BTEC National in Performing Arts (Acting, Dance or Musical Theatre Pathway)
This course is for you if you enjoy creative theatre and want to develop the skills to enable you to become a confident, enthusiastic and inspired performer. You will be prepared to work hard and put in long hours for rehearsals in the pursuit of excellence, both as an individual and as part of a performance team.
4 or more GCSEs at grade C or above; or BTEC First at merit grade; or an NVQ2. You will need to attend an interview and audition before starting this course. You will also need to be available for evening rehearsals and performances throughout the course.
Compulsory modules for all routes include:
• Performing arts in context
• Production, rehearsal and performance
• Performing arts business
• Performance workshop
Acting Route
Specialist modules include:
• Voice and Acting techniques
• Classical theatre and contemporary
• Performing with masks
• Devising
• Physical Theatre
• Directing
• Clowning
• Theatre in education
Dance Route
Specialist modules include:
• Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet and Tap dance techniques and performance
• Body Maintenance and Physical Theatre
• Musical Theatre Performance
• Choreography
• Singing
Musical Theatre Route
Specialist modules include:
• Voice and Acting Techniques
• Musical Theatre Performance
• Music Performance - Singing
• Jazz and Contemporary dance
• Movement for Actors
• Physical Theatre Performance
Final year (all routes)
In your final year you will be involved in a performance project and form a theatre company, which is structured and managed by the students. The group is responsible for the whole process of selecting, producing, marketing and performing a piece of theatre within a limited budget.
Acting Route
You can go on to study for a degree in subjects such as performing arts (for example the BA (Hons) Community Arts: Theatre Practice which is offered here in Peterborough). You may also wish to study theatre at a specialist performing arts academy or theatre school such as Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA), London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA), Goldsmiths College (University of London) or Guildhall School of Music and Drama). The course can also lead to work in the theatre industry as a performer, administrator or practitioner. Careers in arts development, community theatre or arts youth work are also possible.
Dance Route
You can go on to study for a degree in dance, theatre studies or associated subjects. You may also wish to study dance at a specialist dance or performing arts academy or theatre school (such as Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, London Studio Centre and Stella Mann College and LABAN). The course can also lead to work in the dance industry as a performer, instructor or practitioner. Previous students are employed in organisations as varied as Disneyland, cruise ships, holiday resorts, theatres and schools.
Musical Theatre Route
You can go on to study for a degree in musical theatre, theatre studies or associated subjects. You may also wish to study theatre at a specialist performing arts academy or theatre school such as London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA) or Guildhall School of Music and Drama. The course can also lead to work in the theatre industry as a performer, instructor or practitioner.
