In Conversation with PGCert in Performance Teaching student, Fiona Rae

We caught up with PGCert in Performance Teaching student Fiona Rae, talking through their journey from Dance grad to Movement lecturer and learning how the course has enriched their already thriving teaching career. 

What was your first experience within the performing arts? How did you know this was something that you wanted to pursue professionally?

I began dancing at the age of three. I went to London Studio Centre to study a BA Hons in Theatre Dance. Having always assumed my pathway into the profession would be into performance after graduating, I noticed that my passion for the arts was actually in creating work. I studied for my MA Movement (directing and teaching) at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Since 2007 I have worked in drama schools across London and as a freelance choreographer and movement director. I spent several years as Head of Movement and currently work in a freelance capacity, which supports my need to be flexible for our family life.

Why did you choose to study at Guildhall School? And why did you choose to study your PGCert with us?

I have been teaching on the BA and MA programmes at Guildhall since 2021. I work on BMus Vocal Studies, MMus Opera Studies and Vocal Studies courses teaching Movement. 

Having been invited to study on the PGCert in Performance Teaching, my practice has developed in accordance with current pedagogy and facilitation theories. I have been able to consider my practice at a deeper level, realising my core values as a practitioner.

Our PGCert is a part-time online course, allowing students to continue teaching and working within their already established practice. Can you tell us more about your current practice?

The course is part-time and online, so I am able to study whilst working. Whilst my practice is established it has been invigorating to take time to learn more, network further and work with other experienced practitioners. Together we are considering new and relevant ways to facilitate the creative arts. I teach Movement at HE level and studying at Guildhall has supported and inspired me to consider new ways to deliver my teaching. My practice has evolved as I have developed new ways to work with students - enabling them to become the best versions of their creative selves, fully equipped to take their journey into the performing profession. 

What is something about working in the industry that we wouldn’t know?

As a performer no one experience is the same as the next. I aim to provide students with the toolkit required to go into the audition, rehearsal and performance feeling prepared and enabled. 

There are many ways to build character and embody a role, movement studies can enhance the choices and physical score that a performer is required to embody. 

During your time at Guildhall School, can you give us a highlight? Has there been a project you have worked on, or have you learnt a skill that has been the most rewarding?

Whilst studying on the PGCert course I have worked with musicians, directors and singers who are all facilitators of their craft as well as performers. A huge highlight for me has been meeting other established facilitators and journeying together through new discoveries of how best to teach. We have taught each other, engaged in critical thinking and reflective discussion on a wide range of pedagogical theory. It has been so rewarding to realise strengths and negotiate new ways of working in the studio with students. 

Students on the course are encouraged to identify a personal pathway, focusing on elements such as the performance pedagogy and creative practice. Can you tell us more about your personal pathway?

For me the pathway is HE Education Facilitating Movement. Your specialism is recognised by all of your cohort. You are assigned a 1 to 1 tutor who specialises in your field, and webinars are hosted by practitioners who also have a relatable teaching programme and experience. It has also been so beneficial to discover how other teachers bring their subject to life in the classroom. 

What advice would you give to students interested in studying a PGCert?

The PGCert can enrich your practice in so many ways. As we encourage our own students to ‘never stop learning’, this course absolutely supports our quest as facilitators to ever evolve our own practice. This course will enrich your practice, enable you to teach in new ways and provide you with the opportunities to make so many new and relevant discoveries. You will become part of a new community available to support and inspire you. The course is structured in a way that enables you to continue working and the study complements the many pathways and roles we have as teachers. 

The PGCert in Performance Teaching is a Masters-level course designed to support professional musicians, actors, production artists and dancers who teach as part of their practice, either as their main employment or as part of a portfolio career. It offers a unique opportunity to develop creative and reflective practice in teaching in a performing arts context. Find out more about applying for PGCert in Performance Teaching.