UAL Level 3 Diploma & Extended in Performing & Production Arts (Acting, Dance and Musical Theatre)

The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing & Production Arts (Acting, Dance & Musical Theatre) is a challenging course focussing on building the relevant skills, knowledge and experience necessary to succeed in the performing arts industry today. The Level 3 Diploma in Performing & Production Arts (Year 1) is designed to give students the practical skills and knowledge to progress to the Level 3 Extended Diploma (Year 2) and then on to degree level study, at university, drama school, specialist dance college or employment in this exciting and vibrant industry.

Throughout the course students cover a variety of aspects of the three disciplines including: devised and scripted drama, ensemble singing, solo performance, contemporary and street dance, musical theatre history and musical theatre performance. All of our Performing Arts students benefit from theatre visits, attending workshops and performing both devised and scripted shows in the college theatre.

The Level 3 Extended Diploma consists of 12 units. Students study 8 units in the 1st year and 4 units in the 2nd year. Units 1-7 are formatively assessed to a Pass level. Unit 8 is summatively assessed to a Pass/Merit/Distinction and denotes the overall grade for the Diploma. In the 2nd year, Units 8-11 are formatively assessed to a Pass level. Unit 12 is summatively assessed to a Pass/Merit/Distinction and denotes the overall grade for the Extended Diploma. The 1st year Diploma course carries the following UCAS points: Pass/Merit/Distinction – 36/60/84 and the 2nd year Extended Diploma is: Pass/Merit/Distinction – 72/120/168. The Level 3 Extended Diploma provides an opportunity for those who have an interest in the performing arts to work both independently and collaboratively with their peers to explore, develop and test their creativity within a qualification structure which is both stimulating and demanding.

You will:

- take part in practical workshops
- devise your own performance work
- develop performing techniques  
- train across a variety of dance genres which could include: ballet, commercial, contemporary, jazz, musical theatre, street dance and urban
- learn choreography
- develop your speaking voice (articulation & projection)
- sing (solo & ensemble)
- perform in at least one scripted play
- participate in immersive theatre performance
- develop performance discipline in both a rehearsal setting and in live performances to an invited audience
- explore the work of performing arts practitioners, different theories and styles
- develop your skills and versatility as a performer
- learn and perform audition speeches
- prepare for auditions to drama school, dance colleges and/or university
- critically evaluate your own work and that of others
- study the technical aspects of a performance including sound, lighting, set, props and costume
- go on theatre visits and trips
- investigate employment opportunities within the industry

Students will develop a wide range of transferable skills that will prepare them for further study and/or the world of work. These will include a wide range of communication skills; presentation and public speaking skills; teamwork; resilience and confidence.