BTEC Extended Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting)
This course is being delivered in conjunction with Alderbrook School. Students will all be full members of the College, but part of the teaching will take place at this school.
Overview
This is a specialist course for students who wish to develop their interest in theatre and particularly in performance. You learn by completing projects and working in ‘production companies’. The qualification is equivalent to three A Levels which means when you have finished the course you can choose whether to get a job straight away or go into higher education first. In addition, while working on the Diploma, you will be working towards the LAMDA gold medal, which will carry even more points for progression to university or Drama School.
Course Outline
The course is made up of eighteen units – five core units and twelve specialist units. The core unit in Performing counts as two units. The specialist units enable you to study a variety of areas in depth and the structure of the course varies each year. Units are likely to include the following:
Year One
Unit 1: Performance Workshop [core unit]
Unit 3: The Performing Arts Business [core unit]
Unit 4: The Historical Context of Performance [core unit]
Unit 12: Classical Theatre Performance
Unit 32: Developing Physical Theatre
Unit 18: Acting Auditions
Unit 21: Drama Improvisation
Unit 9: Devising Plays
Unit 11: Theatre for Children
Unit 19: The Principles of Acting
Year Two
Unit 5: Rehearsing for Performance [core unit]
Unit 7: Performing to an Audience [core double unit]
Unit 22: Audio Performance Acting
Unit 18: Acting Auditions
Unit 33: Developing Movement Skills
Unit 16: Performing with Masks
Unit 13: Contemporary Theatre Performance
Unit 30: Singing Skills for Actors
Unit 14: Musical Theatre Performance
Unit 10: Theatre in Education
Assessment
Coursework 100%
No Examinations
Examining Board – EDEXCEL.
Special Entry Requirements
Students are normally expected to have taken a GCSE/Level 2 qualification in Performing Arts or Drama and to have experience of production work. If you do not have these qualifications, your application will be considered on an individual basis. You will be expected to demonstrate your skills through audition, in which you perform a short speech from memory, and interview.
Prohibited Options
The qualification is the equivalent to three A Levels. We will give you individual guidance and advice at interview about adding extra qualifications to your programme.
Career and Progression Opportunities
BTEC Extended Diplomas are valued by employers and higher education (colleges and universities). The qualification can lead to careers in the theatre and performing arts. Many students will progress to actor training or degree courses in Drama/Performing Arts or teaching.
Coursework
The course is continually assessed and is therefore 100% coursework.
Cost Implications
The cost of theatre visits and workshops will be met by students with some subsidy from the College.
Other Information
You will need to have a lot of commitment to the course, and you must be prepared to give up extra time for rehearsals, especially when productions are taking place. The course encourages team work, organisational skills, self-confidence and responsibility.
This information is correct for September 2012 entry.