Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

“One of the most important lessons I learned from the MA Musical Directing course and RCS is that collaboration is key to good practice. The generosity, attention to detail and creativity fostered by the faculty and visiting staff in every lesson has inspired me to lead with these principles in every rehearsal I am in.”
– Chris Poon

Biography:
Chris graduated with First Class honours in English Literature from the University of Warwick before training at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Recent Musical Director credits include Miss Saigon (Sheffield Crucible); Once On This Island (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre); Rent (The Hope Mill Theatre).

Credits as Deputy/Associate Musical Director include Tina: The Musical (Aldwych Theatre); Legally Blonde (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre).

Credits as Assistant Musical Director include Great British Bake Off: The Musical (Cheltenham Everyman); Bonnie & Clyde (Theatre Royal Drury Lane).

What did you enjoy most about the programme?

I really enjoy being able to make the learning relative to my context and follow pathways that I have found particularly interesting. Although clear learning objectives and outcomes need to be met throughout the course, how these are met is very much in the hands of each individual learner. As you progress through the course, it becomes very bespoke to each learner’s context, interests and goals, which has made the course very professionally enriching from both educational and artistic perspectives.

How do you think your teaching practice has changed since undertaking the programme?

I feel that this course has deepened my passion for the arts and education which has unquestionably infused my teaching and the learning that happens with my wonderful students. I feel that I have gained a wealth of knowledge, understanding and perspectives from the experiences this course has offered and encouraged me to discover for myself. Doors have opened, new territory has been explored, and great relationships forged. As teachers, it is so important to put ourselves into the position of being a learner again. Only then can we fully understand what it takes to be a good teacher, to see education from the other side, to understand the pitfalls of becoming complacent and to always strive to do the best we can for all our learners.

Any recommendations or advice for teachers considering undertaking the MEd in Learning and Teaching in the Arts?

I highly recommend this course, you will gain so much from it professionally and personally. I have loved it from start to finish and feel that it will underpin everything I do in my career as an educator. If you have a love of learning and are keen to become a better teacher and at the same time rekindle your appreciation of yourself as an artist, then this is the course for you.

What are you working on at the moment?
I’ve been working on my first show in London, a new piece of writing called Forgotten in the Land of Egypt by award-winning writer, Tom Murray.

The play has been published by Methuen drama and it has been a dream come true as it has been printed with my director’s note included. The piece is produced by Mango Ensemble and it will tour East Anglia this spring.

What were your first jobs after graduating?
I directed Cinderella, a pantomime at Diss Corn Hall. I also directed a new piece of writing for Norwich Theatre called Weeds and an adaptation of The Turn of the Screw as part of Sheringham Little Theatre’s Repertory Season.

How did RCS prepare you for the industry?
Because there were only three directors on the course, I didn’t stop directing for the whole year. This practical training was invaluable and covered so many different types of theatre.

We also got to study directing for film. I made some great industry connections and met collaborators. I was lucky enough to get a work placement Assistant Directing for Becky Hope Palmer (RCS alumna) on Bloodbank by Meghan Tyler at A Play, A Pie and a Pint.

Throughout the course, I had lots of workshops with industry professionals. I also got to direct a production at the end of the year that mirrored the process and production team that you would have in the industry.

What would you say to those thinking about studying at RCS?
Do it. I learnt so much. It was the best decision I ever made, and I really miss being there.