BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting, Dance and Musical Theatre pathways)

You will need to attend an interview and audition where you will also receive careful guidance.

You should normally have at least two of the following:

• Level 2 Diploma in Performing Arts at Merit grade or higher and English Language GCSE at minimum grade 4 (C)
• at least 5 GCSEs at minimum grade 4 (C) including English Language
• evidence of production experience in or out of school.

You will develop performance skills in a variety of aspects of the performing arts with the option of specialising on a Dance. Acting or Musical Theatre pathway. These skills will be put into practice in a range of performance assignments. You will learn about every aspect of the performing arts profession including its history and social context, how to work as part of a performance company and how the arts are managed and you will also have the opportunity to help make set and costume and apply stage make-up.

All classes and activities are practical, but there is also a regular and challenging range of supporting written work required. You are taught a full range of performance and arts management skills; these are developed and assessed by internal and external assignments. Each unit is made up of one or more assignments. You are given a grade for each unit and all these are listed on the final Diploma.

You may progress to the HND Performing Arts course at Weymouth College. Dance, drama and music schools all accept the qualification as valid and relevant to their professional training courses, but entry to them is only by audition. We have a strong track record of sending students to these vocational schools and several have since entered the profession. The course is also a valuable foundation for a wide range of vocations which trainers and employers recognise. You may go on to train further in teaching, social work, public relations, arts admin, nursing, police, the media, marketing and retail or personnel work. Students who complete this course may move on to employment with professional theatre companies.

The College library has an extensive lending and reference book stock, in addition to videos and journals. All students need to buy a Bay Theatre season ticket for entry to the professional productions, which costs approximately £60 per year.

If you are aged 16-18 as of 31 August on the year of enrolment – no course fee. If you are over 19 as of 31 August and enrolling on a full-time programme of study a tuition fee will be applicable in most cases. Bursary funds There are financial support arrangements for 16-18 year olds and hardship funds available for the over 19s. Please contact reception for details of costs and concessions on 01305 761100 or email igs@weymouth.ac.uk