The Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice provides students with a comprehensive foundation in performance skills, creative development, and industry knowledge. It covers a wide range of disciplines, including acting, dance, and musical theatre, with a focus on practical application, collaboration, and professional development.Students will gain the technical, creative, and business skills required for a career in the performing arts industry.
Our programmes are delivered in purpose-built theatre and dance studio spaces, designed to replicate both the stage and back-stage experiences of a working theatre. Students also have access to dedicated IT spaces for coursework.
As part of one of our working theatre companies you will take part in regular performances throughout the year, and you will get the opportunity for a lead role as part of your Final Major Project. On some projects you may be expected to adopt a formal industry role.
Course Content
Exploring Performance Styles
Develop understanding of classical and contemporary acting, jazz dance, hip hop, and musical theatre.
Creating Performance Material
Develop original material influenced by classical and contemporary acting techniques, as well as jazz and hip-hop dance.
Performing to an Audience
Deliver polished performances in acting and dance to live audiences at the Queens Theatre.
Performing Arts History and Business
Explore the history of performing arts and gain insights into the business side of the industry.
Devised Personal Performing Arts Project
Create and develop a personalised performance project reflecting individual strengths and interests.
Creating a Showreel
Produce a professional showreel showcasing individual performance skills.
Performing Arts Job Roles
Explore and prepare for various roles in the performing arts industry.
End-of-Year Musical Performance
Participate in a full-scale musical theatre production as a culmination of the year’s learning.
This structured approach ensures students gain a holistic understanding of performing arts while preparing for further education or careers in the industry.
Assessment
Your work is continuously assessed, so NO exams! This course is equivalent to 3 full A levels. You will focus on developing creative skills, developing own creative practice, working towards a self-devised Final Major Project (FMP) at the end of each year.
This course is highly practical and progression focused. All assessment is holistic, based on portfolios of work. Evidence is generated through practical projects, briefs, workshops and engagement with the performing arts industry, preparing you for progression to the performance industry through the development of portfolios and materials for progression.
This extended diploma is a two-year course. Students begin with a Foundation Diploma in the first year and, upon successful completion, progress to the Extended Diploma in the second year.
Progress to university, further study or employment.
Students normally progress to Universities such as: Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, British and Irish Modern Music Institute (BIMM), Apprenticeship or an entry-level industry role.
