Performing and Production Arts (Musical Theatre)

The Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts courses are designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to access and progress to degree level study, drama school or conservatoire courses or employment in the performing arts. They provide an opportunity for those who have an interest in the performing arts to explore, develop and test their creativity within a qualification structure which is stimulating, demanding and provides a supportive transition from general to more specialised study.

This course is ideal if you have a passion for acting, singing and dance across a variety of genre, and if you are excited about performing, risk taking, being led by your creative discoveries and applying research to your performance work.

In your first year you will study the Diploma progressing to the Extended Diploma in your second year. You will be expected to work outside class time on your assignments and attendance/participation at live performances and workshops is also compulsory. You will explore a diverse range of practical, research and academic units. You will also take performances to other venues in and around Exeter. The course is project based. Working collaboratively as a  performance company you will develop, rehearse and perform a diverse range of work in front of live audiences. There is a continuous assessment process involving practical, research and presentation work. Written work is involved in the form of evaluations, individual process journals, investigative and research reports.

What topics will I study? 

You will:

• Explore a range of Musical Theatre styles, practitioners, composers, lyricists, choreographers, directors and live performances
• Improve technique for acting, dancing and singing
• Participate in workshops and performances
• Create a personal website and digital marketing materials
• Develop interpersonal and other transferable skills to enhance your employability

This course does not involve formal exams, all assessment is carried out as coursework, both practical and written. There is a continuous assignment assessment process, involving practical and written work. Grades awarded for each assignment go towards a final grade for each unit.

What can I study alongside this course?

This course is studied on its own and cannot be combined with other courses.

Next steps:

You could progress to university,  drama school or conservatoire courses.

You will need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, or equivalent (including English Language and Maths). If you don’t have a grade 4 in English Language or Maths, you will be required to study for this alongside your course. You will be invited to audition for a place upon the course. 

You will have access to a Learning Resource Centre and refectory, plus a theatre, production arts workshop and cafes. Students will also rehearse and perform in professional venues and studios around the city.

You will need to have workshop clothing (black t-shirt and leggings/ tracksuit bottoms), for practical work. We charge an annual, non refundable £100 course administration fee. This will cover all compulsory theatre visits, workshops and venue hire.