McAVOY By Paul Watson B
AFTA-WINNING and Golden Globe-nominated actor James McAvoy is to invest in helping
young Scots to overcome barriers and realise their potential through the creation of a ground-breaking scholarship programme at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS).
The Glasgow-born actor is personally funding a 10-year scholarship programme which will enable young people to experience world-class drama training at the Junior Conservatoire of Drama and Short Courses at RCS.
“The £125,000 investment will see scholarships awarded annually over the next 10 years to young Scots aged 25 and under who would otherwise find cost the main barrier to accessing pre-Higher Education drama training at RCS,” said a spokesman for the Conservatoire.
“The Junior Conservatoire and Short Courses departments are part of the prestigious Royal Conservatoire of Scotland – the national centre of excellence for performing arts education, where James himself studied acting and which has produced a wealth of internationally-acclaimed talent.”
James, a graduate of the BA Acting programme at RCS, is passionate about the role the performing arts play in the lives of young people. He will also take on the role of patron of the Junior Conservatoire of Drama.
“There are few opportunities for young people to engage in performing arts. I see tons of young people who are vastly intelligent, but because they have this ingrained humility, it gets in the way of them expressing themselves and showing how brilliant they are,” said McAvoy.
“Drama breaks through barriers and it can give people the tools to walk into a room and express themselves.
“I really believe in that, it’s why I believe drama should be taught in our state schools from an early age and it’s why I am delighted to be part of creating the opportunity for young Scots to help them realise their potential through drama at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
“I am where I am today because of an exceptional teacher who went above and beyond the call of duty. She reached out to the community and she brought director and actor, David Hayman, into the school to talk to her students.
“That was me hooked. I had that opportunity and I want the same for other young people out there who may not have even considered going to college or any other kind of higher education.
“I would say to any young person thinking about drama, ‘Go for it, do it, don’t be worried about what people are going to say’.
“I come from a place where nobody had done anything like it and it worked out prety good. Drama will open your mind. It’s not just about being an actor, drama opens your mind whether you are going to be an actor, a doctor or a plumber.”
Jeffrey Sharkey, principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have James McAvoy enable and inspire young people to be part of the Royal Conservatoire.
“I have no doubt of the profound and long-term impact his incredible support will have on individuals, their families and their communities.
May 2015 63
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