The performing arts industry is a creative and exciting one but is also extremely competitive.

This Performing Arts Diploma, (equivalent to 2 ‘A’ levels) has been developed to prepare you not only to perform on stage but also focuses on the skills, knowledge and understanding that today’s universities and employers demand. You will develop technical and performance skills as well as the theoretical knowledge and understanding to underpin these skills. You will gain an understanding of how different businesses and organisations in the performing arts field work and understand the variety of opportunities that are available to you. The course will enable you to develop strategies, attitudes and survival skills for sustaining a career in the performing arts industry.

Our one-year Foundation Course prepares students aged 17 years and over for auditions and study in further vocational training.

Performance technique and ability make up a large component of this course with tailored, actionable feedback which is an important part of each individual’s development. The course also includes the Urdang Dance & Theatre Syllabus Level 4 Diploma in Musical Theatre (Performance) [subject to validation] which enables the students to develop their academic skills within the subject in preparation for higher education study.

This course is for talented students who are keen to enhance their technical proficiency so they can successfully audition for further studies in musical theatre and dance, whilst also continuing their full time education to gain a qualification to aid in their application to study. Since its introduction in 2009, our one year Foundation Course has proved to be highly successful as a stepping stone for students into further training at a vocational college or university.

This programme develops a wide range of performance skills (acting, voice, devising, acting for camera and movement) and is aimed at dedicated learners who want to move into the performing arts industry or drama school, and are looking for further practical training and a nationally-recognised Level 4 qualification. This full time course is delivered by experienced professionals who are experts in the industry and have an extensive performance and teaching profile.

This two-year course is equivalent to 3 A Levels and is designed to help you extend your understanding of the performing arts, develop your performing skills and learn new ones in our purpose-built performance spaces. It combines practical assignments and the study of variety of performance arts disciplines. You will work on production projects and be involved from backstage to front-of-house.

This is a practical course in the performing arts for 16-18 year olds. You will devise and perform in plays and learn dance, singing and mask making. You will get involved in productions and see professional musicals and stage shows. You may also take part in workshops with performing arts professionals.

You will choose some specialist units in either dance or acting and complete a final major project. The course is equivalent to 4 GCSEs at grades A*-C and provides a good basis to go on to further qualifications and progress to a career in the performing arts.

Acting pathway - course units include:

• Acting technique
• Vocal skills
• National Theatre Connections tour
• Drama improvisation
• Musical theatre
• Singing
• Physical theatre
• Classical theatre
• Contemporary theatre
• Movement skills
• Stage combat
• Radio techniques.

Dance pathway - course units include:
• Ballet technique
• Contemporary dance
• Urban
• Jazz
• Dance improvisation and choreography
• Group and individual repertoire
• Musical theatre
• Acting technique
• Vocal skills.

If you love dance and the performing arts, this course is for you. You will develop skills as a performer and will gain the qualifications necessary to enter higher education or work in the industry.

• Acting techniques
• Movement skills
• Musical theatre
• Devising projects
• Singing
• Dance
• Production arts skills
• Performance workshops all designed to help improve your skills, confidence and performance ability.

This one year course is for anyone with and an interest in learning more about the Performing Arts. Whilst experience is useful, we welcome anyone with an enthusiasm and passion for the subject area.

These courses offer specialist, vocational teaching in the field of movement for actors and production practice for movement directors. Bespoke movement placements at Central and in other professional theatre settings, such as other conservatoires, or theatre, opera or film organisations (both in Britain and internationally), are a key part of the course.
There are opportunities for the development of individual movement specialisms and their application to the work of actors. Tradition, experience, eclecticism and innovation epitomise Central’s understanding of movement training for the theatre, and these unique courses have been created in that spirit.

Acting for stage and screen, do you have a passion for Acting this highly practical course will give you training in both stage and screen acting to become a versatile employable actor. Maybe you dream of directing or writing your own scripts. Throughout the course students will experience a wide variety of performance styles whilst working under our theatre company INSPIRE.

This Level 3 National Foundation Diploma & Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice (Acting) is a Study Programme  which, if successful, leads to the 90 credit qualification over one year and progression to the full 180 credit qualification over 2 years. If you are interested in a career in Acting and want an A level equivalent course which offers training in all aspects of Acting, our course could be the right choice for you. It will provide you with a strong foundation for progression into Drama schools, higher education or a career within the performing arts or entertainment, leisure or communications industries.

This course is free for 16-18yrs; for 19-23yrs, course is free if you have not achieved a full Level 2 qualification.

For all other students fees apply:
Course fee £7395; Exam Fee TBC

If you're aged 19+ you may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the cost of the course.

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