1. Can't Act? Join the Film Industry

Scott Mackay from the Scottish Youth Film Foundation (SYFF) is a screenwriter/director and tutor in the film industry. As a founder of the SYFF he knows a little bit about everything when it comes to making a film and getting into the film industry. In a single workshop, he'll tell you what roles (apart from the acting roles) there are available and why the best thing you can have is a driving licence. Whatever your preferred subjects, there's a way into film.

And is that a good thing? Scott says 'Making films is the most fun you can have and make money at the same time'. 

2. Artists, Agents, Admin and Everything In-between

Helen Band is a composer and Festival Director of Perth Festival of the Arts. With a 20-year career spanning the arts, marketing and events management, Helen has worked with artists, agents, publishers, the media and everyone in-between.

In this workshop, we’ll explore the wide range of roles across the business, marketing and administration sides of the arts, and the skills that can lead to an exciting career path. Working in groups, you’ll have the chance to be an event producer and put those skills into action.

3. The Power of Music in the Community

David Douglas is a professional tenor, director, and the founder of The Scots Opera Project — but don’t let the “opera” part scare you. David believes music and drama are for everyone, not just for fancy theatres or people who can read music. His workshop is about how singing, acting, and storytelling can build communities, boost confidence, and share the stories that really matter.

You’ll learn how community arts projects work — how a song can start a conversation, a scene can spark empathy, and a shared performance can bring people together in powerful ways. You don’t need to be the world’s best singer or actor — you just need your voice, your imagination, and something to say.

4. Unlocking Creativity in Your Art

Julie Read has been an influential voice in art education for over two decades, helping young artists develop their creative careers. As a best-selling author, Julie continues to inspire the next generation of artists. She brings a wealth of expertise to the table and is the founder of Portfolio Oomph, a tailored tutorial service based near Edinburgh. Through this, she has helped students secure places at top institutions both in the UK and abroad.

In this workshop we’ll explore sketchbooks, the importance of experimentation and having fun, also reflecting on our work. We’ll do some practical tasks to experience a little of this along with some takeaways to get you started on your own at home or school.

5. Making Your Mark

Andrew Barrett (he/him) is a working actor and educator, originally from Perth, who has gone on to perform on stages and deliver workshops across the world. He lectures in Acting at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Dundee College.

In this workshop, we will discuss the different pathways into the Scottish theatre and film industry, and explore a couple practical exercises to help bring your full self into any audition or interview setting. Perfect for anyone considering a career in the arts, or just looking to gain a bit more confidence in public speaking and collaboration.

6. Life as a Professional Musician

Su-a Lee is one of Scotland’s most versatile, adventurous and charismatic cellists. She works within the UK classical and folk music scenes and has worked with rock icons along the way.

In this workshop, Su-a will offer an insight into life as a professional musician, reflecting on her own career and journey. Hear more about how musicians work across live concerts, recording, writing, music in the community and collaborations, and benefit from advice that could help you with your next steps.

7. Behind the Curtain

Join Claire Nicoll for an engaging workshop where she will share insights from an exciting career in costume, set, and prop design and construction. Discover her journey into the creative arts, from early inspirations to working on the West End and beyond.

You’ll also develop some practical hands on skills, diving into the fascinating process of breaking down costumes, sets, and props. Perfect for anyone curious about the behind-the-scenes world of theater design and production arts.

8. Songwriting - where to start?

Gareth Williams is an award winning Irish composer and songwriter living in Scotland, making music that defies categorization - ranging from musical theatre, pop and chamber music to full orchestral music and opera. While he writes songs for his own voice, more often he writes for the voices of others. At the heart of his songwriting is a quest to tell stories and forge new creative partnerships.

In this workshop I’ll tell you where I tend to go looking for songs, and what happens when I find them. And, then… we will try and find some songs together and get started on the creative journey. I’ll show you some quick ‘hacks’ to get writing and to make your songs sound distinctive and personal to you.

9. Framing a Career in Photography

Shaun Ward is a Perth based professional photographer who has worked in a range of areas from newspapers and events through to weddings and portraiture.

In this workshop we will look at different areas of photography, looking at how to get started in the industry, how to aim for longevity and have a fulfilling career within the photography industry. Shaun will give you stories from different jobs giving an insight into what being a photographer can be like. In addition, we will set up a portrait session together and have an opportunity to ask questions.

10. Art Gallery Curation

Discover the fascinating world of curatorial roles in Art Galleries and Museums. Curators are involved in selecting, researching and presenting artwork and organising exhibitions and collections. Hear about the varied educational and career pathways that open to doors to these careers.

11. Graphic Design and Illustration 

Find out where the range of skills you develop studying graphic design can take you. From illustration to advertising, printmaking to web design, the world of graphic design is broader than you think and ever-changing in the digital world. 

12. Music Production

Learn about the world of music production from a Mastering Engineer working in the production industry in Scotland. Gain insights into life in recording studios, how engineers work with artists and the range of roles in music production. Listen to songs and learn to use your critical listening skills which are essential for production roles. 

13. Video Game Design and Computer Arts

Dundee hosts the most prestigious game design schools in the world as well as companies that created some of the world’s biggest games. Join students from Abertay University and hear about pathways into game design, the opportunities for study that are on our doorstep here in Tayside and the skills you can develop along the way.