Course summary

This course is aimed at undergraduate students who wish to their develop skills in the Performing Arts, especially those desiring to continue their studies at University or vocational Drama School level. Graduates of this course have completed degree programmes at University, attended recognised Drama schools, become teachers and workshop leaders or found employment in the industry. This one year course has been designed to provide Higher level Performing Arts training in a vocational environment. This course aims to enable aspiring performers and creatives to enter the profession. The course structure will allow learners to develop skills within the three key performance disciplines (singing, dancing and acting) with key focus on personal achievement and employability. Emphasis is placed on developing student autonomy and students are encouraged to take ownership of their own work. Our subject specialist tutors guide and support students to becoming competent, confident and innovative within the performing arts practice. To compliment the studies, learners will also have the opportunity to work alongside current industry professionals. In the past we have had guest lectures and workshops from cast members of Urinetown, Les Misérables, Miss Saigon and the RSC. This gives students first-hand knowledge of current industry practices and demonstrates the standards that are required to be a successful practitioner. Whilst studying, students have taken part in musicals, concerts, cabaret performances, plays, radio dramas, music gigs and major auditions. Past students have also gained work experience placements through our industry contacts, which has enabled access into employment and mentorship. Throughout the year of study students will develop skills within performance; singing; dancing and acting as well as skills used within directing and choreographing. These developments are enabled through the delivery of subject specific modules and through the experiences gained on the course. The experiences gained on the course include performing in the town’s professional theatre, Theatre Severn, working with seasoned professionals, attending professional workshops as well as visiting regional theatres for live performance. This course has historically offered students the opportunity to access an overseas trip, where students will visit a country to experience different cultures and gain a wider understanding of their subject area. Previous trips have been to Berlin and Barcelona. If you wish to continue your studies there is the option of a top-up year to achieve a HND (subject to individual entry requirements). A graduate of this course could go onto a career in the performing arts industry as a performer, undertaking work in entertainment, television, stage, touring productions or community work. A successful performer could also develop their skills as a ‘Creative’ in the field, obtaining directorial roles within the field on a self-employed basis. Alongside the performance skills, students will develop knowledge and experience of the ‘back-stage’ environment, taking on production roles for performances not only in the college theatre, but other venues, including the local professional theatre: Theatre Severn. Such roles could include stage management (SM, ASM, DSM,) lighting operation and sound operation. For those students with further interest and desire within this area, work experience in a professional venue can be organised. Visiting companies also use the College theatre and opportunities to work collaboratively with outside companies have been set up, allowing you to develop professional contacts and work experience.