Our ethos is really important to us; we are here as artists and practitioners, creators, thinkers and learners, here to encourage your development, understanding and appreciation of theatre and drama as powerful tools in the examination of human interaction, and to help you respond in a personal and creative way. We are a department of collaboration, creation and innovation and you will be involved in the lively artistic life of the College as a ClassAction practitioner. Everyone will always be encouraged to find their own unique artistic voice as a practitioner.

The course demands practical, creative and communication skills in equal measures. You will be expected to extend your ability to create drama and theatre, either in a performing or a production role. You will write about drama and develop your powers of analysis to become an informed critic. The course will involve taking part in productions as well as studying plays, playwrights and theatre practitioners.

The teaching is done using a variety of approaches designed to suit different abilities and learning styles. Our staff work closely together and operate a team-teaching approach for practical units to encourage the widest range of creativity.

Successful completion of this course will allow you to progress to the HND in Performing Arts at The Eastern School of Performing Arts or study at prestigious performing arts schools.

Previous students have gone on to study at establishments such as: Arts Ed, Guildford School of Acting, Urdang, Performers College, Bird College, Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama, Italia Conti, Liverpool Theatre School, Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and Stella Mann.

Progression to year 2 is subject to successful completion of year 1.

The Level 2 Performing Arts course is a practical qualification assessed on work created for performance projects and supported by developing a knowledge of the industry and career routes.

You will begin your journey with our theatre company by developing your performance skills culminating in a live performance to a public audience in November of dance and dramatic pieces. You will develop performance skills as you continue your journey working towards a solo showcase and begin exploring progression routes within application materials, reflecting industry practice.

You will then explore crucial styles, terminology and approaches within dance. Alongside this you will also continue developing acting and performance skills by staging an adaptation of a classical text which reimagines the work for a modern audience. You will complete your work with our theatre company by creating an original piece of performance for inclusion in the end of year week-long Festival celebrating performing arts.

Throughout your studies you will explore the wider industry, employment opportunities, progression options, including wider job opportunities in backstage, production and theatre management. You will also have the opportunity to widen your skills working front of house and backstage on performances and events to further improve your experience.

This intensive, full-time course focuses primarily on acting and drama, along with additional classes in dance and singing technique

You will be continually supported as you extend your performance skills in a range of styles and will be given the opportunity to take part in a number of public shows, some that you may audition for and others that you will automatically be cast in as part of your course. We often take some of these shows to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

You will also be taught the skills you need to pass auditions so that you can continue your training at one of the top drama schools or universities in the UK.

91% of students who apply, gain places at accredited dance and drama schools.

We take the best young performers in the North West and help them to develop the skills that allow them to progress on to the most prestigious drama schools and universities in the UK.