Performing Arts

UCAS code: PERC

Here's what Shrewsbury College says about its Performing Arts course.

This course is aimed at undergraduate students who wish to their develop skills in the Performing Arts, especially those desiring to continue their studies at University or vocational Drama School level. Graduates of this course have completed degree programmes at University, attended recognised Drama schools, become teachers and workshop leaders or found employment in the industry.

You will develop skills within all the performance disciplines with a key focus on personal achievement and growth. Our specialist tutors will help you become competent, confident, and innovative within your performance practice, whilst developing your knowledge of the underpinning theory.

You will have the opportunity to perform in musicals, concerts, cabaret shows, plays, music gigs and audition scenarios, and to work collaboratively with outside agencies, thus adding to your network of contacts.

This one-year course has been designed to provide Higher level Performing Arts training in a vocational environment. This course aims to enable aspiring performers and creatives to enter the profession.

The course structure will allow learners to develop skills within the three key performance disciplines (singing, dancing and acting) with a key focus on personal achievement and employability. Emphasis is placed on developing student autonomy and students are encouraged to take ownership of their own work. Our subject specialist tutors guide and support students to become competent, confident and innovative within the performing arts practice.

To complement the studies, learners will also have the opportunity to work alongside current industry professionals. In the past, we have had guest lectures and workshops from cast members of Urinetown, Les Misérables, Miss Saigon and the RSC. This gives students first-hand knowledge of current industry practices and demonstrates the standards that are required to be a successful practitioner.

Whilst studying, students have taken part in musicals, concerts, cabaret performances, plays, radio dramas, music gigs and major auditions. Past students have also gained work experience placements through our industry contacts, which has enabled access to employment and mentorship.

Alongside the performance skills, students will develop knowledge and experience of the ‘backstage’ environment, taking on production roles for performances not only in the college theatre but other venues, including the local professional theatre, Theatre Severn.

Such roles could include stage management (Stage Manager, Assistant Stage or Manager Deputy Stage Manager) lighting operation and sound operation. For those students with further interest and desire within this area, work experience in a professional venue can be organised. Visiting companies also use the college theatre and opportunities to work collaboratively with outside companies have been set up, allowing you to develop professional contacts and work experience.

This course includes the following units:

Professional Development (15 Credits) Level 4 Jazz Dance 1 (15 Credits) Level 4 Devising Theatre & Performance (15 Credits) Level 4 Singing 1 (15 Credits) Level 4 The Performing Arts Industry (15 Credits) Level 4 Production Communication (15 Credits) Level 4 Acting 1 (15 Credits) Level 4 Ensemble Singing (15 Credits) Level 4 *units are subject to change, dependent on the needs of the student group.

The majority of work is assessed through performance. Methods of assessment will include written assignments, controlled assessments, observations and presentations.