This vocationally centred course is the equivalent of 2 A Levels and aims to offer a professional and ‘hands-on’ experience to prepare you for entry into the performing arts industry.

The course focuses on the practical skills of the actor through workshops, theory classes and rehearsal, whilst bringing live and filmed productions to surrounding areas of the community. You will be encouraged to produce your own performances, take part in master classes, participate in educational visits and create material for showreels and portfolios to showcase your abilities and experience. Past residential visits have included London, Krakow and Paris, whilst students have had the opportunities to meet and work with actors from theatre, film and TV, agents, directors and other industry professionals.

Entry Requirements
4 GCSEs at grade C or above, BTEC First Diploma in a related subject or GNVQ Intermediate in a related subject.

Length of course: 2 years

Core Units
• Performing Arts Business
• Performing to an Audience
• Performance Workshop

8 optional specialist units, which may include
• Acting Auditions
• Film and TV Acting
• Contemporary Theatre Performance
• Musical Theatre Performance
• Script Writing
• Developing Physical Theatre
• Devising Plays
• Developing Movement Skills
• Classical Theatre Performance
• Stand-up Comic Technique
• Drama Improvisation

Assessment
Although much of your work will be assessed through performance and practical tasks, there is an academic element to the course which develops your understanding through research tasks and written portfolios of work. You will be supported and updated on your progress through frequent tutorials and ongoing assessment of assignments and performance projects.

Progression
Past students have progressed from the course straight into professional work in the performing arts industry on a national and international level, as well as to the Teesside University FdA and BA Hons courses offered at SRC, other universities and drama schools in the UK and USA, and to teacher training courses..

Entry Requirements
4 GCSEs at grade C or above or BTEC First Diploma in a related subject, or GNVQ Intermediate in a related subject

Length of course: 2 years

Core Units (Year 1):
• Performing to an Audience
• Musical Theatre Performance

4 optional units which may include
• Jazz Dance
• Singing 1
• Musical Theatre Performance
• Dance Performance
• Contemporary Dance
• Music Performance 1
• Voice 1

Assessment
We assess your performance continuously during rehearsals and productions and you will provide us with rehearsal diaries and evaluations you make of your performances. The aim is that together we can identify your strengths and help you build on them by gaining credit and evidence all the way.

Progression
Students who are successful on this course can progress to higher education at university, stage school or employment in the performing arts industry.

This course has an excellent track record for students progressing straight into top leading stage schools such as Arts Educational, Laine Theatre Arts, London Studio Centre and many more.

Past students are currently performing in Chicago, Billy Elliott and We Will Rock You. Students enjoy many educational and theatre trips, for example, to London’s West End and New York’s Broadway.