Tag: MGA Academy of Performing Arts

The SI: Rebrand for MGA Academy

The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film & Television (The SI) is today unveiled as the new name of Scotland’s leading arts education institution, and only CMDT-accredited school in Scotland, formerly known as the MGA Academy of Performing Arts.

The renaming comes from the institute’s new ownership from major Irish production studio, Silver Rock Studios. Leading with an official rebrand and relocation, its new commercial model aims to reflect the institute’s existing position as a leader in the global performing arts landscape, as well as its new global footprint.

The institute has transitioned to a larger campus in Livingston, with brand new state-of-the-art facilities and resources, which will be open to international students for the first time.

The new model incorporates world class training from some of the biggest names in the industry, alongside high-end sponsorships for industry-standard tech and equipment, which will solidify its offering of world-leading arts education for both local and global talent.

The school is now also able to guarantee students credits on their CV through Silver Rock Studios, and new partnerships with global companies will remove many of the financial barriers to high quality performing arts training for home-grown talent.

The restructure enables the academy to expand its foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate courses across the performing arts, and increase intake of both full-time and part-time students, with the capacity to triple the previous student enrolment.

The Scottish Institute will offer the highest quality of training from world-leading educators and faculty, reflecting its culture of nurturing inclusivity, equality and learning. As part of its new industry-leading facilities, the institute has opened the Howden Park Theatre, an innovative and fully equipped performance space with a 300-seater auditorium and rehearsal rooms to facilitate all student performances.

Having built a strong reputation as one of the foremost centres for performing arts education in the country, The Scottish Institute has secured funding from West Lothian Council, Creative Scotland, and Scottish Government Funding enabling it to expand and strengthen it’s offering to student.

The Scottish Institute will open the doors to its new campus with an official launch event on 25th of April 2024, featuring a selection of student performances and an all-star guest list.

As a leading vocational performing arts school, the launch of the new campus and title marks a transformative time for The Scottish Institute, demonstrating its commitment to exceptional, high-quality teaching and its dedication to paving the path for students’ successful entry into the performing arts, film and television industries.

President and CEO of The Scottish Institute, Andy Egan says: “It is an honour to introduce The Scottish Institute and open our brand-new campus to our wonderful students, staff and visitors.

“The institute is built on the academy’s reputation and our roots in Edinburgh. This pivotal expansion further marks our commitment to fostering an environment where creativity, learning, and profession development take centre stage.

“We are delighted to open our new campus to international students this year, and introduce our faculty of experienced and talented professors to new students.

“As we invite our students to our new, state-of-the-art Livingston campus we aspire to nurture a hub that champions creativity, entrepreneurship, and learning to inspire the next generation of talent.”

Performing arts academy opens the curtain on campus 

Brand new multi-million pound campus in Livingston opens its doors 

ONE of Scotland’s largest centres of performing arts is putting its best foot forward as it ushers in the new era of students with the opening of its brand new campus.  

The newly renovated 30,000 sq ft campus in Livingston marks a significant expansion for the MGA Academy of Performing Arts.  

This expansion will enable the academy to triple its student enrolment and broaden its educational offerings to include 11 BA degrees and two post-graduate Master’s degrees, while also providing accommodations for 18 state-of-the-art studios. 

The new campus, based in the former tax office in Almondvale, Livingston, received a multi-million pound investment and will feature one of Scotland’s largest sprung dance floor which spans 347 sq ft.  

Established in 2015 to address a demand for an innovative performing arts academy outside of London, MGA has produced a wealth of talented graduates who have appeared on stage and screen in major productions, including Disney’s Descendants, Wicked, Gossip Girl, Six! The Musical, Outlander and Frozen. 

Giles Auckland Lewis, Chief Executive of The MGA Academy, said: “It’s a very exciting time for the academy as we open the doors of our brand new campus. There has been a great buzz with new and returning students as they explore all the exceptional facilities.

“Being part of this chapter of the academy’s story has been incredibly rewarding, and as we’re now located almost exactly half way between Edinburgh and Glasgow it’s much more convenient for students and staff.  

“We’ve worked hard to ensure the new campus can offer our talented students the opportunity to advance their skills in singing, dance and acting and achieve their full potential within the industry.” 

Included in the new campus is seven rehearsal studios for acting and musical theatre, seven fully sprung dance studios, four singing rooms and a TV production suite. Other features include a student welfare and physiotherapy room, a learning resource centre and library, IT suites, study areas and a cafe and social areas, as well as 130 parking spaces. 

The MGA Academy’s Balgreen campus will continue to be an integral part of the academy’s facilities, serving as a central hub for junior age groups. 

Mr Auckland-Lewis added: “The new campus in Livingston is truly state of the art, we’re in a great position to continue to develop our reputation as a leading international competitor to the world’s most successful arts education institutions. 

“The platform we’re providing for aspiring performers allows them to remain in Scotland while studying at a level equivalent to other prestigious UK colleges. We also now have the ability to attract even more students and world class tutors from across the world.” 

The MGA Academy is approved by the Scottish Qualifications Agency, the Imperial Society for the Teachers of Dance, and is Scotland’s only fully accredited college with the UK’s Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre. 

Learn more about The MGA Academy and how to enrol for courses here: 

https://www.themgaacademy.com/ 

Popular performing arts summer school back with a bang

Summer of fun promises to foster the next generation of performers

AN ESTEEMED performing arts school in the heart of the capital is geared up to welcome budding young performers to its summer programmes.

The MGA Academy of Performing Arts has launched two summer schools that will run this summer, aimed at inspiring young talents, and offering an insight into life at the school.

A Week in the Life will give budding young talent a first-hand insight into the daily routine of a student at MGA, providing a genuine taste of the challenges and rewards of being a full-time student.

Designed for ages 13 and above, the programme offers a comprehensive five-day journey, mirroring the intense schedule of a full-time student in acting, musical theatre, or dance.

On the other hand, specially tailored for children aged between 7-14, Once Upon a Fairy tale will be an action-packed week of musical theatre, acting and dance training.

Marcella Macdonald, Principal of The MGA Academy, said: “Our summer schools are always very popular, so we’re really excited to launch these two exclusive opportunities.

“A Week in the Life is exactly what it says on the tin – the perfect chance to experience the training that our full-time students receive on their way to achieving a degree with us, giving a real insight to life at the Academy.

“Once Upon a Fairytale is aimed at slightly younger children and is an exciting journey into classic stories like Shrek, Descendants, Enchanted and more. It promises to be a magical week.

“We’re lucky to work with vastly experienced performers and tutors who are experts in their field. Our summer schools are a golden opportunity for those looking to get a taste of the industry.

“Not only will applicants benefit from the high-quality teaching and confidence building skills, but they can also get a real taste of MGA student life before making a full-time commitment.”

Applications are open to performers of all levels, who will learn invaluable techniques and skills from the academy while also honing their confidence, with many a long-lasting friendship having originated at these events.

Once Upon a Fairytale runs from Monday 31 July to Friday 04 August. A Week in the Life runs the following week from Monday 07 August to Friday 11 August. Both will be held in the academy’s Balgreen campus, ahead of the new Livingston campus opening in September.

Marcella added: “Our summer schools provide an immersive and unforgettable experience, fostering a lifelong love for dance and empowering participants to shine on and off the stage.

“The programmes are a testament to our commitment in providing opportunity for performers in Scotland. The places are likely to get snapped up fast, so make sure to get your applications in!”

The MGA Academy is Scotland’s only fully accredited performing arts college, holding Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), Council of Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre (CDMT) and Imperial Society for the Teachers of Dance (ISTD) certifications.

Based in Balgreen, the academy’s mission is to provide a platform for aspiring performers to remain in Scotland while studying at a level equivalent to prestigious London colleges. The academy is set to expand its footprint, with a new multi-million pound campus in Livingston opening in September 2023.

Learn more about The MGA Academy and how to enrol for courses here: 

https://www.themgaacademy.com/