Hereford College of Art and Design - National Diploma in Performing Arts [Performing]

Level: Further Education [level III]
Study Mode: Full-time
Duration: 2 years
Minimum Age: 16 years
Entry Requirements: 4 GCSEs grade C or above, or completion of a First Diploma
How to Apply: Direct to College

Working with the Contact course

Dance Studio

Folly Arts Theatre

Great Expectations

Scene from Great Expectations

Hereford College of Arts has been teaching performing arts for over 25 years and is unique in being the only college in the region to offer professional performing arts training, within the creative environment of a specialist Arts College.

Students have access to modern performance and dance studios, and collaborate regularly on projects with other courses such as Music and Media Arts. This unusual opportunity offers students a rare and comprehensive learning experience.

Our tutors have professional experience in the Performing Arts industry and the course has strong links with professional practitioners. Students take part in regular performances in College, and at external venues which enriches their experience and understanding of the Performing Arts industry.

On completion, the course is worth the equivalent of 3 A Levels.

The course aims to prepare students for progression to higher education at universities, dance or drama schools.

It provides an intensive practical training together with grounding in theoretical analysis and appreciation of a chosen pathway. Core units are designed to develop skills in acting, dance and singing as well as an appreciation of the wide variety of opportunities that exist within the performing arts industry.

Specialist units allow students to design their own unique learning experience as each term leads to a choice of options, from dance or acting/musical theatre projects.

Practical classes and tutorials are delivered over four days of the week, leaving plenty study-time to complete supporting research and written tasks. Units are delivered through practical performance projects which are assessed alongside the end of term showcases, and through an on-going monitoring process together with supporting written tasks.

Year One
In terms one and two students study all the key areas of performing arts – Acting, Singing and Dance, together with the opportunity to opt for one specialist unit in either an acting or dance related subject, each term. Specialist units include options such as Contemporary Dance and Acting for TV & Film.

In term three, all students select a public performance project, which are performed as part of a Performing Arts Festival, held at the College at the end of the summer term.
Projects include:
• Musical Theatre
• Dance
• Straight Play (either Classical or Contemporary)

Students complete a total of 9 units by the end of the first year.

Year Two
During the second year, (term four) students start to build a portfolio of pieces to showcase when auditioning for places at university, dance or drama schools. During this time a high level of advice and guidance is given to support students through the UCAS application process and preparation for audition. Students also have the chance to participate in a tour of schools with their own devised Theatre in Education performance. Other options include Choreography and Directing for Theatre. There is also a major Showcase where students perform their best work to the public.

In term five all students participate in a full scale Public Performance Project. This is an important term in which students come together and form performance companies. Emphasis is placed on creating and producing work to a professional standard. This work is often toured to schools, as well as being performed publicly. It gives students an excellent opportunity to show the skills and techniques they have acquired and developed on the course.

In the final term students select a project to perform in the Performing Arts Festival, which runs alongside the art & design students Summer Show. Students complete a further 9 units in the second year.

The Majority of our students successfully apply to degrees and foundation degrees at Universities and Colleges throughout the UK.

Various careers opportunities may include: actor, dancer, vocalist, arts administrators, musicians, technicians, directors, stage, film, TV, performance managers and educators.

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