 'develop' me and not 'break and re-make' me into the *product* of that institution. It was a great course - not only did I re-visit and strenghthen the foundations of acting I also was able to develop my own work. This has been the single most valuable gift I could have recieved and I have worked consistently and internationally since that time.
In my observations of the CPP course I see similar trends - it may not be a 'perfect' course (there isn't any) but certainly the graduates all are using their skills and experiences and WORKING. Consistently.
Educational institutions must stop being run by the 'bottom line'. We will all become very shallow and short minded people. We must work hand in hand and bravely to encourage vision and experimentation.
The CCP is unique and well regarded. It should be maintained.
Yet another victim in our increasingly commodity driven educational systems. This is a shocking and sad bit of news.
I recieved my MDra (Acting) from the RSAMD in 2000. When chosing an institution for my Masters I looked at Yale, NYU and RADA - all very good programs in their own right. The determining factor for me- with the MDra course (which has since also been axed) was that I felt it was a course that would 'develop' me and not 'break and re-make' me into the *product* of that institution. It was a great course - not only did I re-visit and strenghthen the foundations of acting I also was able to develop my own work. This has been the single most valuable gift I could have recieved and I have worked consistently and internationally since that time.
In my observations of the CPP course I see similar trends - it may not be a 'perfect' course (there isn't any) but certainly the graduates all are using their skills and experiences and WORKING. Consistently.
Educational institutions must stop being run by the 'bottom line'. We will all become very shallow and short minded people. We must work hand in hand and bravely to encourage vision and experimentation.
The CCP is unique and well regarded. It should be maintained.
Posted by: RSAMDstudent, Glasgow on 10:29am Sun 10 Feb 08
We don't like the term 'outreach' either.
I just posted this on the other story about the opera. But think that it goes well here to.
[quote]"Many wonder what the academy is turning into by endorsing exorbitant overspends in opera while it is announcing job cuts and cuts to other courses."[/quote]
It's come out now that the Contemporary Performance Practice course's intake for next year is being cut. So at the same time as the scandalous overspending in opera they are cutting the social inclusion course.
[quote]"significant irony"[/quote]
Often seen by many to be the most elitist and inaccessible of artforms Opera once again is taking money away from socially engaged practices that actually affect normal people's lives.
The students know there's been things going on at RSAMD, and I think that those in CPP would have preferred to have been officially told about the cuts in their course by the Principal or Deputy Principal and not through the press.
CPP is the only course of its kind in Europe. I know because I chose to come here and visited other institutions. As far as I know opera is available at other conservatoires and so it is CPP that makes RSAMD unique by using the arts to promote social inclusion, change and participation.
CPP has changed my life and made me realise the power and importance of performance, and the difference it can make to people's lives. I just don't understand why The Academy doesn't value our work in the same way it does opera. When we have budgets we stick to them - all £50 of it! Part of learning how to be an artist is learning how to work within means! Throwing more money at it doesn't mean that quality increases. And no amount can replace ingenuity.
For those that are interested we are working on a commission from the British Red Cross at the moment creating a new show for primary and secondary school pupils on the impact of asylum seekers in their communities. In other years people are working with Theatre Nemo, Suspect Culture and Graeae, Random Accomplice, Junction 25 there's even someone doing Dramatherapy in New Zealand! Fourth years are also making degree shows at Tramway to be performed in our festival "Into the New" 18, 19, 20 March.
I still don’t understand why we aren’t recruiting next year. Is it too late to change The Academy’s mind?
Finally, we are used to making a lot happen with very little. Next time try giving us £100,000 and see what we’d do with it.
We don't like the term 'outreach' either.
I just posted this on the other story about the opera. But think that it goes well here to.
"Many wonder what the academy is turning into by endorsing exorbitant overspends in opera while it is announcing job cuts and cuts to other courses."
It's come out now that the Contemporary Performance Practice course's intake for next year is being cut. So at the same time as the scandalous overspending in opera they are cutting the social inclusion course.
"significant irony"
Often seen by many to be the most elitist and inaccessible of artforms Opera once again is taking money away from socially engaged practices that actually affect normal people's lives.
The students know there's been things going on at RSAMD, and I think that those in CPP would have preferred to have been officially told about the cuts in their course by the Principal or Deputy Principal and not through the press.
CPP is the only course of its kind in Europe. I know because I chose to come here and visited other institutions. As far as I know opera is available at other conservatoires and so it is CPP that makes RSAMD unique by using the arts to promote social inclusion, change and participation.
CPP has changed my life and made me realise the power and importance of performance, and the difference it can make to people's lives. I just don't understand why The Academy doesn't value our work in the same way it does opera. When we have budgets we stick to them - all £50 of it! Part of learning how to be an artist is learning how to work within means! Throwing more money at it doesn't mean that quality increases. And no amount can replace ingenuity.
For those that are interested we are working on a commission from the British Red Cross at the moment creating a new show for primary and secondary school pupils on the impact of asylum seekers in their communities. In other years people are working with Theatre Nemo, Suspect Culture and Graeae, Random Accomplice, Junction 25 there's even someone doing Dramatherapy in New Zealand! Fourth years are also making degree shows at Tramway to be performed in our festival "Into the New" 18, 19, 20 March.
I still don’t understand why we aren’t recruiting next year. Is it too late to change The Academy’s mind?
Finally, we are used to making a lot happen with very little. Next time try giving us £100,000 and see what we’d do with it.
Posted by: Kirstin, glasgow on 7:07pm Sun 10 Feb 08
As a graduate of CTP/CPP, I am utterly shocked and dismayed that the course is to be ‘put on hold’.
This is the only course of its nature in Scotland, and for the past 11 years, its students and graduates have made an immeasurable contribution to all aspects of Scottish theatre. It is safe to say that our theatre and performance community would be markedly smaller and far less interesting were it not for CPP.
For several reason this news is ridiculous, upsetting and grossly disappointing.
There is not one other course in Scotland that provides such excellent training in educational theatre. The high quality of training has created graduates who are diligent, highly knowledgeable and 100% aware of the latest developments in educational developments and best practice. To remove this supply of highly trained experts, the results would be devastating – for schools, theatre companies and community groups across the country.
CPP encourages new and dynamic work. This course is for people who want to explore new ways of working, to push artistic boundaries and create their own innovative work. If there is no longer a ‘supply’ of such graduates, then the face of Scottish theatre becomes far less interesting.
In addition, and very importantly, graduates of CPP WORK IN THEATRE. In a field where jobs are scarce, our excellent training means that we work consistently. And much of the work has a high impact on the generation of new audiences for new exciting work.
In scrapping this course, the RSAMD is saying that Scotland’s leading conservatoire no longer cares about innovation. It no longer cares about excellence in education. It no longer cares about creating new audiences and it no longer cares about the empowerment of youth – The RSAMD no longer cares about excellence in the theatre.
And that is a very sad message.
As a graduate of CTP/CPP, I am utterly shocked and dismayed that the course is to be ‘put on hold’.
This is the only course of its nature in Scotland, and for the past 11 years, its students and graduates have made an immeasurable contribution to all aspects of Scottish theatre. It is safe to say that our theatre and performance community would be markedly smaller and far less interesting were it not for CPP.
For several reason this news is ridiculous, upsetting and grossly disappointing.
There is not one other course in Scotland that provides such excellent training in educational theatre. The high quality of training has created graduates who are diligent, highly knowledgeable and 100% aware of the latest developments in educational developments and best practice. To remove this supply of highly trained experts, the results would be devastating – for schools, theatre companies and community groups across the country.
CPP encourages new and dynamic work. This course is for people who want to explore new ways of working, to push artistic boundaries and create their own innovative work. If there is no longer a ‘supply’ of such graduates, then the face of Scottish theatre becomes far less interesting.
In addition, and very importantly, graduates of CPP WORK IN THEATRE. In a field where jobs are scarce, our excellent training means that we work consistently. And much of the work has a high impact on the generation of new audiences for new exciting work.
In scrapping this course, the RSAMD is saying that Scotland’s leading conservatoire no longer cares about innovation. It no longer cares about excellence in education. It no longer cares about creating new audiences and it no longer cares about the empowerment of youth – The RSAMD no longer cares about excellence in the theatre.
And that is a very sad message.
Posted by: CPP Graduate, glasgow on 9:01pm Sun 10 Feb 08
I am seriously saddened by this news.
The quality to this education is second to none. The sheer range of experience available to students and the culture of rigorous critical discourse produces graduates of the highest calibre.
I really can't understand why the RSAMD would be wishing to sacrifice innovation and cutting edge work? Doesn't it value this type of work? I am disappointed to imagine that this tragedy would be explained away as an economic necessity - how can they justify cutting educational opportunities? What is this building actually about ?
I for one want to thank the CTP/CPP programme for all that it has given me - I have worked consistently since I left with confidence in my ability, nutured by my time on this course.
I would urge the RSAMD to think again about the effect of these cuts on the wider arts scene in Scotland. It is disappointing that they aren't the first to sing the praises of their graduates and students and to fight to protect such a highly achieving programme.
I am seriously saddened by this news.
The quality to this education is second to none. The sheer range of experience available to students and the culture of rigorous critical discourse produces graduates of the highest calibre.
I really can't understand why the RSAMD would be wishing to sacrifice innovation and cutting edge work? Doesn't it value this type of work? I am disappointed to imagine that this tragedy would be explained away as an economic necessity - how can they justify cutting educational opportunities? What is this building actually about ?
I for one want to thank the CTP/CPP programme for all that it has given me - I have worked consistently since I left with confidence in my ability, nutured by my time on this course.
I would urge the RSAMD to think again about the effect of these cuts on the wider arts scene in Scotland. It is disappointing that they aren't the first to sing the praises of their graduates and students and to fight to protect such a highly achieving programme.
Posted by: Exxe, glasgow on 10:49pm Sun 10 Feb 08
As quoted on the RSAMD webside, RSAMD is a "dynamic, leading edge place of training and development for emergent artists" where students are "making a contribution to the cultural landscapes." If these are some of the premises this institution holds, the CPP programme is incredibly and vitally necessary. If RSAMD genuinly holds the values it claims to hold, the CPP programme is a huge part of the institution. It is, certainly, a huge part of the arts and performance within Glasgow and beyond.
CPP is a unique course. It provides young emerging artists with the skill, ability, and understanding to create work across a wide spectrum. Graduate artists work within different social, community, educational, theatrical, and artistic contexts, making work that is innovative, new, and incredibly important. The work reaches so many varying audiences. This course is needed in the contemporary climate where innovation, creativity, social inclusion, multi-disciplines, adaptability, and so on are vital when working as an artist within and outside the art world.
This course cannot be cut. It's immediate effects upon students and staff would be great. It's effect upon people within and outside of the art world would perhaps be even greater.
As quoted on the RSAMD webside, RSAMD is a "dynamic, leading edge place of training and development for emergent artists" where students are "making a contribution to the cultural landscapes." If these are some of the premises this institution holds, the CPP programme is incredibly and vitally necessary. If RSAMD genuinly holds the values it claims to hold, the CPP programme is a huge part of the institution. It is, certainly, a huge part of the arts and performance within Glasgow and beyond.
CPP is a unique course. It provides young emerging artists with the skill, ability, and understanding to create work across a wide spectrum. Graduate artists work within different social, community, educational, theatrical, and artistic contexts, making work that is innovative, new, and incredibly important. The work reaches so many varying audiences. This course is needed in the contemporary climate where innovation, creativity, social inclusion, multi-disciplines, adaptability, and so on are vital when working as an artist within and outside the art world.
This course cannot be cut. It's immediate effects upon students and staff would be great. It's effect upon people within and outside of the art world would perhaps be even greater.
Posted by: CTPgraduate, Glasgow on 11:01pm Sun 10 Feb 08
It is incredibly disappointing to see that this article appears to be the first time that the students have been made fully aware of the academies intentions towards this very important and absolutely crucial course.
I agree wholeheartedly with the people that have commented so far. the achievements this course has made in only tens years are remarkable and have greatly enriched the work of the academy.
This move seems very extreme and there appears to be a lack of evidence to back up why 'putting on hold' such a course will make a significant dent on the academy's deficit.
It is incredibly disappointing to see that this article appears to be the first time that the students have been made fully aware of the academies intentions towards this very important and absolutely crucial course.
I agree wholeheartedly with the people that have commented so far. the achievements this course has made in only tens years are remarkable and have greatly enriched the work of the academy.
This move seems very extreme and there appears to be a lack of evidence to back up why 'putting on hold' such a course will make a significant dent on the academy's deficit.
Posted by: restro 89, Glasgow on 4:55pm Mon 11 Feb 08
Thought some people may be interested to know that RSAMD also runs a post grad course in Community Theatre which is more focussed on Theatre in the Community than Performance art.
Thought some people may be interested to know that RSAMD also runs a post grad course in Community Theatre which is more focussed on Theatre in the Community than Performance art.
Posted by: CPP Graduate, glasgow on 8:04pm Mon 11 Feb 08
It is true that the RSAMD has a MA in Arts in Social contexts although I am not sure what this has to do with this issue.
The CPP course develops artists to find their own path - it is dangerous to use labels like 'community theatre' and 'performance art' . The work on this course is about working to find ways to engage people in any number of contexts - the students have a well rounded, intelligent and considered approach to making art in any number of forms. yes, they study performance art, they study installation and live art, they study theatrical form, are influenced by postmodernism, feminism, public art, TIE - you name it. And this makes them better artists in all contexts.
The work I NOW make is all about how I use performance to meet people in community and educational contexts. I learned this through practical experience in a four year programme.
The MA is an exciting move for the RSAMD but it stemmed from the strength of the work on CTP/CPP - you should really be aware of this fact.
It is true that the RSAMD has a MA in Arts in Social contexts although I am not sure what this has to do with this issue.
The CPP course develops artists to find their own path - it is dangerous to use labels like 'community theatre' and 'performance art' . The work on this course is about working to find ways to engage people in any number of contexts - the students have a well rounded, intelligent and considered approach to making art in any number of forms. yes, they study performance art, they study installation and live art, they study theatrical form, are influenced by postmodernism, feminism, public art, TIE - you name it. And this makes them better artists in all contexts.
The work I NOW make is all about how I use performance to meet people in community and educational contexts. I learned this through practical experience in a four year programme.
The MA is an exciting move for the RSAMD but it stemmed from the strength of the work on CTP/CPP - you should really be aware of this fact.
Posted by: Jill14, England on 12:26pm Tue 12 Feb 08
Having worked with teams of dedicated and enthusiastic CTP/CPP students for several years on the RSMAD's Youthwork Summer projects I feel worried that the incredible quality of the experience they provide for young people is threatened.
This short term way of thinking to solve a financial issue does not seem to have taken into account the long term beneficial effects that these students have on the community.
I urge the RSAMD to reconsider their decision.
Having worked with teams of dedicated and enthusiastic CTP/CPP students for several years on the RSMAD's Youthwork Summer projects I feel worried that the incredible quality of the experience they provide for young people is threatened.
This short term way of thinking to solve a financial issue does not seem to have taken into account the long term beneficial effects that these students have on the community.
I urge the RSAMD to reconsider their decision.
Posted by: Student Parent, Glasgow on 12:41pm Tue 12 Feb 08
As a parent of students who have attended the Youthworks Summer Projects run by the CTP/CPP team (tutors and students) I was dismayed to read of the proposed cuts the RSAMD are planning for the CPP course.
The Youthworks program delivers extremely high quality innovative experiences which could not be obtained elsewhere. It provides a new way of learning about drama - 'not learning a script' - that has enabled the students to think independently.
The Youthworks program would not be the success it is without the CPP course. This course underpins the ethos of the Summer School and without the dedicated tutors and students would not be able to continue in it's current form.
The announcement of the closure of the CPP course to students (albeit for only 1 year according to the RSAMD) is, I fear, the beginning of the end for this course. This cannot be allowed to happen and the RSAMD must be made to reconsider it's decision.
As a parent of students who have attended the Youthworks Summer Projects run by the CTP/CPP team (tutors and students) I was dismayed to read of the proposed cuts the RSAMD are planning for the CPP course.
The Youthworks program delivers extremely high quality innovative experiences which could not be obtained elsewhere. It provides a new way of learning about drama - 'not learning a script' - that has enabled the students to think independently.
The Youthworks program would not be the success it is without the CPP course. This course underpins the ethos of the Summer School and without the dedicated tutors and students would not be able to continue in it's current form.
The announcement of the closure of the CPP course to students (albeit for only 1 year according to the RSAMD) is, I fear, the beginning of the end for this course. This cannot be allowed to happen and the RSAMD must be made to reconsider it's decision.
Posted by: carole, Glasgow on 4:44pm Tue 12 Feb 08
As a CTP graduate I feel it is important to add my voice to this debate, I think that I will be one of many as one of the things that the CTP/CPP course does is create a community of developing artists.
One of the things that makes this announcement so hard to understand is that graduates from this course have very high levels of employment in socially engaged work that cannot compare to any other course available in the RSAMD or, as has been previously said, in any other Institution. Many of us are working in community contexts on modest budgets creating a huge body of interesting and challenging work . This work may be perceived as only having an impact at a grassroots level but I believe that it is vital as it reaches ordinary people who, for whatever reason, feel excluded and alienated. This work gives them an opportunity to be creative, find a voice and effect change in their community. I make no apologies if this sounds too good to be true because this is my life on a day to day basis and I have seen it happen again and again.
Which other course has graduates working in the areas of disability, prisons, mental health, young people disengaged with education and at risk of offending, schools and helping to develop young talent as well as producing cutting edge performance work.
I cannot believe that there is anything to be gained from suspending recruitment in terms of financial benefit to the RSAMD and the timing of this announcement, before the impact of voluntary redundancies and other cost cutting measures can be assessed makes absolutely no sense.
I will lend my support in any way I can to the fight to preserve the CPP course and I hope that people who employ us will also make sure their concerns are heard.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
As a CTP graduate I feel it is important to add my voice to this debate, I think that I will be one of many as one of the things that the CTP/CPP course does is create a community of developing artists.
One of the things that makes this announcement so hard to understand is that graduates from this course have very high levels of employment in socially engaged work that cannot compare to any other course available in the RSAMD or, as has been previously said, in any other Institution. Many of us are working in community contexts on modest budgets creating a huge body of interesting and challenging work . This work may be perceived as only having an impact at a grassroots level but I believe that it is vital as it reaches ordinary people who, for whatever reason, feel excluded and alienated. This work gives them an opportunity to be creative, find a voice and effect change in their community. I make no apologies if this sounds too good to be true because this is my life on a day to day basis and I have seen it happen again and again.
Which other course has graduates working in the areas of disability, prisons, mental health, young people disengaged with education and at risk of offending, schools and helping to develop young talent as well as producing cutting edge performance work.
I cannot believe that there is anything to be gained from suspending recruitment in terms of financial benefit to the RSAMD and the timing of this announcement, before the impact of voluntary redundancies and other cost cutting measures can be assessed makes absolutely no sense.
I will lend my support in any way I can to the fight to preserve the CPP course and I hope that people who employ us will also make sure their concerns are heard.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Posted by: lara&gem, Glasgow on 6:26pm Tue 12 Feb 08
I just want to add to the comments already here. Studies have shown that allowing the opportunity for creative expression is a strong tool for improving an individual's or a group's wellbeing. It seems that this is what this course potentially trains students to help individuals and community groups to do. As a society, and perhaps especially in Glasgow, we need this now more then ever. Surely this should be a priority for one of our greatest institutions, such as the RSAMD. Hopefully it is not too late for those who make these decisions to reconsider.
I just want to add to the comments already here. Studies have shown that allowing the opportunity for creative expression is a strong tool for improving an individual's or a group's wellbeing. It seems that this is what this course potentially trains students to help individuals and community groups to do. As a society, and perhaps especially in Glasgow, we need this now more then ever. Surely this should be a priority for one of our greatest institutions, such as the RSAMD. Hopefully it is not too late for those who make these decisions to reconsider.
Posted by: lucy, cumbria on 6:46pm Tue 12 Feb 08
I am graduate of the CPP course and feel devestated by the news with regards to the course.
I just wanted to voice a few of my own thoughts on the subject. I think firstly it is important for me to say that as a result of my education on the CPP I have been able to work in a variety of context that have been far removed from the Art scene in Glasgow and Scotland at large, I have have worked in a more isolated capacity creating Art with Children, young people and other isolated communites, in a very rural area. I have watched the development of these groups and can confidently say that the arts intervention that they have been engaged in for the last 6 years, has changed their lives.
This is a big statement but is quite true, I have followed the development of these Young people who were children when they first engaged in our work and are now young adults who can say for thelmselves and do frequently what a difference the arts practice they experienced with us has made to their lives.
I think this is without question because of the 4yr experience I had on the CPP course, I have grown, changed and developed since then but the course is like the old mantra to me, it is the foundation of my arts practice.
The course was always like the poor relation, never understood, never adequetly funded even though it cost the student the same regardless of which course they chose to do, funding for the course was disproportionate.
It will not save money to halt the CPP course, It would save £1000's to make same changes to the opera course however, but how could they do that, a course so socially relevant and life enhancing as opera? it would never happen I cant imagine that the spokeswomen for the RSAMD whomever that may be would not care to dream of an academy without opera!
The RSAMD is finally and very clearly saying that the CPP is not relevant, take away the course and I for one can say with certainty that the average disadvantaged young person somewhere in Britain and beyond shall go without, go without the opportunity to experience life enhancing possibly even changing arts engagement.
I am representing one aspect of the course, I dont think it is a community arts course or a performance art course , it is a course which kind of does what it says on the tin! It encompasses the whole arts arena, it is engaged and relevant, it is not about the individual but the collective, it is about the political and social purpose of art and making it happen, in many mediums. I can see why the academy thinks it can do without it.....!!!!
I am graduate of the CPP course and feel devestated by the news with regards to the course.
I just wanted to voice a few of my own thoughts on the subject. I think firstly it is important for me to say that as a result of my education on the CPP I have been able to work in a variety of context that have been far removed from the Art scene in Glasgow and Scotland at large, I have have worked in a more isolated capacity creating Art with Children, young people and other isolated communites, in a very rural area. I have watched the development of these groups and can confidently say that the arts intervention that they have been engaged in for the last 6 years, has changed their lives.
This is a big statement but is quite true, I have followed the development of these Young people who were children when they first engaged in our work and are now young adults who can say for thelmselves and do frequently what a difference the arts practice they experienced with us has made to their lives.
I think this is without question because of the 4yr experience I had on the CPP course, I have grown, changed and developed since then but the course is like the old mantra to me, it is the foundation of my arts practice.
The course was always like the poor relation, never understood, never adequetly funded even though it cost the student the same regardless of which course they chose to do, funding for the course was disproportionate.
It will not save money to halt the CPP course, It would save £1000's to make same changes to the opera course however, but how could they do that, a course so socially relevant and life enhancing as opera? it would never happen I cant imagine that the spokeswomen for the RSAMD whomever that may be would not care to dream of an academy without opera!
The RSAMD is finally and very clearly saying that the CPP is not relevant, take away the course and I for one can say with certainty that the average disadvantaged young person somewhere in Britain and beyond shall go without, go without the opportunity to experience life enhancing possibly even changing arts engagement.
I am representing one aspect of the course, I dont think it is a community arts course or a performance art course , it is a course which kind of does what it says on the tin! It encompasses the whole arts arena, it is engaged and relevant, it is not about the individual but the collective, it is about the political and social purpose of art and making it happen, in many mediums. I can see why the academy thinks it can do without it.....!!!!
Posted by: QMU08, Edinburgh on 7:45pm Tue 12 Feb 08
It would be sad for the theatre world to lose the CPP course (Even if it is only for one year officially. ) as I have encountered graduates of its precursor Comtemporary Theatre Pratice doing wonderful work in Theatre in Education and Community Theatre.
I have had my doubts about RSAMD since I decided to return to education in 2004 and all of the visitors at an open day were advised by a senior member of staff that part-time work was not an option for RSAMD students, this lead to a quite spirited debate between the member of staff in question and I. I understood the need for commitment and rehearsal outwith standard teaching time but could not believe the unrealistic attitude toward student finance. Although I was later unofficially re-assured by some RSAMD students that many of them had found suitable flexible part-time work I decided not to proceed with my application as I did not want to study in an institution where the senior staff clearly had no idea about the realities of modern student life and finance.
I will graduate this year from the less prestigious Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh which provides excellent training in Community Theatre and many other disciplines and faces the same financial challenges as all educational establishments.
My own, admittedly limited, experience of RSAMD senior staff combined with the neglect of a course that has such an emphasis on social inclusion in the arts makes it only too easy to see these staff as elitist and as having lost touch with the real world. Sorry if I sound like a reactionary tabloid editor but the whole art world suffers when the grass roots are neglected.
It would be sad for the theatre world to lose the CPP course (Even if it is only for one year officially. ) as I have encountered graduates of its precursor Comtemporary Theatre Pratice doing wonderful work in Theatre in Education and Community Theatre.
I have had my doubts about RSAMD since I decided to return to education in 2004 and all of the visitors at an open day were advised by a senior member of staff that part-time work was not an option for RSAMD students, this lead to a quite spirited debate between the member of staff in question and I. I understood the need for commitment and rehearsal outwith standard teaching time but could not believe the unrealistic attitude toward student finance. Although I was later unofficially re-assured by some RSAMD students that many of them had found suitable flexible part-time work I decided not to proceed with my application as I did not want to study in an institution where the senior staff clearly had no idea about the realities of modern student life and finance.
I will graduate this year from the less prestigious Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh which provides excellent training in Community Theatre and many other disciplines and faces the same financial challenges as all educational establishments.
My own, admittedly limited, experience of RSAMD senior staff combined with the neglect of a course that has such an emphasis on social inclusion in the arts makes it only too easy to see these staff as elitist and as having lost touch with the real world. Sorry if I sound like a reactionary tabloid editor but the whole art world suffers when the grass roots are neglected.
Posted by: QMU08, Edinburgh on 7:45pm Tue 12 Feb 08
It would be sad for the theatre world to lose the CPP course (Even if it is only for one year officially. ) as I have encountered graduates of its precursor Comtemporary Theatre Pratice doing wonderful work in Theatre in Education and Community Theatre.
I have had my doubts about RSAMD since I decided to return to education in 2004 and all of the visitors at an open day were advised by a senior member of staff that part-time work was not an option for RSAMD students, this lead to a quite spirited debate between the member of staff in question and I. I understood the need for commitment and rehearsal outwith standard teaching time but could not believe the unrealistic attitude toward student finance. Although I was later unofficially re-assured by some RSAMD students that many of them had found suitable flexible part-time work I decided not to proceed with my application as I did not want to study in an institution where the senior staff clearly had no idea about the realities of modern student life and finance.
I will graduate this year from the less prestigious Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh which provides excellent training in Community Theatre and many other disciplines and faces the same financial challenges as all educational establishments.
My own, admittedly limited, experience of RSAMD senior staff combined with the neglect of a course that has such an emphasis on social inclusion in the arts makes it only too easy to see these staff as elitist and as having lost touch with the real world. Sorry if I sound like a reactionary tabloid editor but the whole art world suffers when the grass roots are neglected.
It would be sad for the theatre world to lose the CPP course (Even if it is only for one year officially. ) as I have encountered graduates of its precursor Comtemporary Theatre Pratice doing wonderful work in Theatre in Education and Community Theatre.
I have had my doubts about RSAMD since I decided to return to education in 2004 and all of the visitors at an open day were advised by a senior member of staff that part-time work was not an option for RSAMD students, this lead to a quite spirited debate between the member of staff in question and I. I understood the need for commitment and rehearsal outwith standard teaching time but could not believe the unrealistic attitude toward student finance. Although I was later unofficially re-assured by some RSAMD students that many of them had found suitable flexible part-time work I decided not to proceed with my application as I did not want to study in an institution where the senior staff clearly had no idea about the realities of modern student life and finance.
I will graduate this year from the less prestigious Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh which provides excellent training in Community Theatre and many other disciplines and faces the same financial challenges as all educational establishments.
My own, admittedly limited, experience of RSAMD senior staff combined with the neglect of a course that has such an emphasis on social inclusion in the arts makes it only too easy to see these staff as elitist and as having lost touch with the real world. Sorry if I sound like a reactionary tabloid editor but the whole art world suffers when the grass roots are neglected.
Posted by: martinlowe, France on 6:27pm Thu 14 Feb 08
This is an astonishing decision which is clearly outrageous.
An impartial investigation would find a way to quickly re-instate this course.
This is an astonishing decision which is clearly outrageous.
An impartial investigation would find a way to quickly re-instate this course.
Posted by: watcha, London on 3:12pm Fri 15 Feb 08
I I trained at a certified drama school in london and have been lucky enough to work with, and be employed by, companies run by graduates of RSAMD CPP course. My experience of working with them produced some of the most innovative and creative work I have done.
But ultimately, on a humanitarian level, CPP trains people to activiely unite and promote COMMUNITY. In this day and age when religious communities, for example, are less prevelent, people are seeking to feel a sense of inclusion or worth, to feel a part of something - [bold]to be part of a community[/bold] - by any means: be it the music you listen to, the clothes you wear, the words you use or the places you go. We as humans naturally gravitate towards people who we have things in common with and have a desire to form groups with like minded people.
When communities are strong respect, responsibility and security are promoted. CCP effectively trains people to creatively go our and enforce and help to build community, and for that reason alone it is imperitive that RSAMD accept responsibility for the impact freezing the course could have.
Society needs people who are willing to take action in a creative and imaginative way, to bring some magica nd inspiration to communities that have so much potential but many be struggling .... and ultimately to unite communities and people who may not otherwise come to appreciate each other!
I I trained at a certified drama school in london and have been lucky enough to work with, and be employed by, companies run by graduates of RSAMD CPP course. My experience of working with them produced some of the most innovative and creative work I have done.
But ultimately, on a humanitarian level, CPP trains people to activiely unite and promote COMMUNITY. In this day and age when religious communities, for example, are less prevelent, people are seeking to feel a sense of inclusion or worth, to feel a part of something -
to be part of a community - by any means: be it the music you listen to, the clothes you wear, the words you use or the places you go. We as humans naturally gravitate towards people who we have things in common with and have a desire to form groups with like minded people.
When communities are strong respect, responsibility and security are promoted. CCP effectively trains people to creatively go our and enforce and help to build community, and for that reason alone it is imperitive that RSAMD accept responsibility for the impact freezing the course could have.
Society needs people who are willing to take action in a creative and imaginative way, to bring some magica nd inspiration to communities that have so much potential but many be struggling .... and ultimately to unite communities and people who may not otherwise come to appreciate each other!
Posted by: Spontaneous Individual, Glasgow on 11:14am Sat 16 Feb 08
I would just like to quote something i read the other day:
For evil to take place, the acts of a few people are not sufficient; the great majoirty also has to remain indifferent. That is something of which we are all quite capable. - Tzvetan Todorov
I would like to say that I am completely in support of all those who are fighting this decision to stop the course being frozen for a year and believe that anyone else who is in support should express this before it is too late. This is clearly a situation where staff have considered nothing other than the economic side of the situation and have completely ignored the moral and social arguments for the CPP programme not to be frozen.
It is obvious the academy are attempting to pacifiy students and the public with jargon and excuses and this cannot happen. Freezing the course for one year appears to be a way of gradually removing the course from the institution all together. And removing such an important course cannot be an option.
I would just like to quote something i read the other day:
For evil to take place, the acts of a few people are not sufficient; the great majoirty also has to remain indifferent. That is something of which we are all quite capable. - Tzvetan Todorov
I would like to say that I am completely in support of all those who are fighting this decision to stop the course being frozen for a year and believe that anyone else who is in support should express this before it is too late. This is clearly a situation where staff have considered nothing other than the economic side of the situation and have completely ignored the moral and social arguments for the CPP programme not to be frozen.
It is obvious the academy are attempting to pacifiy students and the public with jargon and excuses and this cannot happen. Freezing the course for one year appears to be a way of gradually removing the course from the institution all together. And removing such an important course cannot be an option.
Posted by: cordelia333, Glasgow on 3:36pm Tue 19 Feb 08
I was part of the very first year to graduate on the CTP course all those years ago. We fought tooth and nail, every step of the way back then to get the Academy themselves to recognise the work that we did. Not only did noone from other parts of the RSAMD even attempt to see the work we were doing, they also actively dismissed it. We weren't allowed to use props department, wardrobe etc. all the things taken for granted (some to the tune of £10,000) to the rest of the Academy.
However, we forged ahead and were lucky and talented enough to perform in some of the best venues in Glasgow, Scotland and even Holland.
It is shame to see that even after all the fighting we had to do, we are still unappreciated.
I was part of the very first year to graduate on the CTP course all those years ago. We fought tooth and nail, every step of the way back then to get the Academy themselves to recognise the work that we did. Not only did noone from other parts of the RSAMD even attempt to see the work we were doing, they also actively dismissed it. We weren't allowed to use props department, wardrobe etc. all the things taken for granted (some to the tune of £10,000) to the rest of the Academy.
However, we forged ahead and were lucky and talented enough to perform in some of the best venues in Glasgow, Scotland and even Holland.
It is shame to see that even after all the fighting we had to do, we are still unappreciated.
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