BTEC Performing Arts (Acting)

Performing Arts (Acting)
BTEC Performing Arts (Acting) is the study of Performing Arts and Acting as an art form. The course offers the opportunity to study Perfoming Arts (Acting) as part of a dynamic and successful Theatre Arts Department. The BTEC National Award is a vocational course. This means that you develop practical performance and acting skills by completing projects and assignments which are directly relevant to realistic workplace situations, activities and demands.

The Award aims to give students a broad knowledge of performance skills, acting techniques and other aspects of the industtry. Performing Arts at Barton Peveril is currently taught by Drama Specialists, with the emphasis therefore being on theatre practice and acting techniques. Lessons will be taught in the Rose Theatre, a 250 seat theatre, or in one of the two well equipped and purpose built Drama studios.

You will take part in a variety of practical workshops, have the opportunity to study plays, different genres and styles of theatre, watch and analyse live performances as well as perform your own work. Your learning in these areas will be supported by regular written work, generally in the form of an actor's log, outlining and evaluating the practical skills you are developing. The course will appeal if you are interested in drama and the theatre and enjoy a mixture of practical and written work.

Throughout the course you are expected to see as much live theatre as possible. There are organised trips to various plays on a regular basis, the more theatre you see, the wider your knowledge and experience will become.

What Will I Learn on this Course?

You will develop the technical and interpretative skills necessary to work as an actor by exploring the means and processes of characterisation, interpreting and realising texts, developing material for performance through rehearsal and taking part in performances of rehearsed material.

You will also learn how to analyse and form judgements about live theatre productions you have watched and develop the ability to respond critically to all aspects of drama and theatre.

Course Content and Method of Assessment

The BTEC National Award is made up of five units and is the equivalent of 1 A Level (AS + A2) and is delivered over two years. You must complete both years for a qualification to be awarded.

You are likely to study the following units, although these are subject to change each year.

National Award
Principles of Acting; Classical Theatre Performance or Applying Acting Styles; Contemporary Theatre Performance; Acting Auditions; Performing to an Audience - (A Double Unit)

In each unit a number of assignments will be set during the year and you are assessed continually throughout the course. These assignments will vary in length and approach but will generally culminate in a performance or presentation and the completion of written work to support & analyse the practical work you have produced.

After the Course

You could follow a degree course in Acting, Drama, or you could study a vocational course at Drama School. In which case you will find this a useful course as a foundation in professional theatre technique and discipline.

YOu could also study Theatre Arts, Performing Arts or almost any other subject including, English, History or Maths.

Our past students have become actors, journalists, teachers, psychologists, theatre technicians, arts administrators, doctors, architects or found work in films, with the police - almost anything. One thing they have found to be invaluable, is the self-knowledge and confidence that this course provides

Subject Combinations

BTEC Performing Arts (Acting) will combine well with and complement a wide variety of subjects. It is not a matter of choosing this option only if you wish to follow a career in the theatre. Present students study BTEC Performing Arts alongside Maths, Science subjects, Languages as well as the more expected combinations of Art and English Language or Literature A Levels. Some students choose to specialise further by combining BTEC Performing Arts with A Levels in Drama and Theatre Studies, Dance, Music or Music Technology.

Entry Requirements

Five GCSE passes, including a grade C or above in English (Language or Literature).
Initiative and a willingness to work hard both individually and as part of a team.
The desire to learn a wide range of acting and performing arts skills.

It is not necessary to have studied Drama at GCSE, what is important is a real interest in drama and the theatre.