Performing Arts National Diploma BTEC

Performing Arts National Diploma (BTEC)
A practical performance course in which you gain the expeience of learning through productions. This is your chance to develop your skills in acting, dancing and singing and then try them out in front of an audience.

What does the course involve?
You will study for approximately 18 hours per week. The course is largely practical and performance-based but there are regular written assignments and essays or reports attached to most of them. You will have the chance to develop all-round vocational skills and may find new areas of interest to specialise in. In your first year you will take part in at least one major production and in your second year there will be at least two productions, one being a major summer musical production in our own Sundial Theatre. The theatre has excellent facilities and is also used by a variety of professional touring companies and performing artistes.

What will I study?
6 Core Units (compulsory): Performance Workshop, The Performing Arts Business, The Historical Context of Performance, Rehearsing for Performance, Performing to an Audience (double unit).

12 Specialist Units (according to production choices): Devising Plays, Theatre in Education, Theatre for Children, Classical Theatre Performance, Contemporary Theatre Performance, Musical Theatre Performance, Performing with Masks, Developing Voice for the Actor, Acting Auditions, Principles of Acting, Applying Acting Styles, Drama Improvisation, Dance Performance, Choreographic Principles, Choreographing Dances, Developing Physical Theatre, Applying Physical Theatre, The Healthy Performer, Developing Classical Ballet Technique, Applying Classical Ballet Techniques, Developing Contemporary Dance, Applying Contemporary Dance Technique, Jazz Dance, Tap Dance, Mime, The Practice of Directing Theatre, Approaches to Directing Theatre, Script Writing, Storytelling as Performance, Singing Skills for Actors and Dancers, Developing Movement Skills, Movement in Performance, Arts in the Community, Working Freelance.

How is the course assessed?

• Coursework
• Practical test
• Presentation

What other costs are there?
Supplementary Costs
Band B (£50 - £150)

Frequently Asked Questions
What will it lead to?
The course is recognised as being equivalent to 3 A Levels although you may take additional AS subjects as well. It may lead to an HND or BA degree course in a related subject and can lead to jobs in theatre arts, education, community arts, public relations, entertainments industry, tourist industry, publicity and administration. Some of our students have progressed to prestigious drama schools and most to good university courses.

What sort of productions are on offer?
In the first year you will develop a range of skills and techniques, participate in workshop performances of improvised drama and musical theatre and perform in a community/touring production at the end of the year. In your second year you will perform in a full-scale Christmas production for children in the Sundial Theatre and then work towards your final major production, a musical theatre show in the summer term. There will also be dance and singing showcases.

What time commitment is required outside of College hours?
You must be prepared to participate in weekend and some evening rehearsals prior to a major production and, prior to enrolment, to attend an Entry Workshop Day in Dance & Drama.
Exam Board = EDEXCEL

This information is believed to be correct. Cirencester College continually updates and reviews its provision to ensure that it meets the needs of the community. Therefore the right to amend, change or delete learning programmes, accreditation routes or terms and conditions relating to entitlement to study is reserved at all times. We aim to provide open access to a comprehensive range of high quality education and training for the whole community over the age of 16 regardless of race, class, belief, language, gender, sexual orientation, disability, previous educational attainment or particular circumstances.