Performing Arts Acting and Dance level 2

This is a one-year performing arts programme with two distinct pathways for actors and dancers. You can choose between an acting or dance route and develop the skills required through specialist classes and performance projects. You will work with our team of experienced lecturers, many whom trained and worked in industry. You will study in our Abbey Park Campus studios and theatre. We have a suite of professional dance studios with mirrors and sprung floors equipped with stage lighting to enhance your experience. You will have the opportunity to progress onto one of our level 3 courses in acting, dance or musical theatre after successful completion of the level 2 programme. If you think you might have what it takes to be a performer, if you are willing to work hard and dedicate yourself to achieving this goal, then this course is the way to prove it. Your work will be based on realistic professional situations and practice. If you are aged 16 to 18, you will be enrolled on a study programme. This will include retaking GCSEs or undertaking Functional Skills in English and maths if you haven't already achieved a grade 4 or above. You will take part in activities that help you to develop your personal skills, such as building your character and confidence. This will help you to live well and move into your chosen career. If you are 16-19 years old these activities will be timetabled as will work experience.

You will choose between an acting or dance pathway. Within both pathways you will study the following core modules: Skills Development Professional Development Creative Interpretation Audition and Portfolio Process Preparing for a Performing Arts production Responding to a Progression Opportunity Acting students will take skills classes in acting skills, improvisation, scripted plays, musical theatre, movement and devising. Throughout the year students will perform devised and scripted performance in our Abbey Park Theatre. Dance students will take ballet, jazz, tap, urban, contemporary dance, musical theatre and choreography classes within our fully equipped dance studios at Abbey Park campus. You will create solo and group dances and perform alongside our Level 3 dancers at the Sue Townsend Theatre. Assessment is continuous which means you will be expected to take a mature and professional approach to managing your time, performance work, and written tasks. You will have the opportunity to visit and work at Sue Townsend Theatre, our professional venue in Leicester city centre.

Internal assessment takes place through practical and theoretical assignments. The various methods used include observation of rehearsal and performance work, work sheets, journals, diaries and projects.

All applicants should have some experience of dance, acting or performing arts whether that be studying it as a subject as school, college, community dance/drama group or theatre school. Entry to this course requires four GCSEs at grade 3 (D) English and math are desirable. You will be required to provide one reference. It is desirable that you can demonstrate 90% attendance. Consideration will be given to all applicants over the age of 19, who do not hold formal English and maths qualifications. You will be invited to audition and take part in workshops. You will be required to perform an audition piece as part of our entry requirements and attend an interview, this is to support your careers choice and ensure that we place you on the right programme for you. You will need to demonstrate some experience, commitment and enthusiasm for the subject. Further audition guidance will be sent to you on application.

The course provides a good grounding for progression to the Performing Arts Practice BTEC Extended National Diploma level 3. You may apply for a level 3 course in acting, dance, or musical theatre. On completion of level 3 you may apply to our Leicester College higher education courses, university, a drama school, or you could seek employment in the creative industry.