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Performing Arts

Here you will learn skills such as physical theatre, contemporary dance, vocal and singing techniques and master the art of acting. We place emphasis on the practical application of these techniques and apply them in a range of performances, practical projects and productions. Our work is underpinned with a dedication to create work that is physically daring, emotionally engaging and visually stunning.

The Performing Arts Department


Nescot’s Epsom School of Theatre Arts combines training in contemporary, physical and musical theatre. It is made up of three companies: Forge Theatre, Nexus Ensemble and (e)Merge. The companies perform with the ethos of creating work which is physically daring, emotionally engaging and visually stunning.


What You Can Expect
  • Based on the principles of a drama school, Forge Theatre and Nexus Ensemble give you the opportunity to experience a professionaltheatre environment.
  • Specialist workshop opportunities throughout the year including stage combat, script writing, Heel’s workshops, and Commedia dell’arte.
  • All assignments are industry-focused, with an emphasis on performance.
  • Industry-related careers week with talks and workshops from casting agencies, drama schools, equity, performers and producers.
  • Enrich your education with theatre visits, both to watch performances and to have back-stage tours.
  • You will work in state-of-the-art studios and workshops on the main campus.
  • Staff are experienced practitioners who still train and work within the industry.
  • Students practise as a company member and have the opportunity to perform in a number of different shows across the year in a variety of theatres. These have included Lyric Hammersmith, Soho Theatre and G Live in Guildford.
Our Staff

Our enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff are industry qualified and experienced practitioners, designers, directors, technicians and theatre professionals. This means that we can bring real and relevant experience to you and your work.We also work with other industry professionals who provide specialist workshops in elements such as scriptwriting, stage combat and classical theatre.

Our Facilities

The department has excellent facilities including two full-scale Theatres (Black Box and Proscenium Arch), an Acting Studio, a Dance Studio, as well as good quality teaching rooms with Interactive White Boards and networked computers. We also have an extensive scenic workshop for set building and fully-stocked costume and props stores.

Progression

Our students have progressed on to university-level qualifications at:

  • Nescot (Performing Arts HND/C)
  • Mountview
  • GSA Central
  • Trinity Laban
  • RADA
  • East 15
  • London Studio Centre
  • University of Manchester
  • University of Chichester
  • Brunel University
  • University of Surrey
  • University of East London
  • De Montfort University


At Nescot we encourage our students to think ahead, so that they can choose the right courses to fit them and their future. We also use an innovative online platform called Start, which is a free and comprehensive digital platform, offering students a single starting point to help simplify careers guidance. Students can build a personal profile aimed at guiding them throughout their career. Find out more here.

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This chart shows some details about employment trends in the sector, and companies Nescot works with.

Forge Theatre is a theatre company with a professional ethos made up of Nescot's 16-18 Performing Arts students.


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Skills you will gain

There are dozens of job roles associated with the performing arts industry, ranging from professional acting to writing, stage design, technician, promotion and many more. Our courses ensure you develop the knowledge of the sector and the transferable skills for further study and to start your career in this exciting industry. Skills learned include:

  • Performance
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Creative idea generation
  • Communication and collaboration
  • Audience understanding
  • Sales pitching
  • Portfolio building, industry awareness and agent links
  • Organisation, self-motivation and self-employment


Photograph of a Nescot student

“The best thing about Performing Arts at Nescot is the teachers. They’re amazing at what they do, but I also like how they treat us as individuals. They know what our strengths are, what we need to work on and what our career goals are, and they even try to plan our group performances in a way that shows our abilities but also pushes us out of our comfort zone and challenges us to keep getting better.
Harry

Photograph of a Nescot student

Nescot is a really welcoming place, and the Performing Arts department is like a family. We all help and support and encourage each other, and we genuinely celebrate other people’s success like it was our own. I would recommend Nescot to anyone. No matter who you are or what your background is, you’ll find your place here.

Photograph of a Nescot student

The teachers treat us like we’re a professional theatre company. We’re expected to audition, learn lines, rehearse, and take constructive feedback to make the best possible show. The thing I’m most proud of is getting the lead in Grease. I learnt a lot, and I’ve definitely improved as a performer.

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