Course description
The UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts is designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to access and progress to degree-level study or employment in the performing arts.
This programme provides an opportunity to explore, develop and test your creativity within a qualification structure which is stimulating, demanding and provides a supportive transition from general to more specialised study.
Performance and Production at Reading College is exciting, practical, and industry focused. Our programmes give you the chance to experience a wide variety of modern, contemporary, and practical skills and techniques in the performing and production arts.
You will also partner with Reading Rep, Reading's award-winning professional theatre company, and perform and work in their brand-new theatre. Your curriculum will be inspired by the Reading Rep season, and you will work with and receive masterclasses from the actors and artists working with the company. No other College in the UK offers a partnership like this, preparing you for the professional industry while receiving an exciting, creative and relevant education.
We regularly organise visits to see theatre, both locally and in London. We have also organised annual trips to America, giving learners the opportunity to perform internationally.
Reading College has chosen to deliver UAL Awarding Body qualifications because they are focused on the creative arts. At the end of this two-year programme, you will achieve a UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Music Performance and Production, which is equivalent to three A Levels.
Working with the UAL Awarding Body allows us to offer our students a bespoke pre-university course, specialising in your area of interest. You can choose to keep your studies broad with the Performing and Production Arts route, or specialise in Acting, Directing, Movement, Writing or Technical Theatre.
Recent alumni have gone on to be offered places at various universities and drama and dance schools throughout the UK.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
A minimum of four GCSEs at grades 4 or above (A*–C), including English and preferably an art-based subject. All learners will be required to attend an audition. You will be contacted personally to confirm any materials you may need to prepare for this.
Outcome / Qualification etc.
At the end of this course, you'll be equipped with the practical skills to join the professional world of performing arts or to continue with your education and training elsewhere, including university.
Training Course Content
Option 1: Performing and Production Arts Route
Performing and Production Arts is a modern, contemporary performing arts programme where you'll receive training in all areas of performance. The course is designed to grow your knowledge and skills across various disciplines including acting, directing, movement and writing, but also enables you to focus on your own specialisms. A variety of performance opportunities will allow you to put your skills and technique into practice.
Through collaborative learning and immersive study, you will take your performance and production skills to the next level, while continuing to learn how to use your body and voice in performance, engage with elements of design and technology, and entertain and inform your audience. This course will develop your skills in the use of voice and vocal manipulation, dance and movement, theatre and mime, text and dialogue, mask design and use, design for performance (including sets, costumes and lights), and technical management.
More than just developing your technical and creative skills, you will also gain a deeper knowledge of the theories and principles of performing arts, increase your understanding of the industry, and develop the confidence and skills you'll need to succeed in real-world auditions and interviews. You will learn about professional practice standards, critical and contextual awareness, and the expectations of the professional world of performance and production.
So, whether your future lies on stage or screen, behind the scenes or in-front of an audience, or in performing or producing, Performing and Production Arts can help set the stage for your future career journey, and fully prepare you for a life in the performing arts.
Option 2: Technical Theatre Route
Interested in set construction and design? Passionate about creating effects on stage? Or are you interested in lighting, sound and costume? Do you want to crew large scale productions and find out what it takes to bring a production to life?
If you answered yes, then opting for the Technical Theatre route is for you.?You will learn skills such as prop design and making, costume construction, set design and building, lighting design for concerts and shows and leading a crew as a stage manager.
Don't worry if you haven't chosen your preferred route yet. You will be able to discuss each of the different routes, and which one might best suit your career aspirations, as part of your application process.
In the first year of this course, you will study for the Diploma. Once that is successfully achieved, you will be invited to continue on to complete the full Extended Diploma in the second year of the course.
Please note: Fees will apply if you are 19+ at the beginning of your studies and have previously completed a Level 3 qualification or are 24 and above. All fees are charged on a yearly basis. Please see our Fees Policy for further details or get in touch to discuss your options!
Course delivery details
We want you to collaborate in your learning experience, so our industry-experienced tutors will help you to identify your areas of interest and areas for improvement.
You'll develop practical performance skills using voice and movement to communicate effectively to an audience. You will also learn the importance of teamwork, self-discipline, and you'll gain confidence in interacting with—and leading—others. These skills can be used not just in the performing arts industry but in many other areas of work.
All your coursework is internally assessed at the end of the year (there is no exam). It'll then be marked by the centre and moderated by UAL Awarding Body.
UAL Awarding Body believes in transformative education. They design and award creative qualifications that empower and inspire educators to help students reach their potential.
UAL Awarding Body is regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA Regulation and currently offers qualifications in Art and Design, Fashion Business and Retail, Creative Media Production and Technology, Music Performance and Production and Performing and Production Arts. They are also the UK's leading provider of the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. Their qualifications have high retention and achievement rates because they are flexible, responsive and relevant to industry needs, and facilitate student progression.
Activate Learning
Activate Learning is a forward-thinking education group that aims for far-reaching, progressive change and impact through learning. We work with learners as individuals, helping them make the choice of course and career pathway that’s right for them. Our mission is to provide work-ready talent for business, and...