In SCAL you would just move the letters around to get your shape - if you want them to be together then nudge them together and select the weld button on each one.
This is what I do to accomplish what you wish to do. Take the letter O rotate lenghtwise and stretch and size to suit. Type your letters and align to the top of the arc of the o rotating each letter to align the bottom of the letters. Once you get all the letters done delete the original O. What you have left is a perfectly arched set of letter. Hope this helps.