NESCol budding actors accepted by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

June 19, 2024

The spotlight is on NESCol students Fraser Thomson and Nathan Batchu, who have secured places at one of the most prestigious performing arts institutions in the world. The pair were selected from over 1,600 applicants and will join the BA Acting degree programme at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) in September.

Nineteen-year-old Nathan from Aberdeen and 27-year-old Fraser from Brechin have been studying HND Acting & Performance at NESCol for two years. Over the past few months, they have gone through an intensive audition process that whittled the candidates down to the final class of 26.

Located in Glasgow, the RCS is ranked in the top 10 universities for performing arts in the world, sitting above The Julliard School in New York (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024). Notable acting alumni include Sex Education and Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa and Outlander’s Sam Heughan.

Tony Young, Curriculum Manager for Performing Arts, NESCol, said: “Having two of our HND students accepted into the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland shines a light on the high quality of training in the performing arts offered at NESCol.

“Our courses are vocationally focused, and we have many alumni who now work professionally in the industry. Our highly skilled and dedicated lecturers offer a supportive learning environment and encourage our students to realise their own potential and work towards reaching their goals.

“It is a testament to Fraser and Nathan’s flair for acting, and dedication to their craft, that they will now continue their training at one of the world’s best performing arts conservatoires. The passion of these students shines through when they’re on stage and I’m certain they’re destined for an incredibly exciting future.”

The students travelled to the RCS campus for three rounds of auditions, which involved performing monologues and participating in movement and voice workshops.

Fraser is an adult returner, having worked full-time in retail since leaving school. He had no performing experience prior to NESCol, but his love of TV and film inspired him to transition to a career in the creative industries.

He said: “I admired the feelings that actors can elicit in their audience, and I wanted to share that amazing feeling with other people.

“I couldn’t imagine a better college experience. The range of skills and types of acting you’re taught forces you out of your comfort zone and propels your confidence. To be able to continue acting at the RCS is incredibly exciting – you just have to look at the RCS alumni and their careers to know that it is a springboard to the future.”

A talented football player, Nathan decided to follow his acting dreams after school.

He said: “The lecturers at NESCol are incredible and have a level of professionalism where they keep it friendly but prepare you for the real world of acting.

“Acting is something you need to put your heart and soul into – there’s no half measures. I can’t wait for the next stage of my journey at the RCS. It’s such a prestigious school and Glasgow is a great location for the performing arts.”