Fraser Thomson

Twenty-seven-year-old Fraser Thomson had no prior acting experience before he started his HND in Acting & Performance at NESCol. Two years on, and he’s secured a place on the BA Acting degree programme at one of the world’s leading performing arts institutions.

Originally from Brechin, Fraser worked full-time in the Co-op after leaving school. It was his love of TV and film that spurred him on to return to education in 2022.

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 chose NESCol as it was relatively local to me, and I knew people who had studied here. The drama department had a great reputation.”

Fraser thoroughly enjoyed his time at NESCol, and found a real passion for the performing arts.

He said: “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. At weekends and over the holidays, I was itching to get back to acting.”

As he came to the end of his HND, Fraser applied to continue his studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS). The process was highly competitive with 1,600 applicants and three rounds of auditions.

Fraser was one of the 26 actors selected, alongside classmate Nathan Batchu.

“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.

“The audition process wasn’t as nerve-wracking as you’d think. The staff are welcoming and it’s a relaxed atmosphere.”

Hannah MacBeth, Lecturer in Acting & Performance at NESCol, said: “It’s hard to believe, but Fraser was quite reserved and difficult to hear on stage when he first joined us. In second year, he absolutely flourished.

“His passion is obvious to see on stage and he’s a talented actor-muso. In our most recent performance of the Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil, Fraser acts, sings and plays guitar.”

Although Fraser has a love for TV and film, college has opened up a new world of acting for him.

He said: “When I first came here, I had no experience in theatre and wanted to be a screen performer. Now, I want to gain experience in both theatre and screen.”

His advice for other budding actors is to fully embrace every opportunity and go for it.

He said: “Don’t be afraid to risk embarrassing yourself. Go out of your comfort zone! You’ll always regret what you don’t do – even if you give it a shot and it doesn’t go well, you’ll learn from your mistakes.”