The Higher National Certificate in Performing Arts (Dance) at Midlands Academy of Dance & Drama (MADD College) is a vocational course which explores contemporary and current practice whilst still acknowledging the traditional methods and practices of Dance. It is the equivalent level of a 1st Year at University. The course provides training in dance alongside a focus on contextual studies and industry knowledge. The aim is to enhance the trained dancer's mindset to become a 'thinking' dancer and not a reciprocal one.
This programme will allow you to develop a wide range of industry level skills in core dance techniques including Jazz, Ballet and Contemporary dance as well as helping you to establish your unique choreographic identity in training for employment or for continuing on to our HND Level 5 qualification.
The course is aimed at dedicated learners who want to move into the dance industry. A highly practical course resulting in a nationally recognised Level 4 qualification. It offers an intensive training year with highly skilled specialist staff.
This exciting course is practically driven to build a solid grounding in performance, theory, industry knowledge, and business skills.
Recognition
The Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Performing Arts (Dance) is awarded by Pearson and regulated by Ofqual. It is Level 4 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework.
Progression
Successful graduates can progress onto the Higher National Diploma (HND level 5) in Dance. The course also prepares graduates for industry auditions and employment. The Higher National Diploma HND can be applied for here.
The Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) is a one year course, designed to provide you with the skills to progress further in the musical theatre industry. Completion of the course will provide you with a Level 4 Certificate and grant you access to a Level 5 Higher National Diploma qualification, in addition to an extensive portfolio/repertoire – which can be used to apply for industry or Higher Education.
This course has been structured to meet the needs of the constantly evolving musical theatre industry; we aim to ensure that you leave with a skill set required for a career in Performing Arts. In the first year of the course (HNC), you will work towards Level 4 HNC in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre), which provides a foundation in the core subjects of acting, singing & dance. This will allow you to progress to the second year to complete the Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) course, and develop specialised skills within the set disciplines.
The Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Musical Theatre is awarded by Pearson and regulated by Ofqual. It is Level 4 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework.
Progression:
Graduates successfully completing the Higher National Certificate will be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of the basic concepts of Performing Arts. They will be able to communicate accurately and appropriately and they will have the qualities needed for employment that require some degree of personal responsibility. They will have developed a range of transferable skills to ensure effective team working, independent initiatives, organisational competence and problem-solving strategies. They will be adaptable and flexible in their approach to Performing Arts, show resilience under pressure, and meet challenging targets within a given resource. This will allow you to progress to the second year to complete the Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) in Performing Arts (Musical Theatre) course, and further develop your specialised skills.
Based at Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama (MADD College).
There are opportunities to perform at Exhibitions & Conferences such as MOVE IT & CYD as well as 'In-House' and external Theatre venues. High profile Industry Professionals, Choreographers and Directors teach at MADD, plus visiting personnel offering close links and direct access into the performing arts industry for MADD students in Theatre, West End, Tours in the UK and Worldwide, Cruise Ships, TV and Film.
The College is affiliated to the National Union of Students and students can apply for a Totum Card which entitles discounts from a large number of outlets.
MADD College has charitable status therefore Students will also have the opportunity to receive an assisted place based on a means tested financial assessment of parental financial status.
BTEC stands for the Business and Technology Education Council. BTECs are specialist work-related qualifications.
They combine practical learning with subject and theory content.
The BTEC study programme at Midlands Academy of Dance & Drama can be accessed from 16 years of age and is delivered by our highly trained professional artists and performing arts teachers within each learning facility over two years. Students will train and perform within our professional, purpose-built studios providing a unique and true vocational experience.
As one of the oldest Musical Theatre colleges we'll ensure you maximise your true potential as you'll work closely with our working industry professionals. You will receive a high level performing arts training and work towards achieving the highest grades possible in line with our high internal standards to become the very best version of you.
You will be assessed through practical performances, rehearsals, training sessions and assignments. This BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice will allow you to progress onto university, audition/apply to specialist, advanced performing arts schools and/or gain employment directly into the industry.
'The education, enrichment and qualifications are delivered by Virtual Learning UK, who provide and employ all teaching and enrichment staff.'
Numbers are capped on this course to 30 learners in each year.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice (Musical Theatre) is awarded by Pearson and regulated by Ofqual. It is Level 3 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework. This qualification is equivalent to 3 A-levels and worth up to 168 UCAS points.
Progression
This BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice will allow learners to progress onto university, audition/apply to specialist, advanced performing arts schools and/or gain employment directly into the industry.
The Midlands Academy of Dance & Drama Musical Theatre Diploma Course is designed to develop the “Triple Threat” performer who can Sing, Dance and Act. The CDMT accredited course, develops the artistic, creative, technical and professional skills that is needed to prepare for a varied high level and sustainable career in Musical Theatre. Supporting studies will also enable students to sustain a long-term career in the Performing Arts industry. Students will have ample opportunity to work with guest artists and directors to enhance their training in addition to the high profile staff MADD offers over the 3 years and lots of performance opportunities.
The Level 6 Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre is awarded by Trinity College London and regulated by Ofqual. It is Level 6 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework.
Progression
Middlesex University offers a work-based, part-time distance learning course, developed in association with Trinity College London, for graduates of this qualification leading to a BA (Hons) Professional Practice. Graduates may also apply directly for some MA courses
Course Overview:
Study takes place over three years at Midlands Academy of Dance (MADD College) & Drama, Richmond House, Nottingham City Centre. Students work in small classes and receive direct teaching time each week.
The course is delivered through classes, projects, workshops and performance opportunities. During the course students engage in a range of performance projects.
In the second year, skills are further explored in collaboration classes which include peer integration and team teaching to enhance your creativity and help you to make connections between subjects.
Additionally, there is time given to focus on detail and help develop independence and confidence in each individual’s practice. (Course content is subject to change).
This degree program will be structured to provide students with real-world skills, such as acting, singing, dancing, choreography, production, and stage management, all underpinned by a strong academic foundation in musical theatre history, theory, and analysis. Graduates of the program will be fully equipped to enter the workforce as versatile, multi-talented professionals prepared to work in theatre, film, television, and other performing arts sectors.
Students will have the unique opportunity to work on live productions, attend masterclasses with industry professionals, and engage in collaborative projects that reflect the dynamic nature of the musical theatre industry. The combination of academic study and practical experience ensures that students graduate not only with a degree but with a portfolio of work and professional skills that can be immediately applied in their careers. Both institutions are dedicated to producing highly skilled professionals who are not only artistically capable but also possess a strong theoretical understanding of the industry.
The brand-new series of In Dialogue - the podcast for emerging artists, is now here. Whether you’re an aspiring theatre-maker, performer, writer, director or producer, then this one’s for you.
Across four episodes, these five artists dive into topics like nailing your audition, building creative partnerships, touring as a performer and producing autobiographical work.
If you're looking to elevate your creativity and your career, make sure to tune in – this is one series you won’t want to miss!
First episode is now available to stream, search Scottish Youth Theatre wherever you get your podcasts or use the link in the bio to listen now.
12 weeks of workshops covering basic acting techniques, scene study, auditioning/ self-taping, career development and more, taught by working industry professionals!
This is an online acting course for beginner/intermediate level actors.
The actors in the course will have the opportunity to learn from working and professional actors, agents, directors and casting directors from London and Hollywood. The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the industry, including acting techniques/casting sessions, scene study, auditioning and self-taping, voice work (covering accents and voice techniques) and career development. The course is suitable for international students as it will be conducted online via Zoom.
At the end of the course, students will have gained a solid foundation in acting techniques, an understanding of the industry, and the skills and confidence needed to pursue a career in acting. Additionally, students will finish the course with an online showcase to industry guests – directors/agents/casting Directors and producers including agency RS talent and film producer Alex Fidelski.
Students will receive access to our online Actors Gym Membership, where they can practice their craft in between classes online (at home) develop their self-tape technique and complete the self-tape course and then upload practice self-tapes, and network with other actors and industry professionals.
Quick-fire scratch nights for adventurous new writing in theatre and performance! The Scrap is an open-access night for writers, actors and directors to try out new ideas, meet one another, and showcase their work in front of an audience. Live music, good drinks, and cool new theatre.
Here we're looking for companies or ensembles to present a short work or excerpt from a piece they've been developing independently - usually about 25 minutes, max 30. These would be pieces that already have a team attached, and which have undergone development, rehearsal, and more thorough preparation. We usually programme one or two scratches per Scrap.
We're looking for work (or an excerpt) that is 20 - 30 minutes in length, that has a team already attached, and has undergone some previous workshopping (but which hasn't received a full-scale production).
We try to place no strictures on form, content, genre, team or style for our scratches: absolute minimal gatekeeping. All we ask is that you be adventurous and try something new!
A CPD opportunity for teachers to embed drama and creativity into their teaching, through working with a Bristol-based theatre company, Travelling Light.
Want to shake up your physics lesson but need some inspiration? Join Travelling Light on an exploration of how to incorporate more Drama into your classroom. Find out how a team of artists and teachers used arts-based learning to refresh their existing curriculum, whilst supporting pupil oracy, emotional literacy and wellbeing.
Key aims of the session:
- To use Drama and the Creative Arts to explore other areas of the curriculum such as STEM subjects.
- Introduce exercises to support class management
- To explore focus, self-regulation and reflection techniques.
- To use Drama and the Creative Arts to explore group work and supporting relationships in the classroom.
Slots available in Bristol (8th Dec), Weston-Super-Mare (9th Dec) or Bath (11th Dec).
Please note, this is for teachers only.
