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Level 3 Diploma in Performing Arts

This highly practical course will put you on the path to an exciting and challenging career in the performing arts industry.  You will develop a range of skills and techniques that are relevant to, and reflective of, current practice within this vibrant industry.

Course Summary

Subject Area: Performing Arts
School Leaver - Vocational/Technical
Location: Joseph Wright Centre
Full Time or Part Time: FT
Level: 3
Number Of Years: 2
Interview Required?: Y
Joseph Wright Centre

Apply now at: https://www.derby-college.ac.uk/course/advanced-diploma-in-performing-arts
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Course Information for Students

This highly practical course will put you on the path to an exciting and challenging career in the performing arts industry.  You will develop a range of skills and techniques that are relevant to, and reflective of, current practice within this vibrant industry.

If you do not have GCSE Maths at grade A*-C (9-4), you will also develop your skills in maths.  This will support your main study programme, future progression and life skills.

You will need to have at least four GCSEs at grade C (4) or above, including English Language and a performing arts-based qualification.  Alternatively you may have a BTEC Level 2 Diploma at Merit or Distinction grade, along with GCSE English Language at grade A*-C (9-4).

In addition, you will need to attend a full-day audition, where your practical skills and potential will be assessed.

You will study:

  • Performance Workshop
  • Performing Arts Business
  • Performing to an Audience
  • Principles of Acting
  • Developing Physical Theatre
  • Singing Skills for Actors and Dancers
  • Developing Contemporary Dance Techniques
  • Dance Appreciation
  • Jazz Dance
  • Maths (if necessary)

This course will be delivered on-site.

Additional costs will include theatre trips at discounted rates and copies of play texts.

Your knowledge and understanding of the industry, alongside your practical skills development, will be assessed through a variety of practical and theory-based assignments.

Learners studying maths will be assessed through controlled assessments or a final exam.

The BTEC Extended Diploma reflects current industry practice.  Upon completion of the course, learners will be well prepared for employment or a variety of performing arts-based courses within higher education.

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk

Course Information for Employers

If you are an employer and would like to know more about the apprenticeships and professional training we deliver or how you can get involved in co-creating and co-delivering the curriculum, please contact us via email on businessenquiries@derby-college.ac.uk, call us on 01332 387 421 or visit our employer pages here.

Career Information



This course could lead to one of these careers...

Actors, Entertainers and Presenters

£27688

Actors, Entertainers and Presenters

More Careers Information at: https://www.derby-college.ac.uk/career-pathways
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DCG Success Stories

Danny Shooter performing

Danny Shooter

A level performing arts student Danny stars in Bowie video

We did dance, contemporary and jazz, and choreographed our own dance. There was a lot of script work, improvisation and things like that. We had four or five teachers and they were all excellent in their areas. I'm still in touch with one of them, Gaynor Darn. She was very encouraging and helped build my confidence up in dance. Derby College was very important to me, without it I wouldn't have had the confidence to go to acting school. They recognised my abilities, encouraged me and were really supportive.

Read More about Danny Shooter

Course Information Last Updated On: October 7, 2024 9:37 am