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Shirley McGill - The McGill School of Speech and Drama


Shirley is a fantastic ambassador to the creative arts and their integration into young people’s lives. 

Soon after leaving school, Shirley obtained a Bachelor of Education as well as studying Speech and Drama and gaining her Licentiate with Guildhall School. While working as a primary school teacher Shirley also taught speech and drama privately. After working as a teacher in schools for four years, eventually it got to the point where Shirley had to chose between one or the other. Time did not allow both and in 1992 the McGill School of Speech and Drama was founded!

While teaching speech and drama through her own business, Shirley was asked to join Aberdeen Youth Music Theatre (AYMT) as their director. 
When Shirley joined, the group was only three years into existence and had just 30 members. 
Since then, it has grown to over 160 members with three sections; juniors, intermediates and seniors, all of which produce their own, independent shows.

Shirley told us that; “The best thing about my job is that I am totally in charge, I make all the decisions! I can also expand my timetable as pupil numbers dictate. I love the great variety I have in a year. We enter festivals, prepare for exams and put on plays (if I feel it is something my pupils would benefit from). 

She also mentioned; “The worst thing was when I began teaching privately, my children were very young and I taught after school and in the evenings. I had to rely on friends and family for childcare. These working hours were not ideal for a young family. Although on the positive side I had all the school holidays.”

What advice would you give to someone who would like to get into the creative industries based on your own personal experiences?
“My advice would be start small, pick one area you know you are good at and develop it, thoroughly. Deliver what you promise and build your reputation. Listen to your clients and always make time to speak with them. In my experience building up a personal relationship with your client creates customer loyalty and this is so important!”

McGill School for Speech and Drama: https://www.facebook.com/themcgillschool/

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