Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Level 3
- Graig Campus
Performing arts is an exciting and creative pathway that involves acting, singing and dancing either on stage or television.
As a performing arts student you will automatically join Cwmni Theatr Glo at Coleg Sir Gâr.
This course is awarded by University of the Arts London (UAL) where you will develop your underpinning knowledge of a wide range of performance practice, whilst exploring and developing your performance skills in an exciting, intensive and supportive environment. You will learn the techniques and skills necessary for professional auditions and interviews at vocational schools or universities. This course will provide you with the transferable skills that could lead you training in a wide variety of occupations such as performer, teacher, arts administrator, choreographer, broadcast journalist, costume designer, makeup artist, arts therapist, stage manager and director.
We have excellent links with industry professionals and organisations including the BBC, Yr Egin (S4C) in Carmarthen and the Young Actor’s Studio (RWCMD). During your two years, you are given opportunities to build a portfolio of performance and industry experiences that will enhance your ability to access the performing arts industries. This is a highly practical course which immerses you in cutting edge interdisciplinary practice, preparing you to enter the 21st century of the performing arts industry.
Course details
- Full time
What you will learn
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Programme Features
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Programme content
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Progression and employment
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Method of assessment
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Entry requirements
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Additional costs
This course consists of 14 units over two years. These are split over three exciting performance projects each year. Our Theatre company Cwmni Theatr Glo aims to introduce learners to a highly professional working environment. Past projects have explored:
- Contemporary Welsh Playwrights
- Musical theatre Performance
- TV and Film
- Dance, Movement & Physical Theatre
This course also includes either the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced (Post-16) or Essential Skills plus a Welsh language unit and Employability Skills.
Recent performances include:
- Nine To Five the Musical
- Creativity Locked Down (film) featured in the The Origins Creatives 2021 showcase
- Antigone (Forge theatre)
- Chat Room (film)
- Much Ado About Nothing (Forge theatre)
- Cabaret (Forge theatre)
- Contemporary Welsh Playwrights showcase
- Elf Junior the Musical (Schools touring production)
- Blue Remembered Hills (Y Ffwrnes)
- Caucasian Chalk Circle by Bertolt Brecht
- Ignite (Performance showcase at Y Ffwrnes)
- Under Milk Wood (The National Botanic Garden of Wales)
- Here We Just Are (A devised piece based on Dylan Thomas)
- The Trial adapted by Steven Berkoff
- DNA (Part of the National Theatre Connections programme performed in The Egg, Theatre Royal, Bath)
- Seussical the musical
In the first year you will be part of three company performances. There are a variety of performance and production roles to choose from. You will also have intensive and highly practical classes in acting, singing and dance. In order to complete the theoretical elements of the course you will develop your research and reflective practice skills alongside your practical subjects in dedicated classes. Throughout the course there are extracurricular opportunities such as West End trips, and workshops with industry professionals.
The second year starts with a focus on preparing monologues, songs and dance repertoire ready for university or conservatoire auditions. You will have a mock audition with course tutors and visiting industry professionals, as well as workshops with top drama schools. You will also continue to develop your technique and skills in major projects, performances and skills classes.
There are an incredible amount of employability opportunities within the performing arts sector. You are taught by a range of tutors with many years experience from across areas of the industry who will guide you and support your career options. This is an extremely exciting time for the creative industries within Wales leading to job opportunities on your doorstep with the Yr Egin in Carmarthen and the BBC studios, Cardiff.
Successful completion of the course will enable you to progress to higher-level courses, such as GSA, RWCMD, Mountview, UWTSD or may lead to an apprenticeship or employment.
Units are assessed internally. You will also create a final major project.
This qualification is available to be assessed through the medium of Welsh and English.
As part of the interview process, you will be required to audition for your place on the
course for both performing and production arts. Please see the specification below.
Performing
For Performing Arts, you will be required to produce one of the following:-
- A song from a Musical Theatre Show
- A dance performance within a style of your choosing
- A monologue from a published play (No Film or TV)
If you choose to do a song or dance, please bring the track with you. Each element should be no longer than 2 minutes.
Suitability for this course will be assessed at interview.
An applicant for the level 2 will need to have a minimum of four GCSEs grades A* - C- including either maths, English or Welsh first language.
An applicant for the level 3 course will need to have a minimum of five GCSE grades at A*-C including either maths, English or Welsh first language.
English and maths are an integral part of the course. Students who do not yet have the necessary grades at C or above will have additional teaching and support to study for either GCSE or Essential Skills depending on prior GCSE grades.
All students will need to buy a Cwmni Theatr Glo practical uniform at the start of the course.
All learners are required to pay an administration fee of £25 prior to enrolment.
You will need to provide your own stationery and may also incur costs if the department arranges educational visits.