Performing Arts (Acting)

Programme of study

Throughout the course, students will become a member of a theatre company, devising and rehearsing performance material for a live audience. The course is a vocational course and as such it is designed to develop knowledge and understanding of the Performing Arts sector by applying skills during performance. Students will study the following three components over a period of two years: 

Component 1: Exploring the Performing Arts

This component is designed to give an overview of what it is like to work in the performing arts industry. Students will explore performance styles, creative intentions and purpose. They will also investigate how practitioners create and influence what is performed. They will discover performance roles, skills, techniques and processes.

Component 2: Develop Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts

In this component students will take part in workshops and rehearsals of existing work, and reflect on the whole process and explore where their talents lie.

Component 3: Performing to a Brief

Students will respond to the provided brief, using previous knowledge to develop performance material. This component is designed to draw upon the knowledge acquired in Components 1 and 2 and as such should showcase skills. Students will develop and perform a piece of theatre to a selected audience and will be re- quired to reflect on the work created. This unit is set and assessed by the exam board.

How is the course structured & assessed?

The BTEC Level 2 Tech Award in Performing Arts (Acting) is run over two years and the content is broken down into three components. Points are awarded for each component based upon the final grade obtained for each one. Students must complete all three components in order to achieve the required amount of points. Component 1: Internally assessed unit. 30% of the total course grade.

Component 2: Internally assessed unit. 30% of the total course grade.

Component 3: Externally set task. 40% of the total course grade.

All components are assessed through the production of a live performance and written portfolio work.

All work completed for Component 3 will be set by the exam board in the form of a pre-released brief and externally assessed. Work completed for Components 1 and 2 will be marked and assessed internally and covers the full range of activities, including the performance and supporting written portfolio work.

What can these qualifications lead to?

This course prepares students for Further and Higher Education and employment. It may lead to students studying Performing Arts in Sixth Form at SMCC. Students may also go on to study the subject at university or specialist colleges, or perhaps go on to work in the entertainment industry. The course is also be a good choice for those who wish to develop their confidence through Performing Arts or have a passion for performing.