The UAL Level 2 Award/Diploma in Performing and Production Arts (Musical Theatre Pathway) is a course designed to develop students' potential for working in the musical theatre profession and prepare them for future qualifications.
During this fast paced, practical one-year course, students will cover a wide range of performance skills, contextual activities related to dance and will also be given the opportunity to be involved in public performances. The method of learning is a mixture of both tutor led and practical sessions.
Those enrolled on the course will study the three core disciplines of musical theatre: acting, singing and dance. For their acting lessons, students will focus on a range of skills, techniques and practitioners. For their dance lessons, students will study ballet, jazz and tap, along with other dance techniques such as contemporary, street dance and choreographic skills. There is also a strong focus for singing, which will include lessons in vocal technique, choral repertoire, acting through song and applying technique to performance.
The course is taught by subject specialists, and you will be working both independently and in small groups, utilising our state of the art facilities. There may also be opportunities for students to attend external performances or workshops with industry professionals.
In some sessions, skills development or projects, you may work alongside other Performing Arts L2 & L3 students. This reflects industry practice and behaviours.
**On Completion of the course, you will achieve a UAL L2 Award or Diploma in Performing and Production Arts Performing & Production Arts (Musical Theatre)
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What will I study?
The units you will study are likely to include:
- Introduction to performance
- Introduction to production
- Communicating with an audience
- Staging a performance
- Contextual research for performance and production
- Performance skills and practice
- Production skills and practice
- Personal project and presentation
- Producing and performing to an audience
All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn or amended by the awarding body.
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Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for students with a passion for musical theatre, and are looking to progress to studying the subject at a higher level.
Students should be self-motivated and be willing to work towards acting, dancing and singing on a stage to an audience.
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How is the course assessed?
All units are assessed and graded internally through a portfolio of practical and theoretical work. The final unit is moderated externally. The final unit grade determines the overall grade for the qualification.
If you are studying maths and English, you will sit these as external exams.
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Your Study Programme
If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme. We will make sure you are working at the right level on your core qualification and are challenged to achieve the highest level of qualification you can. All students will continue to improve their maths and English and if you dont have a grade C (4) at GCSE, we will work with you towards achieving that goal. Work experience will be part of your study programme and complement your college study and prepare you for employment. You will also get involved in activities to help you develop life skills and to build your confidence so you can make progress in your career. Weekly timetables will include tutorial support which may comprise of full group activities or one to one sessions to discuss individual progress or support needs.
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Knowledge
You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:
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The key elements and influences in your discipline (Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre or Technical Theatre) and refining an investigative approach to the Performing Arts industry
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A range of activities and competences through in-depth subject specific study, enabling the practical, written, presented and evaluative academic work to further your reading, writing and digital skills
- Subject specific context; for example an awareness of equality and diversity in the performing industries and an up-to-date approach to casting, skills itineraries and CV writing.
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Skills
You will have the ability to:
- Explore and enhance personal performance and technical skills through practical and research-based study and practical sessions including specialist disciplines of Acting, Dance, Musical Theatre & Technical Theatre
- Develop core specialist skills at relevant levels including taking correction (in Dance and Musical Theatre for example) practical feedback, critical listening skills around others work, communicating ideas with your peers,enhancing your skills levels both individually and collaboratively
- Integrate and develop previously acquired skills, alongside new and challenging work enabling a broader repertoire and experience, and therefore develop your own approaches to your directed and creative work.
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Behaviours
What is required?
- Developing the behaviours and expectations to help you work in the industry that are specific to your discipline, such as reliability, time keeping and organisation, respect and communication skills
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Taking responsibility in the management and commitment to rehearsals and production work or for an assignment of personal interest and prepare for progression within a chosen discipline
- Demonstrate professional and respectful behaviours that will help you network, develop connections in industry and contacts, including taking initiative, organisational skills and developing resilience.
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General info
After being interviewed, applicants will be invited to a taster day in the summer. On this day, we will expect students to perform a short piece to give us an insight into their level of ability in dancing, singing and acting or offer advice and guidance on other pathways in college.
Dance and Musical Theatre students will be expected to purchase specific uniforms and clothing. This will be conveyed to them in the form of a kit list, sent via email during the summer before they enrol. For those eligible, bursary applications are available to cover the cost. They will also need access to IT at home.
There may be opportunities to go on trips throughout the year, the cost of these will be discussed with students ahead of time.
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Progression and Career Opportunities
Upon successful completion of this course, students generally progress on to Level 3 courses in Musical Theatre, Dance or Acting.
With a musical theatre qualification, career pathways could include work as a dancer, actor, singer/vocalist, choreographer, community practitioner, movement therapist, or in theatrical production. There is however, an expectation from employers that students achieve higher level qualifications, a strong CV and a proven track record of experience before entering into performing arts employment.
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Entry Requirements for new students
4 GCSEs Grade 3 or a Level 1 qualification with English & maths GCSE grades 1-3, complete the tasks that you will be sent & attend the onsite/online Taster Day. You may be offered a place on another level to your original application.
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Admissions Process
We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply. These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements. If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.
