Performing Arts Academy

Working in partnership with Exeter Northcott Theatre, Exeter College’s Performing Arts Academy aims to stretch and challenge learners who demonstrate a genuine commitment and motivation in creating live performance work and want a career within the industry.  

We want to work with learners who are passionate about the performing arts, have open minds and are prepared to face personal challenges. Potential Academy members need to be multi skilled in being able to write, produce and perform their own work to make a living in such a competitive industry. Performing Arts Academy students will experience a wide and diverse programme of master classes, workshops and field visits outside the curriculum of their studies. The culmination of the academy will be a showcase of live performance work in front of a panel of industry professionals and invited guests. 

Previous Performing Arts Academy students have graduated onto courses at Drama Schools and Universities such as: East 15, Bristol Old Vic, GSA, Rose Bruford, Emil Dale, Plymouth Conservatoire, London School of Musical Theatre & Bournemouth University. 

What are the entry criteria?

The Performing Arts Academy is open to any student that is studying a performing arts related course and has gained a GCSE level 4 or above in both English/Maths. The Performing Arts Academy is open to both 1st years and 2nd years as it has been designed to be both aspirational as well as inspirational. Entry is via application, audition and interview. If you are unsuccessful in gaining a place within the Performing Arts Academy it will not affect any other offers that you may have upon courses at Exeter College.

Performing Arts related courses:

UAL Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma Performing & Production Arts (ACTING)
UAL Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma Performing & Production Arts (MUSICAL THEATRE)
UAL Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma Performing & Production Arts (DANCE)

A Level Drama & Theatre Studies

Remember that the Performing Arts Academy is just an extra opportunity for us to stretch and challenge some learners in addition to their studies. Drama & Performing Arts staff will be able to feedback to all learners who are have been unsuccessful in their application as part of the induction process when term starts in September. We’re excited when learners reflect upon feedback, develop new skills and apply again to the Performing Arts Academy the following year.

How do I apply?

Click here to apply for 2024-25.
Please note you will need to complete your college course application before you can apply for an academy.
The Academy Team will then review your application and shortlist candidates for audition. Applications close on Friday 7 June 2024.

What will I have to do in audition?

The Academy team want the audition process to be of value to learners. If invited to audition we will send you a clear set of instructions and logistics about what to wear, where it’ll take place, when and what material we ask that you prepare beforehand. The selection process will take the form of workshop/interview and presentation of audition material. All of this will take on the same day and we’ll aim to timetable everything over a complete morning or afternoon. Audition will be offered based on your application. This year’s auditions will take place towards the end of June – start of July. Please note that depending on Covid restrictions these may take place online instead.

Academy Fees

The Performing Arts Academy is limited to a maximum of 16 learners each year and will run from the start of each academic year up to February half term. For successful candidates offered a place there will be a one off Academy fee of £200. This includes all sessions and trips.

What Our Partners Say

My time at Exeter College undertaking the BTEC in Performing Arts provided the crucial foundation I needed as an introduction to performing. Ultimately, undertaking the course made me realise my passion for the craft and art of performance, and I owe a great deal to those strong, core foundations.If I was a student again I would be applying to the academy in a heartbeat and I actively encourage students to do so. It’s a promising time to be beginning the foundations of training in the performing arts in Devon, and all budding performers should definitely go for it.

— Alex Chang, Actor and Academy Ambassador

We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Exeter College, and to be supported by the University of Exeter, on the new Performing Arts Academy. Supporting the next generations of young performers is at the heart of what we do at the Northcott and we are thrilled to be working alongside the College and University in this exciting new initiative.

— Paul Jepson, Exeter Northcott Theatre Executive Director

We congratulate Exeter College on the launch of its new academy, and are happy to share with its participants the surprising range of career opportunities that a degree in drama opens up.

— Stephen Hodge, Head of Drama at the University of Exeter