About the course

If performing is more than just a passion, it’s a profession, then this course is designed for you. Your skills and knowledge will be enhanced. We aim to produce highly skilled, resilient, positive and versatile young performers and artists. You will have the opportunity to develop your understanding of the demands of professional training in the performing arts dance industry in our purpose-built and modern acting studios and 110 seated theatre. It is for anyone who wants to study dance, performing arts, musical theatre or even production arts.

Entry requirements

5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, at least one of which should be in a performing arts subject, or an equivalent Level 2 qualification in a relevant subject. Music or dance grades of the appropriate level may also be considered as suitable entry qualifications. You will also need to pass an audition.

How much does it cost?

Free to those aged 16-18. If you are aged 19+ you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.

There is a range of financial support that you may be entitled to, including: Learner Support funds, grants and bursaries and employer support.

Workshops and trips – up to £150 per year. Uniform – £50 (named t-shirt, joggers and hoodie with logo).

Who is it suitable for?

Anyone who has a drive and desire to work in the performing or production arts industry! If performing is more than just a passion, it’s a profession, then this course is designed for you. We are your stepping stone towards university/vocational college, to study performing, choreographing, directing, theatrical arts, backstage production or technical theatre. You shall be auditioned to show you have a reasonable performance or production ability at interview.

Why study?

You will be 'Professionals in Training' – preparing for progression into the Performing Arts Industry, further training or a related employment area. Don’t wait another minute to claim your creative future – apply today, online or in College. Experience workshops with industry professionals, rub shoulders with professional Actors, Musical Theatre performers, industry specialists, ex-students turned professional. Laugh and create with young people just like you. At Harlow College you will work with professional theatre specialists committed to you and your progression within Performing Arts. Become more skilled, confident and connected; learn how to devise your own work utilising a range of fascinating new skills; deepen your understanding of performing through practical workshops and regular rehearsals featured in our own Glass Box Theatre and professionally prepared dedicated acting studios.

Where will this course take me?

The qualifications will encourage recognition of the broader context within which the performing and production arts industries operate and the necessity to develop transferable skills to ensure an effective contribution to both the immediate and future development of those industries.

Progression to higher education in areas such as performing arts, community theatre, drama and theatre studies, arts administration, technical theatre. Work within the industry in areas such as theatre in education, touring productions, holiday camps, cruise ships and technical theatre, dance performing, teaching, community arts, cruise ships and commercial entertainers.

Higher Education Degree Courses at University or Vocational Colleges:

• LMA 
• Rose Bruford
• East 15
• De Montfort University
• Roehampton Institute
• UEL University
• Middlesex University
• Arts Educational School
• Level 4 Professional Diploma in Performance (@ Harlow College)

Career opportunities:

• 1.Performer 
• Presenter 
• Entertainer 
• Therapists
• Production/Events Management 
• Education

Core modules

The Level 3 Diploma in Performing and Production Arts is made up of 8 mandatory units. The qualification will be delivered through 12 units over a nominal two-year period.

• Unit 1: Principles of Performance
• Unit 2: Engaging with an Audience
• Unit 3: Introduction to Professional Practice
• Unit 4: Critical and Contextual Awareness
• Unit 5: Production Skills and Context
• Unit 6: Performance Skills and Context
• Unit 7: Preparation for Specialist Study
• Unit 8: Collaborative Performance Project.
  (The Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts Students must complete units 1-8 of the Diploma in addition to Units 9-11 and either Unit 12 or Unit 13)
• Unit 9: Developing Performance and Production Skills
• Unit 10: Preparing for Progression
• Unit 11: Exploration of Specialist study and Context
• Unit 12: Extended Project
• Unit 13: Extended project

How will I be assessed?

Practical work; performances; classroom observations. Documentation of recordings/screenshots/annotations through Showbie; Padlet; WIX; Pages. Verbal and written formative and summative feedback. Vlogs; Blogs; diaries; essays etc.

Will I have to provide anything?

Pens, pencils, diary, highlighters. Uniform – £50 (named t-shirt and hoodie with Glassbox Theatre logo and name embroidered on). Dance kit – from £75 (depends on equipment already own). 10% student discount available.

For West End theatre trips, workshops and visits, students will need to pay £150 for the year or £50 per term.

A kit list will be supplied.