I've treated them just like my own students, so they've had to commit to the way we work. It's been interesting to see how the thoroughness and meticulous analysis of the way we operate has been new to them.

Taking our productions out of the Academy is something we've been considering for a while. In the RSAMD theatre, we could normally sell out several times over.

Although opera in Scotland has its unique problems, it also presents unique possibilities. If you can come up with solutions, good and well.

Our students won't simply be placed at the back of a section. They'll be right in the middle of the action, near the front. It will give them invaluable experience.