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Where will this course lead?

Our goal is to develop your core skills in acting, singing and dance in preparation for auditioning for stage school. You will discover how to develop your technical skills and how to apply them in auditions for Musical Theatre programmes.

What will I study?

The course is tailored to meet the needs of students from age 18+ who have the capability to pursue degree-level training in musical theatre but need to develop skills in singing, dancing and acting before securing a place on a triple threat degree-level training programme. Entry is selective, based on the completion of a successful audition process.

Dance is an integral part of musical theatre. Weekly dance classes will cover the core disciplines of jazz, classical ballet and tap. You will develop your competency, understanding and confidence in all three dance styles.

You will have weekly technical singing sessions and take part in ensemble singing. Weekly singing sessions ensure that you can produce a well-placed, consistent sound throughout the vocal range without a noticeable break between registers. There are also project/workshop classes which allow you to combine singing skills with acting and dance, performing numbers from the Musical Theatre repertoire.

Acting workshops will build your performance skills. You will look at acting techniques to understand and develop the skills needed to create truthful and meaningful characters. Speech and voice technique embedded within sessions will teach you how to develop a well-supported and expressive voice.

How will this course be delivered?

The course is classed as a full-time programme and runs from September to June. Dance training includes jazz, tap and ballet. Singing involves technical and ensemble work while acting training features improvisation and text work as well as voice and speech classes. This comprehensive course also includes modules on audition technique, fitness/personal training, professional practice and tutorial. The course is 'front loaded' meaning that students on the programme are prepped and ready for the early round of stage school/university auditions in January/February.   

What qualifications will I get?

UAL Level 4 Professional Diploma in Performance (Musical Theatre)

How do I get a place on the course?

On receipt of an application, students will be contacted to confirm a date for their audition and interview. Audition information will be provided at this time.

What are the entry requirements?

You will need: performance skills necessary to produce and perform to a professional standard; commitment and a passion towards creating high quality performance work; commitment to applying for drama schools and the drive to maintain/improve skills between auditions.

Application process: on receipt of an application, students will be contacted to confirm a date for their audition and interview. Audition information will be provided at this time.

What else do I need to know?

Stratford-upon-Avon College boasts strong links with industry and students on the foundation course will have access to industry professionals, partaking in workshops, sessions and Q&A master classes with West End performers throughout their programme of study.

Students will be fully funded if they are 18 when starting the course.

*Free of charge if you are aged 18 at the start of the course. If not, a fee of £4,200 will apply.

Note: this course is eligible for an advance learner loan.

What can I do after this course?

- Stage School

- University

Location

Stratford-upon-Avon College

Start Date

Sept-2023

Day

Various

Time

TBC

Course Fee (pa)

Free*

Course Code

PASAS091SCF0

Study Mode

Full Time
Location

Stratford-upon-Avon College

Start Date

Sept-2023

Day

Various

Time

TBC

Course Fee

Free*

Course Code

PASAS091SCF0

Study Mode

Full Time

Secondary School Drama Teacher

Secondary (and middle school deemed secondary) education teaching professionals plan, organise and provide instruction in one or more subjects, including physical education and diversionary activities, within a prescribed curriculum in a secondary or secondary/ middle school.

What’s Involved?

A Secondary School Teacher prepares and delivers courses and lessons in accordance with curriculum requirements and teaches one or more subjects. They prepare, assign and correct exercises and examinations to record and evaluate students' progress. They prepare students for external examinations and administer and invigilate these examinations. They also maintain records of students' progress and development. They supervise any practical work and maintain classroom discipline; They also undertake pastoral duties. They supervise teaching assistants and trainees. They also discuss progress with students, parents and/or other education professionals. They assist with or plan and develop curriculum and rota of teaching duties.

Actor

Actors, entertainers and presenters sing, portray roles in dramatic productions, perform comedy routines, gymnastic feats and tricks of illusion, train animals to perform and perform with them, and introduce and present radio and television programmes.

What’s Involved?

Actors, entertainers and presenters study scripts, plays or books and prepare and rehearse interpretation. They assume characters created by a playwright or author and communicate this to an audience. They perform singing, comedy, acrobatic, illusion and conjuring routines. They train animals to perform entertaining routines and may perform with them.

Dancer

Dancers and choreographers devise, direct, rehearse and perform classical and contemporary dance routines.

What’s Involved?

Dancers build and maintain stamina, physical strength, agility and general health through fitness exercises and healthy eating. They attend rehearsals to develop and practice dance routines for performance. They participate in dance performances. They also demonstrate and direct dance moves, monitor and analyse technique and performance, and determine how improvements can be made.

Script Writer

Job holders in this unit group write, edit and evaluate literary material for publication including scripts and narrative for film, TV, radio and computer games and animations.

What’s Involved?

A Script Writer determines subject matter and researches as necessary by interviewing, attending public events, seeking out records, observing etc. They generate and develop creative ideas for literary material. They also select material for publication, check style, grammar and accuracy of content, arrange for any necessary revisions and check proof copies before printing.

TV or Film Camera Operator

Workers in this unit group operate and assist with still, cine and television cameras and operate other equipment to record, manipulate and project sound and vision for entertainment, cultural, commercial and industrial purposes.

What’s Involved?

A TV or Film Camera Operator selects subject and conceives composition of picture or discusses composition with colleagues; arranges subject, lighting, camera equipment and any microphones; inserts lenses and adjusts aperture and speed settings as necessary; operates scanning equipment to transfer image to computer and manipulates image to achieve the desired effect; photographs subject or follows action by moving camera; takes, records and manipulates digital images and digital video footage; controls transmission, broadcasting and satellite systems for television and radio programmes, identifies and solves related technical problems; checks operation and positioning of projectors, vision and sound recording equipment, and mixing and dubbing equipment; operates equipment to record, edit and play back films and television programmes; manages health and safety issues; operates sound mixing and dubbing equipment to obtain desired mix, level and balance of sound.

Director

Arts officers, producers and directors assume creative, financial and organisational responsibilities in the production and direction of television and radio programmes, films, stage presentations, content for other media, and the promotion and exhibition of other creative activities.

What’s Involved?

A Director chooses writers, scripts, technical staff and performers, and assumes overall responsibility for completion of project on time and within budget. They direct actors, designers, camera team, sound crew and other production and technical staff to achieve desired effects. They break script into scenes and formulate a shooting schedule that will be most economical in terms of time, location and sets. They also prepare rehearsals and production schedules for main events, design of sets and costumes, technical rehearsals and dress rehearsals. They ensure necessary equipment, props, performers and technical staff are on set when required. They also manage health and safety issues. They select, contract, market and arrange for the presentation and/or distribution of performance, visual and heritage arts.

Predicted Employment

How much can I earn?

£17,680
NATIONAL AVERAGE

Employment by Region

The career paths provided are to give you an idea of the careers that you could progress onto in the future. However, for some, you may need to complete higher level qualifications and gain experience before your dream job becomes a reality. The information provided is to support further research and to generate some initial career ideas when choosing a course. Please check entry requirements to degree courses, apprenticeships, and jobs as this may vary from year to year and across providers. For further advice and guidance, please contact: careers@solihull.ac.uk.