Performing Arts
Attendance: Full Time
Course level: 3
Location: City Learning Quarter
Course code: X0059
Start dates:
06/09/2027
Age:
a future student (16-18)
If acting, singing, dancing or theatre production is your passion, our Performing Arts courses will help you develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to progress within the creative industries.
You’ll train in a wide range of performance disciplines including acting, musical theatre, dance, scriptwork, improvisation and production. Through practical workshops, rehearsals and live performances, you’ll develop your creativity, communication skills and stage presence while building the professional skills required by the industry.
Our Performing Arts courses provide regular opportunities to perform in showcases, productions and end-of-year performances, helping you gain valuable real-world experience and build confidence in front of audiences. You’ll also benefit from working with industry partners and professionals, gaining insight into progression opportunities within the performing arts sector.
As part of our nationally recognised Creative Arts department, awarded Artsmark Gold status and named Training Provider of the Year at the Creative & Cultural Skills Awards, you’ll learn in an environment designed to help creative talent thrive.
Qualifications available
- UAL Level 2 Award and Diploma in Performing and Production Arts
- UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts
The qualification level you will study will be discussed during your interview and audition and will be based on your qualifications, experience and performance potential.
Course details
Entry Requirements:
Entry requirements
- Level 2: Four or more GCSEs at Grade 3 or above
- Level 3: Four or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, ideally including English and maths
For all levels, you will also be required to:
- Attend an interview with a member of the course team
- Take part in an audition and perform a suitable piece of your choice
- Demonstrate good attendance, punctuality and a positive attitude to learning
- Show enthusiasm and commitment to performing arts
If you have not yet achieved Grade 4 in English and maths, you may be required to continue studying these subjects alongside your Level 3 qualification.
What will I learn?
During this course you will study:
- Performance workshop
- Performing arts business
- The historical context of performance
- Rehearsing for performance
- Performing to an audience
- Musical theatre performance
- Variety of performance
- Auditions for actors
- Principles for acting
- Improvisation
- Performing with masks
- Singing techniques for performance
- Dance performance
- Jazz dance
- Developing movement skills
- Storytelling
- Theatre in education
- Scriptwriting
Performance opportunities
Throughout your studies, you will have opportunities to:
- Participate in regular showcases and performances
- Perform in acting productions and musical theatre projects
- Develop work for public audiences
- Take part in theatre visits and production analysis
- Collaborate with fellow performers and creative practitioners
Industry engagement
Learners may benefit from experiences with industry partners and organisations, supporting the development of professional skills and industry knowledge.
Work-related learning
Students complete work experience or work-related activity opportunities designed to strengthen employability skills and understanding of the creative industries.
What skills will I gain?
By studying a Performing Arts qualification you will:
- Develop acting, singing and performance skills
- Improve confidence and stage presence
- Learn how to create and develop characters
- Develop dance and movement techniques
- Build vocal and performance techniques
- Improve creative thinking and storytelling skills
- Develop rehearsal and production skills
- Gain experience performing to live audiences
- Strengthen teamwork and collaboration skills
- Develop communication and presentation abilities
- Improve problem-solving and professional practice
- Build employability skills and industry awareness
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is primarily project and performance based and takes place throughout the course.
You may be assessed through:
- Live performances and showcases
- Project work and assignments
- Practical workshops
- Rehearsal activities
- Portfolio development
- Tutor observations
- Performance evaluations
- External assessment where required
Units are graded according to UAL assessment criteria and may achieve Pass, Merit or Distinction grades.
What can I do next?
Successful completion of the course will enable you to progress to:
- A higher-level Performing Arts qualification
- University or Higher Education study
- A creative industries apprenticeship
- Employment within the performing arts and entertainment industries
Potential career areas include:
- Actor
- Performer
- Singer
- Dancer
- Musical Theatre Performer
- Choreographer
- Presenter
- Stage Manager
- Theatre Practitioner
- Theatre Production Assistant
- Drama Workshop Leader
- Arts Facilitator
- Events Performer
- Community Arts Practitioner
- Creative Producer
Future careers
Undecided on your future?
Our Future Finder tool can help you explore options and match them to our courses. City of Wolverhampton College partners with employers and leading universities, ensuring our qualifications are relevant and designed to help you succeed.
Discover what life’s like at City of Wolverhampton College
New £61m campus developments
Our new four-storey campus in Wolverhampton city centre is the flagship of the council’s £61 million City Learning Quarter Vision.
State-of-the-art facilities
Study in purpose-built workshops with industry-standard equipment and commercial facilities, gaining real client experience. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, tech-equipped classrooms, and access to laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets—everything you need for success.