Performing Arts (Acting Pathway) – Level 3

Required qualifications

To apply for the Level 3 course, you will need a minimum of 4 GCSE’s at grade 4 or higher and includes English and/or maths. As part of your programme of study, you will have the opportunity to complete an English or maths qualification if you have not already achieved a Grade 4. You will be invited to attend an interview and audition/taster session where you will have the opportunity to meet the team and participate in practical workshop sessions. Prior qualifications and previous experience in performing arts in any setting would be useful but we really want to see your enthusiasm and interest in the subject.

What skills will I develop?

Students undertaking the UAL Level 3 Diploma in Performing and Production Arts with a focus on acting and drama skills will develop a wide range of skills and knowledge essential for a career in the performing arts. Here are some key areas they will focus on:

1. Acting Techniques : Students will learn various acting methodologies and techniques. They will develop skills in character analysis, emotional expression, and creating believable performances.
2. Voice and Movement : Learners will work on vocal and physical exercises to develop control, flexibility, and expressiveness in their voice and body. They will explore techniques to enhance vocal clarity, projection, articulation, and develop awareness of body language and spatial dynamics.
3. Script Analysis and Interpretation : Students will study dramatic texts, scripts, and plays from different periods and genres. They will learn how to analyse character motivations, themes, and dramatic structure to inform their performance choices.
4. Character Development : Through improvisation, role-playing, and scene study, students will develop multidimensional characters with depth and authenticity. They will explore the psychological, emotional, and physical aspects of character development to create compelling performances.
5. Stagecraft and Performance Skills : Learners will gain practical experience in stagecraft, including blocking, stage movement, and interaction with props and set pieces. They will develop skills in stage presence, timing, pacing, and maintaining focus during live performances.
6. Collaborative Skills : Students will work collaboratively with directors, fellow actors, designers, and technicians to bring productions to life. They will develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills essential for successful collaboration in theatrical productions.
7. Audition Techniques : Learners will receive guidance on audition preparation, including selecting and preparing audition material, presenting themselves professionally, and handling audition nerves. They will develop strategies to showcase their strengths and versatility in auditions for theater, film, and television.

Overall, the UAL Level 3 Diploma in Performing and Production Arts with a focus on acting and drama skills equips students with the technical proficiency, artistic versatility, and professional readiness needed to pursue careers in theater, film, television, or related fields within the performing arts industry.

Careers

Successful completion of this course could lead to progression onto Higher Education or Industry.

Some of our recent students have gone on to study degree courses or gone straight in to industry in careers such as a performer, teacher, stage manager, choreography, technical theatre, youth/community work, holiday resort entertainers and some have also found success in progressing onto specialist institutions in London and as far afield as Barcelona!

Creative Industries are the fastest growing sector in the UK economy. Many of the skills gained from studying performing arts are transferable and are valued by all types of employers.

Work experience

Our dedicated Work Experience team are here to help and support you in finding a meaningful work experience opportunity.

Recent studies have shown that employers consider work experience to be extremely desirable. Whilst qualifications are hugely important, employers also require candidates to have skills and experience necessary for the workplace.

Preparing you for the working world is very important to us, so that you may be successful in your next step.

Work experience placements provide you with the opportunity to develop your skills; have a better understanding of the industry you want to work in and give you an insight into what it is like to be employed. They can also be great fun and very rewarding and you may even be offered a great reference, a part–time job, holiday working hours, apprenticeships or full-time jobs.

Once you start your course you will be provided with further information about work experience programmes, but it is never too early for you to start thinking about work experience placements and finding an employer who will offer you an opportunity.

Work experience is an opportunity for you to gain experience in your chosen career path in order to develop relevant skills. Equally, it also helps you to acquire employability skills, attitudes and behaviours that are essential for future employment. There will be an opportunity for you to reflect on your performance during work experience and you will receive some form of reference/feedback from the employer.

English and maths

Skills in English and maths are an important within all creative roles. Reading and analysing texts are important to develop understanding of character and narrative and help to develop the same skills you will need in auditions and contracts. Research and investigation are also significant aspects of the course in order to develop understanding of context. Professional artistes always critically reflect on their work in order to make improvements and so learning to evaluate your own practise helps you to foster that same professional discipline. Knowing how to market yourself through the writing of an actors CV or through the preparation of a personal statement require proficient literacy skills which are developed throughout the course.

Maths skills are also important in both creative and theoretical tasks. Understanding shape and dimensions can help support physically creative ideas and measurement can support improvement in physical skills. Analysis of data and use of graphs can be useful ways of communicating your understanding in formal pieces of work and can provide you with the skills of making your work look more professional. Understanding budgets could also provide you with invaluable knowledge to help you in progression and to support you when working in a professional capacity.

Having all these skills and more, can help you to become ‘work ready’.

Other important information

Energy, enthusiasm and a strong sense of commitment are very much needed for the study of performing arts, as is determination and resilience towards improvement and success. Within performing art industry, students will need to attend auditions and learn lines. The college will support you to make sure you are best prepared to succeed.

As a vocational course we establish the professional working practices that are embedded in the industry so you will be required to ‘have a go’ at everything the course offers.

There is a strong element of practical work and so appropriate clothing is essential, in order to work safely and effectively. You will also be required to purchase plays and scripts for your course to support your studies. Notebooks are needed for all lessons so that you can make notes on theoretical aspects. Access to a computer or laptop is needed as you will be required to conduct research and produce formal pieces of written work. The ability to record yourself participating in practical work can also be useful as a method of self-reflection. The college also runs a trip each year, alternating between London and Paris. These trips are popular with students as it is an opportunity to experience cultural and educational opportunities together.