Course Overview
The Level 3 in Performing and Production Arts is a developmental vocational course for students aged 16+ who wish to pursue a career within the performing arts or related fields.
You can choose to study one of four pathways:
- Acting,
- Dance,
- Musical Theatre,
- Production.
Entry Requirements
Applicants require
- Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, ideally including GCSE English or Level 2 Diploma qualification at Merit grade or above
- A successful audition (see details below)
- A good reference from your school / college
Audition requirements
Applicants will participate in an informal interview and are also required to prepare one of the following:
- A rehearsed scripted monologue from a published play
- A dance in a style of your choice (approx. 1 minute, 30 seconds)
- A song in a style of your choice (approx. a verse and a chorus)
- A design portfolio of production work
For students performing a dance, please provide music.
For students performing a song, please provide a backing track.
What the course covers
The Level 3 in Performing and Production Arts is a developmental vocational course for students aged 16+ who wish to pursue a career as a professional actor, dancer, musical theatre performer or work in related fields, including production roles, within the performing arts.
Through technical classes, contextual practice, and project work, students will explore various areas within the performing arts, advancing their skills and gaining practical knowledge in rehearsal and performance settings. The goal is to develop the technical abilities, confidence, and performance proficiency needed to create well-rounded performers.
The course is split into four pathways and students can choose to study either Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre or Production, working as part of the theatre company ‘Forge Theatre’. Upon completion, students will leave with a Level 3 qualification, equivalent to three A-Level’s and worth up to 168 UCAS points.
COURSE PATHWAYS
Acting
Actor training focuses on developing versatile actors who can work in a range of styles and media. Classes are studied in both stage and screen acting, exploring technical skills, practitioner work, character development, devising, study of contemporary and classical texts, movement, and voice. The training also emphasizes emotional depth, improvisation, and collaboration, encouraging students to develop a strong personal technique while adapting to various roles and performance environments. In addition, students will learn how to work with direction, engage with different performance mediums, and prepare for the demands of professional auditions and prod
Assessment
The course offers professional, hands-on training, with approximately 70% practical and 30% theoretical content. We take a holistic, industry-relevant approach, encouraging students to be creative, versatile, and adaptable, while developing a professional work ethic.
Fees and funding
Students aged 16 to 18, or those aged 16 to 24 with a valid EHCP, who are studying Further Education courses are not charged course fees.
For more information about financial support, please visit our Student Finance and Bursaries page. Click here for the Student Finance and Bursaries page
Progression
PROGRESSION ROUTES
After completing Level 3, students are supported and encouraged to take the next steps in their educational journey. Many choose to continue their studies by enrolling in our Level 4 Diploma in Performance program at Nescot College, or at other Higher Education institutions such as Conservatories and Universities. Alternatively, some students may pursue career opportunities within the Performing Arts industry.
Duration
Two years, full-time.
Choose one pathway: Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre, Production.