Press Quotes from the Scottish Funding Council and Partners on the Launch of the new Scottish Drama Training Network
The Scottish Funding Council: Mark Batho Chief Executive
Mark Batho, Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) said: “We are delighted by the commitment to joint working by the two universities which will provide a centre for high quality professional actor training to complement provision offered at RSAMD. Their collaborative working has already received support from industry professionals and we are particularly pleased about the opportunities for studying drama at college to progress to this new degree programme. The experience and expertise of these two universities will bring great benefits to students who aspire to be the next big thing on stage and screen.”
Notes to Editors:
1. SFC is giving Queen Margaret University and Edinburgh Napier University £2.55 million over five years to support the provision of a TV studio, rehearsal and performance space and staffing costs.
2. SFC is responsible for allocating £1.7 billion of public funds each year to colleges and universities in support of Scottish Government priorities. The Council’s funding contributes towards the cost of learning & teaching, skills development, research, innovation and other costs such as staff, buildings and equipment in Scotland’s 20 universities and higher education institutions (HEIs) and 43 further education (FE) colleges. The Council also provides resources to enable colleges to offer bursaries to students on non-advanced courses.
Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama: Principal John Wallace:
“The launch of the Scottish Drama Training Network is a significant moment in the history and development of culture and education in Scotland.
“As the leading partner, I am delighted that together with Edinburgh Napier University and Queen Margaret University, we are in a strong position to safeguard the future of drama training in this country.
“The Scottish Government and The Scottish Funding Council are to be congratulated on achieving a perfectly pitched solution to drama training in Scotland and it is testament to the hard work of those who work in education and in the industry that this has been made possible.
“The SDTN means that we will be able to nurture and develop exceptional talent in Scotland and beyond in a way which was never possible before.
I look forward to working with our colleagues at both ENU and QMU to continue building on our achievements in world class drama training for Scotland”
Edinburgh Napier University: Principal Professor Dame Joan Stringer
Professor Dame Joan Stringer, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University said: “Our role as a leading provider of creative arts education in Scotland is well established and we welcome the opportunity to be part of an initiative that is so important for the development of high quality actor training for screen and stage.
“Collaborating with Queen Margaret University allows us to pool our respective expertise to offer a unique degree that will provide vocational and industry relevant training. This distinctive programme recognises and responds to the fact that actors can be expected to perform in a variety of venues, media and styles.”
Queen Margaret University: Principal Dr. Petra Wend
Principal Dr. Petra Wend said: “This is a very exciting development in the provision of world class drama training in Edinburgh and I am pleased that, through collaboration, QMU will now offer vocational training at degree level in both theatre and screen acting to a wide group of applicants. Whilst we have some notable alumni from our drama courses excelling in the field of entertainment, drama training has more pertinence in our everyday lives, in areas such as health, education and social development than is generally appreciated. The Scottish Funding Council is to be applauded in recognising this and today’s announcement should be welcomed, not just by the industry, but across the communities that we serve.”
Sabhal Mor Ostaig: Gaelic College on the Isle of Skye:
Principal Professor Boyd Robertson
Professor Boyd Robertson, Principal of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig: "We are delighted to be part of such an important initiative and to be working in partnership with the RSAMD and others to develop provision and training in Gaelic drama. The Scottish Drama Training Network provides an excellent opportunity for collaboration across all areas of drama training and will ensure that Gaelic drama contributes to, and benefits from, developments at a national level.”
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