Student life
At the MGA Academy of Performing Arts we hold fast to your ambitions. Singer, Musical Theatre Performer, Actor, Dancer, Choreographer, Director… no matter what you want to do on the stage, our main objective is to make sure you get to do it successfully, professionally and lucratively.
Our training and our exacting standards mean that when you graduate from MGA you will be best placed to make your ambitions a reality. Pile on top of that the MGA network of professional casting, management and production contacts and you really will be hard pressed not to make a success of your career.
Our facilities
MGA’s main base is a beautiful listed building on Balgreen Road in Edinburgh that offers fully‑furnished studios, classrooms and some fantastic student facilities. This is the hub for full-time courses.
Our facilities include:
- High-quality studio spaces (including dedicated music and acting rooms), private practise rooms, student rooms and a quiet study room
- A library of recordings, movies, scores, scripts and theory books, and a computer suite
- An extensive costume/prop store and workshop
- Student changing facilities and locker-room, and a fully-equipped kitchen and common room
- Wifi access throughout the school.
MGA is also privileged to use the fantastic studios at Dance Base, Scotland’s National Centre for Dance, in the city centre on Grassmarket, for some regular classes and workshops.
A variety of esteemed venues across the city are used for student productions – including Usher Hall, King’s Theatre, and the magnificent Festival Theatre – and students will find themselves with opportunities for public and professional performances throughout each year of training.
Student activities
Edinburgh is a great place to study, with a buzzing student scene – find out more here – and lots to see and do. We do work you hard at MGA, with additional performance events, workshops and special guests often happening outside of your regular training hours. But we think our students deserve treats for all their hard work, and when we party we really party!
MGA also offer full-time students the opportunity to go on a personal and professional development trip to the United States, with two incredible international programmes annually allowing students to experience the performing arts industry first hand.
Student support
We have a strong support system in place to help you settle in as a student. Staff are available in various roles throughout your training to help and offer advice if you need it. You’ll also meet some friendly freshers coordinators during your first week who will introduce you to the MGA lifestyle.
