Student Spotlight - Megan Cassidy
Scotland has a thriving theatre scene that is recognised internationally. At UHI Perth, our courses will prepare you to cope with the demands of current professional practice and develop your skills in singing and vocal techniques, dance and acting through a range of performance opportunities and training.
Having just completed her course in the summer, Megan chatted to us about her experience and gives an insight on what to expect if you are coming to study Musical Theatre in September 💃.
What is your name, and where are you from?
Hello! I’m Megan and I’m from Arbroath in Angus.
What course are you studying at UHI Perth, and what year are you currently in?
I have just finished the HND Musical Theatre course here at UHI Perth.
How did you hear about UHI Perth?
I heard about UHI from somebody I had gone to high school with. They were on the course already and I was really interested to find out more.
What were you doing before you came to UHI Perth?
I came to UHI Perth straight from finishing high school.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I always knew I wanted to do musical theatre but didn’t feel confident applying for a BA course. I knew that I wanted some experience and knowledge in the arts before taking that leap and college was the perfect choice.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
My favourite thing about the course has been how practical it is. We get so many performance opportunities and practical assessments which helps break up the writing aspects.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
I think my most standout moments from the course has to be our production of Shrek the musical last year. It was my first proper musical and to be on the stage singing amazing songs and seeing our first project together as a course was unreal 🤩. Not to mention how silly it was getting painted green every day!
Can you tell us about the productions you have performed in during your studies?
As just mentioned, we did Shrek the musical in my HNC year where I played Princess Fiona! This role was the first chance I had to incorporate all of the skills we had been learning into a final piece. Not only teaching me about acting but getting to explore comedy through character expression too.
Then in the HND, we did a production of The Little Mermaid - where I played Flotsam - one of Ursula’s sidekicks. This was my first time playing a villain and it was awesome! Getting to play a polar opposite character from Shrek was such a learning curve as a performer and so much fun - not to mention the fact I was covered in LED light and my costume glowed in the dark!
Last, but certainly not least, last month we did Little Shop of Horrors where I played the fabulously crazy Audrey! This is a role I will never forget. Little Shop was such a fulfilling show, we had such an amazing cast and crew and band; it just couldn’t have been more wonderful 💚.
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave UHI Perth?
I think we are so lucky that as part of the course we get to put-on full-scale musicals. We are so fortunate to work closely with the technical theatre students and see how both sides of theatre come together. The curriculum is tailored towards performance opportunities which I think is fantastic and prepares you for future projects.
Have you undertaken a placement or work experience whilst at UHI Perth?
I have not been on work experience during my time at UHI, but I have taken part in many amateur productions in the local areas while also working as a singing teacher for two music schools in Arbroath.
Have your lecturers been supportive during your studies?
We have some great lecturers on the musical theatre course. I have to give a special shout out to course leader Victoria-Lee Rice! She is such an inspiring lecturer and role model to everyone 🤩.
Megan and her fellow students with lecturer Victoria-Lee Rice
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
While studying, I have gained a distinction in my Grade 8 ABRSM Musical Theatre singing exam. This exam took a lot of external training, but I was also able to use the skills learnt in class to help me gain this level of achievement.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
I really love the UHI Perth campus! I think the campus has such a welcoming and exciting atmosphere. The views across the hills are also gorgeous!
Have you enjoyed studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at UHI Perth. A standout highlight for me has to be Little Shop of Horrors. It was the perfect way to round up my time at UHI and I’m so grateful for the opportunity we were given.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of your studies?
I’m very lucky that my hobbies have turned into what I get to study. Almost all of my hobbies are surrounding music. If I’m not on the stage performing, you’ll find me in a rehearsal room, or teaching music classes, or jamming to show tunes in my car with my friends 🥰.
What are your future career plans?
Asking a theatre performer their future plans is always a funny question! I really hope wherever my future takes me, I am happy and healthy and if I get to keep doing what I love that’s a great bonus 🥰. I would love to perform in a professional musical or theatre piece and hope to make it as a professional performer.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
If you are passionate about what you do, enthusiastic and excited to learn, this will be the most rewarding place! Have the best time, learn, and experience everything you can ⭐️.
