Course Overview
The Level 2 Award and Diploma in Performing and Production Arts is a one-year introductory vocational course for students aged 16+ who wish to pursue a career as a professional performer or work in related fields within the performing arts industry.
Entry Requirements
Applicants require
- Two GCSEs at grade 4 or above or Level 1 Diploma qualification at Merit grade or above
- A successful audition (see details below)
- A good reference from your school or 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)
For students performing a dance, please provide music.
For students performing a song, please provide a backing track.
What the course covers
The Level 2 Award and Diploma in Performing and Production Arts is a one-year introductory vocational course for students aged 16+ who wish to pursue a career as a professional performer or work in related fields within the performing arts industry.
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.
The Level 2 is a general performing arts course and provides a broad overview of different disciplines, helping students discover their passion and develop a deeper understanding of the industry.
Through technical classes, contextual practice, and project work, students will explore various areas within the performing arts, advancing their skills, and gaining experience in rehearsal and performance settings. The goal is to build confidence and develop the fundamental skills needed for further progression in performing arts education.
Students will receive training in acting, devising, physical theatre, and musical theatre (including acting, dance, and singing), and work as part of the theatre company ‘Forge Theatre’. Upon completion, students will earn a Level 2 qualification, equivalent to four GCSEs.
Course Structure
The course is organised into projects with various modes of assessment, and students are given many performance opportunities during the course. Students are assessed throughout the academic year and final grades are determined by their final major project in term three.
More information about UAL: Level 2 Award and Diploma in Performing & Production Arts UAL
Course Content
TERM 1
- Technical classes and performing skills in acting, devising and stage craft
- WinterFest performance > Devised Theatre
- Opportunity to audition for the Monologue Slam
- Opportunity to audition for Jazz Night
TERM 2
- Technical classes and performing skills in acting, dance, singing and musical theatre
- Production skills in costume design, set design, prop making and stage management
- Specialist performance > Musical Theatre
TERM 3
- Progression intentions
- Performing skills in acting and movement
- Final major project > Play
Areas of Study
ACTING
- Acting technique
- Character development
- Contemporary text
- Devising
- Improvisation
- Movement
- Physical Theatre
- Scene study
- Taking direction
- Text analysis
- Voice
DANCE
- Dance technique
- Jazz dance
- Musical Theatre dance
- Picking up choreography
SINGING
- Group singing
- Musical Theatre singing
- Singing technique
PRODUCTION
- Costume design
- Prop making
- Set design
- Stage craft
- Stage management
COURSEWORK
- Contextual study
- Critique
- Evaluation
- Reflective practise
- Research
- Viva’s
ENRICHMENT
- Careers week workshops
- Theatre trips
Fees and funding
Equipment: Students are required to wear Nescot performing arts standard uniform which includes black t-shirt and sweatshirt. The fee for this uniform is approximately £27.50 and can be ordered at Nescot during enrolment.
Visits: Enrichment visits will be arranged throughout the programme and will cost in total for the year approx. £80.
Please note:
- Students aged 16 to 18, or those aged 16 to 24 who have a valid EHCP, and are studying Further Education courses are not normally charged course fees
- Adults may need to pay a fee depending on their personal circumstances. This will be assessed against the relevant Funding Body eligibility criteria at point of enrolment
If you don’t qualify for fee remission, the fees for 2026/27 will be:
£1,530 (plus registration fee to be advised at enrolment)
Fees are for 2026/27 entry and apply to students eligible for home fee status enrolling to funded programmes. The fees quoted are subject to personal circumstances and will be confirmed at the time of your enrolment, depending on eligibility criteria. For more information about financial support for students, please click here or email studentfinance@nescot.ac.uk
Progression
PROGRESSION ROUTES
After completing Level 2, 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 3 Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts program at Nescot College, or at other Further Education institutions.
Duration
One year, full-time