Performing Arts and Production Arts - Level 3 Extended Diploma

This course will equip you with the skills and experience needed to pursue a career in the performing arts and/or production arts. We offer pathways in dance, theatre and production and also, where possible, combinations of all disciplines. The curriculum is rich in diversity and we create dynamic and innovative productions which are performed at various venues and community settings. Work experience is an intrinsic component of the course and you will have the opportunity to work with industry artists.

Extended Diplomas have two one-year programmes. You need to finish the first year before moving on to the second.

This course consists of two separate qualifications. In your first year of study, you will work towards the Level 3 90-Credit Diploma. Following successful completion of this qualification, you will be able to progress to the Extended Diploma. Our Extended Diplomas offer equivalent UCAS points to studying 3 A Levels.

• Theatre
  Develop your skills in all aspects of theatre including musical theatre, physical theatre, acting, theatre in education, directing and producing. This course provides you with the opportunity to perform in a range of styles and techniques. You will participate in workshops in devising, script writing & analysis, physical theatre, movement and singing. You will have the chance to develop industry links and participate in workshops with professional actors and theatre companies. Many of our students progress to Guildhall, Birmingham School of Acting, Drama Centre, The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, East 15, Middlesex and Manchester. 
• Dance
  In your training, you will study a range of dance techniques including contemporary, ballet, jazz and urban, and you will work with guest artists to develop your skills in the diverse range of dance styles.  Performance skills, choreography, physical theatre, singing, and the performing arts industry are areas covered in the training. The course also covers the theoretical aspects of dance and the performing arts industry. The dance performance is a major part of the course, with the chance to perform in the College theatre and at a range of external venues. Many of our students progress to a range of universities and colleges including, Trinity Laban, LIPA, Northern Contemporary Dance School, Urdang, London Studio Centre, Kingston and Middlesex.
• Production
  Technical theatre is an intrinsic component of the course. You will develop knowledge and skills in set design, costume, lighting design and operation, sound operation and stage management. These skills will be developed whilst working as a company on a diverse range of productions. Many of our students progress on to study technical theatre at the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama, apprenticeships at Sadler’s Wells and the Roundhouse and study at university of Derby. 

You will need:

• Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language 

or 

• Maths and a Music/Performing Arts subject or an equivalent Level 2 qualification at Merit or above

All applicants must have an interview and audition to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

The course is assessed throughout the year and with an end-of-course portfolio.

Aged 16-18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August prior to the start date of your course and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your programme then your study with us will be free. Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

This course will help you to move on to higher-level courses, such as a Bachelor of Arts, an apprenticeship or other employment.

Tim is the Curriculum Leader of Music and Performing Arts and is a highly experienced Performing Arts teacher, director, and vocal coach. He studied at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, specialising in Drama and Education with a focus on directing theatre and music with young people. 

In the industry, he was Co-Director of Pinoy Theatre, the first British-Filipino Theatre Company and worked with a variety of successful young people theatre companies. Highlights of his work with young people theatre companies include directing a research project in New York (out of which came Candid Theatre Company) and as vocal coach for See&Eye Theatre, which culminated in performances on the Olivier and Cottesloe Stages at the National Theatre. 

Tim’s experiences have enabled him to develop high-level skills in Directing (especially young people’s theatre), Devised Theatre, Musical Theatre, Cultural and Global Theatre and Voice Coaching. He also has further skills in wellbeing as a teacher of meditation which he incorporates into his classes. He completed his Masters in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation at the School of Oriental and African Studies (University of London), gaining a Distinction overall and specialising in Meditation for young creatives from diverse backgrounds.

Tim has recently been appointed as a Performing Arts External Examiner for Pearson. Tim is passionate about creating amazing live performances with creative young people, which inspire the students to be the best that they can be both onstage and offstage.

Blanka is a Performing Arts acting teacher, teaching Level 2, 3 and 4 students. She joined City and Islington College in 2019. Blanka studied (BA) Applied Theatre and (MA) Actor Training and Coaching at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. She is the artistic director of HubArt Theatre company; she specialises in actor coaching and psycho-physical acting. Blanka is a Hungarian theatre practitioner and director who is passionate about teaching various acting techniques and coaching to students.

Despina joined City and Islington College in February 2020. She began her teaching career in 2008 and has worked in several inner London colleges.

As well as teaching dance and performing arts, Despina has held senior/lead tutor positions and has been the tutor for the Home Education Hub at City and Islington since 2020.

Despina holds a Masters degree in Choreography and has worked as a dance artist alongside her teaching practice. Despina is a passionate believer in fostering creativity and providing a safe space for students to grow.

The teachers listed may change, these shown are an example of the teachers who teach on these programmes.

This course will equip you with the skills and experience needed to pursue a career in the performing arts and/or production arts. We offer pathways in dance, theatre and production and also, where possible, combinations of all disciplines. The curriculum is rich in diversity and we create dynamic and innovative productions which are performed at various venues and community settings. Work experience is an intrinsic component on the course and you will have the opportunity to work with industry artists.

Extended Diplomas have two one-year programmes. You need to finish the first year before moving on to the second.

This course consists of two separate qualifications. In your first year of study, you will work towards the Level 3 90-Credit Diploma. Following successful completion of this qualification, you will be able to progress to the Extended Diploma. Our Extended Diplomas offer equivalent UCAS points to studying 3 A Levels.

• Theatre
  Develop your skills in all aspects of theatre including musical theatre, physical theatre, acting, theatre in education, directing and producing. This course provides you with the opportunity to perform in a range of styles and techniques. You will participate in workshops in devising, script writing & analysis, physical theatre, movement and singing. You will have the chance to develop industry links and participate in workshops with professional actors and theatre companies. Many of our students progress to Guildhall, Birmingham School of Acting, Drama Centre, The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, East 15, Middlesex and Manchester. 
• Dance
  In your training, you will study a range of dance techniques including contemporary, ballet, jazz and urban, and you will work with guest artists to develop your skills in the diverse range of dance styles.  Performance skills, choreography, physical theatre, singing, and the performing arts industry are areas covered in the training. The course also covers the theoretical aspects of dance and the performing arts industry. Dance performance is a major part of the course, with the chance to perform in the College theatre and at a range of external venues. Many of our students progress to a range of universities and colleges including, Trinity Laban, LIPA, Northern Contemporary Dance School, Urdang, London Studio Centre, Kingston and Middlesex.
• Production
  Technical theatre is an intrinsic component of the course. You will develop knowledge and skills in set design, costume, lighting design and operation, sound operation and stage management. These skills will be developed whilst working as a company on a diverse range of productions. Many of our students progress on to study technical theatre at the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama, apprenticeships at Sadler’s Wells and the Roundhouse and study at university of Derby. 

You will need:

• Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language or Maths and a Music/Performing Arts subject 

Or

• An equivalent Level 2 qualification at Merit or above

All applicants must have an interview and audition to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

The course is assessed throughout the year and with an end-of-course portfolio.

Aged 16-18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August prior to the start date of your course and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your programme then your study with us will be free. Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

This course will help you to move on to higher level courses, such as a Bachelor of Arts, an apprenticeship or other employment.

Tim is the Curriculum Leader of Music and Performing Arts and is a highly experienced Performing Arts teacher, director, and vocal coach. He studied at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, specialising in Drama and Education with a focus on directing theatre and music with young people. 

In the industry, he was Co-Director of Pinoy Theatre, the first British-Filipino Theatre Company and worked with a variety of successful young people theatre companies. Highlights of his work with young people theatre companies include directing a research project in New York (out of which came Candid Theatre Company) and as vocal coach for See&Eye Theatre, which culminated in performances on the Olivier and Cottesloe Stages at the National Theatre. 

Tim’s experiences have enabled him to develop high-level skills in Directing (especially young people’s theatre), Devised Theatre, Musical Theatre, Cultural and Global Theatre and Voice Coaching. He also has further skills in wellbeing as a teacher of meditation which he incorporates into his classes. He completed his Masters in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation at the School of Oriental and African Studies (University of London), gaining a Distinction overall and specialising in Meditation for young creatives from diverse backgrounds.

Tim has recently been appointed as a Performing Arts External Examiner for Pearson. Tim is passionate about creating amazing live performances with creative young people, which inspire the students to be the best that they can be both onstage and offstage.

Blanka is a Performing Arts acting teacher, teaching Level 2, 3 and 4 students. She joined City and Islington College in 2019. Blanka studied (BA) Applied Theatre and (MA) Actor Training and Coaching at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. She is the artistic director of HubArt Theatre company; she specialises in actor coaching and psycho-physical acting. Blanka is a Hungarian theatre practitioner and director who is passionate about teaching various acting techniques and coaching to students.

Despina joined City and Islington College in February 2020. She began her teaching career in 2008 and has worked in several inner London colleges.

As well as teaching dance and performing arts, Despina has held senior/lead tutor positions and has been the tutor for the Home Education Hub at City and Islington since 2020.

Despina holds a Masters degree in Choreography and has worked as a dance artist alongside her teaching practice. Despina is a passionate believer in fostering creativity and providing a safe space for students to grow.

The teachers listed may change, these shown are an example of the teachers who teach on these programmes.